Finally, some sunshine, in between the heavy showers. Typical spring weather for England. I’ve finished the first round of proof editing for Violet. Its been over to Kaz, who, as I knew she would picked up the errors still present. I also overlooked one story entry submitted that I’d put in twice. Don’t know how that happened, or how I didn’t notice it. I remember thinking, I’m sure I’ve read this story before, but put it down to reading it at one of our meetings. This comes from doing several other jobs and having to read books in between, a bit like the showers.

​Sneak preview of Violet cover here.

Pleased to be back writing Aquasapien Four – Legacy. Just finished writing an interesting mission which even I didn’t see coming. The joys of being a pantser writer.

Thinking of sequels, I’ve realised they haven’t really been worth the effort of writing. Witch on the Warpath sells really well, but the remaining two? Not so much. Unless folk purchase the whole trilogy in one go, which they often do. Aquasapien, likewise, hardly any numbers of three book - Prodigy sold. Even my picture books, Timmy one sold really well, Timmy Two? Not so much. Shame.

Maybe I should just concentrate on one offs? Between Here and Hell sells well. I decided to do follow-ons novels because of requests from readers, who did purchase them, and because I love reading series. Most of my reading list has at least six books in the series.

Going forward, I’m unsure. I’ll finish Legacy first. I have a separate, side novel aligned with Witch on the Warpath waiting in the wings—literally—it’s about dragons. After this I have the outline of at least five more separate fantasy novels sitting in the laptop, plus five more picture books. If I live that long. Don’t tempt fate, Carol.

A development I didn't expect in March, but one I'm quite happy with.  I've had a TikTok account for a couple of years now. Okay, I'll admit I've been a tiny bit miffed that I don't have many followers. I suppose to be expected when I don't follow lots. Anyhow, I decided to put my most recent litter picking session on TikTok as well as Facebook this time. 

I'm not sure how but someone, somewhere, decided collecting dirty sanitary towels, toilet paper and hypodermic needles was newsworthy, but they did. Someone shared it, who shared it some more and somewhere a long the line my work 'clients' picked up on it. What followed I wasn't expecting. As a result my followers have gone from 43 to over 200 in a week! 
Okay I would have loved it to be for my books and writing stuff, but I'll take it. Especially, if going forward, we can encourage more people to take their rubbish home, or play the game "Where's the nearest bin?" to drop it in.

 Actually, I've just had an idea, Wouldn't it be great if Thanet Council had an app that showed you where the nearest public bins were? Just a thought. Any IT masters out there up for the task? Could take off as a business, if you offered it to all councils, especially based on what I've heard on the news this week.

In a couple of hours, I'm off to the next litter picking session. This time it's part of Ramsgate Spring Litter picking week. You turn up, they supply the equipment and off you go to discover how residents of Thanet truly live!!!!

Look out for further Litter picking groups and events -  or join Phoenix if you want more than just litter picking. Both are excellent opportunities to meet people, start friendships and get that sense of belonging that you may feel is missing from your current life.

As you know Phoenix Community Group is already involved in our own litter picking project across Thanet while we wait for individuals to let us know what else we can do to improve our beautiful Island - within our meager abilities.
We do need more folk on board so consider coming along to one of our meetings. Just to listen, give advice or drink Hotel Chocolate's delicious temptations. Remember we meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, from 2 to 4pm at HC Westwood Cross.

Meanwhile, writing wise, I enjoyed meeting other writers and groups at the Faversham Literary Festival. Gutted I couldn't attend Neil Gaiman's session due to work though. 
I'm still proof editing out next anthology Violet, a bit slow with folk not responding as quick as I'd like so I can get on with it.  After my input it goes to another member, Kaz, for proof reading. I'm sure she'll find any stuff I missed. She's excellent at it.
Don't see us getting it published too soon. Check out my monthly blog for future progress and remember. We are starting on Gold, our final Anthology in the Rainbow Series. A great time to join Inspirations Writers Group if you'd love to see your own work in print in the near future.  (Click on the name.)


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Another month has flown by. This time I almost missed February’s blog. So much going on, not all of it writing related.

Illness, work, supporting in the winter homeless shelter, running Phoenix Community Group and our first project; litter picking and weed clearing across Thanet. This feels like a full time occupation by itself. Still waiting to hear from other people around the island regards support or help they need.

Our litter picking commenced after comments made by local residents around the Granville area. Another, mentioned a private area belonging to a company that was a bit messy. We spoke to their management and got permission to clear the area, concerned, or at least made it more presentable.

I’m editing the Inspiration Writers group 7th anthology - Violet. I’m about a third of the way in but the above activities have made progress slow. I will continue prioritize our anthology giving my own work a rest for now.

I am in the process of moving on with my next picture book, The Hairy Tortoise, who grows up in Margate tip. The story is written So I don’t have a lot to do, but my new illustrator does.
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I’m excited about tomorrow the 28th of February when a group of us from the writing group attend the author chat at Faversham Literary Festival. It should be exciting meeting new like-minded folk. With a view to spreading in the word, I’ve created business cards for our writing group which I hope will go down well.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Karen for covering the group when I am not available. Her input is really appreciated, along with her role as treasurer for the group. Thank you Karen.

Looking ahead, March looks to be busy, two fairs locally together with the three day Rochester Art Festival next week. Maybe I’ll get some of the editing done there, or not.

Not much more to say, which is probably why I didn’t get round to doing my blog until now. Continuation of the same thing rather than anything exciting or new. Unless you count communicating with Princess Anne via her private secretary, John, which was a bit awesome.

Maybe next month I’ll have more to say, and feedback on the literary festival, plus get the blog done earlier too?
Watch this space.

I know I said I am concentrating on completing Aquasapien Four – Legacy but…
 
Wayside Publications has taken on and met its latest illustrator Emily Lucas. I needed to find work for her. As you know I’ve another five picture books sitting here in my laptop. Now its another four because we are starting The Hairy Tortoise.
Emily and I met at Riparo Lounge this week and I’ve shared the whole Hairy Tortoise story with her. My picture book seem to have  similar themes, several are where the creature is different to the average. Timmy has magic Toe Beans, the chicken is a Wizard etc. We join them through their journey. Writing this I’ve realised on reflection that my novels have that theme too! Anyway, Emily has been sent page 1 and I wait eagerly to see her first illustration for me.
 
I went to the Cosy Cat Café again in Herne Bay yesterday. After reading on Face Book that it is closing down on the 31st January over lack of funds. Gutted. I discovered the lady who runs the charity/café has been covering the deficit with her own salary.
I love going there and wish she’d said something earlier. We could have done a Just giving page and saved the place. Plus, done better charity support fund raising. Sadly, she has made her decision and found home for almost all the kitties. You can book to go online and its free, unlike other places. This is probably why it's closing. You can check out a spot easily. They are open Thursday to Saturday (10-4pm) Sunday (11- 4pm.
    https://www.thecosycatcafe.co.uk/
I know it’s not writing. It is in a way because I wrote 7 pages of Legacy there yesterday.
 
I haven’t booked too many events this year as I’ve set up the Phoenix Community Group, we are doing our 1st project, clearing the side streets of Ramsgate. I am also doing a few hours a week at the Thanet Winter Homeless Shelter and booking  workshops for Thanet Schools, free of charge.
 
If you hear of any events, festivals, fayres etc. that have inside areas, I’d appreciate knowing, please make contact. So far I’ve only booked one Comicon at Maidstone and a space at Rochester Art Fair. I am disappointed that literary festivals don’t seem to be interested in having me at their events, despite them knowing I exist and so far have never charged them.
 
Finally, I am in the process of arranging a Writer Workshop Day in Thanet. We’ll be covering all aspects of fiction writing from character building, author style, and editing. If you know of any person who might be interested, give them my details and I’ll forward the workshop details in due course.
 
My mind is considering another novel. It's about two women who run an animal sanctuary, with a pet accessories store out front. Plus, they have a side business as a Paranormal Pet Agency. They take on cases investigating missing or deceased pets. What folk don’t know is Crystal and Emerald are both witches too. I can’t imagine where I got this idea from. LOL
 
I’ve got to go upstairs and add my introduction and closure elements to my Japanese Podcast for YouTube now before we put it online.

Till February.

Days before Christmas and I’ve realised something very important. Normally, I write my blog as a draft within the pages of my website. On the odd occasion, like now, I do it on my laptop, then copy and paste it over. I read my last blog through before starting to make sure I don’t repeat myself—too much.

This time I scrolled down my archives, amazed to discover I’ve been writing one a month since my birthday in May 2015. That’s ten years. Well, that wasn’t the surprise. It was the fact I have not saved one blog on my computer. It hit me hard, What If? (No pun intended to my book titles—maybe just a little one).

What if the website who host my site goes bust? I’d lose everything. Noooo! There’s enough lines for a book on its own. It gave me a bit of a scare. These aren’t fictional words I’ve invented, these are real elements of my life, thoughts on my progress, my beliefs. A bit like a journal or diary.

So here I am, over the last couple of days downloading every word. I’m aiming for a year a day, so it should be completed by 2026. Of course its also created part of my blog here too. LOL

I have several activities running now, apart from the usual Karate, Tia Chi and yoga. My writing continues apace, two novels on the go, and though I said in my last blog that I’ve put picture books on the back burner, I’ve found a new illustrator who I’m hoping will be brilliant for the next one, The Hairy Tortoise.
By the way, Mustard & Marmalade went down quite well at the launch and I still have some folk planning to collect several. Local schools, and others in Kent are starting to show an interest in the picture books, with orders and requests for school sessions. I didn’t know other authors charge! I don’t. Might need an agent if this area continues to expand. Any one know a good one, let me know.

As many of you know I run a local writing group, Inspirations. We have completed our content for Violet, the next anthology. In the holiday I will begin the process of editing content, Identifying front cover images and formatting, all in preparation for publishing in 2026. I have approached Violet Tea Rooms in St Lawrence and they have offered to be part of our Book Launch. Seemed a good idea and it’s a lovely place. If you get a moment to visit tell them Carol the writer recommended it.

Finally, Phoenix Community Group has started its first project aimed at improving areas and elements in Thanet. We welcome single, one-off requests to help out, or longer projects like this our first which involves tidying up some of the side streets around Thanet.

You can see us out about on Thursdays removing litter clogging up drains, removing hundreds of black tie-wraps, baby wet wipes left on pavements and other delightful objects. We have reported fly-tipping areas and on our last session, a drain where a person decided it was okay to pour a whole tin of paint down it, subsequently blocking the drain completely. Honestly, leaving it in the tin next to a council bin would have been better.

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On an up-note have a wonderful Christmas everyone, and hopefully I’ll either see you in the New Year, or hear from you in the comments. Best Wishes. Carol.

I hate getting old, time is flying by far to fast. I'm sure it was last week when I sat down and wrote about my last lot of activities and grips. Checking October's blog I did have quite a moan reading that back.

Moving on today I'm happy to announce that Mustard and Marmalade will be launched in time for Christmas.  Hurrah! I already have pre-orders which is awesome.

FORTHCOMING BOOK LAUNCH

MUSTARD AND MARMALADE DACHSHUND DOG DETECTIVES
AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING FILLET STEAK.

11 TO 3PM AT RIPARO LOUNGE,
WESTWOOD CROSS, BROADSTAIRS.

I was a bit afraid we weren't going to make it, however my new printer's Lane's, based on the Pyson's Estate have delivered. Well, I collected from them to save postage (and the carbon footprint of course) last Thursday.

Today I'm off to Hotel Chocolate to run the next meeting of the Phoenix Community Group, shortly  (2pm) and Saturday I will be at the Birchington Christmas fayre 9 to 2pm. I will have a few copies of Mustard and Marmalade should folk want them before the launch.

On the writing front, still plodding a long with Aquasapien Four - Legend. It is hard. I usually write because something inspires me. Here I am writing because I have to in order to complete the series. Its not the same writing action at all.
I reckon this must be what it feels like if you have a traditional publisher. Either you write something, they don't like sections of it so you have to re-write them to suit the publisher's request.  Or, like now, you've written a book and they say, "It sold really well, write another one in the same style/subject." Where to begin you wonder. Follow on from the end of the previous book is obvious. Prodigy  had four storylines running and Legacy is doing its best to out-smart that.

SPOILER  ALERT.  Don't read next paragraph if you don't want to know.
In Prodigy, book three, Redshaw's story continued. Plus-shall we say-his descendants' story, Unit one's stories and Unit Two's stories carry on apace. I have those, plus the baddie's story,  and the individual descendants' stories in addition to those in Prodigy. Confused? Welcome to my world.

Its coming along gradually and using different places I've visited recently including Japan, Brighton and South Wales, its filling out. I'm over the half way mark 50,000 words which is good. I tend to feel better once I know I have less to write than I've already written. It feels downhill from here. Not in the negative sense of going downhill to your doom, but the one where you've pedaled uphill, reached the top aka halfway through writing your novel, and you're on your bicycle going down, legs stretched out, shouting "Weeeee!" A mad grin of pleasure on your face. Okay, maybe I haven't got to the grin part yet, but you know what I mean - don't you?

My next book out is cutting it fine. I’m hoping to have Mustard and Marmalade launched before Christmas. Fingers Crossed. Going to check over the hard copy proof this Thursday. If its okay then I’ll confirm the print run. Otherwise its back to square one, looking for another printing company that can produce the quality of the previous four picture books.
It’s a real shame Swallowtail printing went under, their books were super. However, I was let down by them with my first Timmy picture book, after 52 copies arrived damaged. They provided replacements but it was disappointing and I’d asked them not to use DPD in future. Things like that can affect your overheads.
Talking of delivery companies, I was shocked to discover another delivery company’s procedures locally. I dropped my car in for new tyres on Pyson’s road industrial estate, (black circle tyres great prices, check them out online) and with nothing to do for 40 minutes found a food hut along the road. Stopping there for a cuppa and a Twirl, I sat down to watch the world go by.
Across from the food pod, on the opposite pavement was a huge pile of packages and parcels, at least a hundred. I was intrigued. Even more so when a normal family car pulled up, the driver got out and started reading all the labels. He apparently had a list and gradually he removed a large number of the packages, putting them on his back seat and then drove off.
Another car appeared a few minutes later, the driver doing the same thing, then he drove off too. I investigated and found all the packages left were labelled Hermes Delivery.
It appears a van drops them all off, ON THE OPEN PAVEMENT! There’s no one there. I was gob-smacked. They could be stolen, trod on, or the rain could ruin them, most were paper. Who does that? Remind me to never use Hermes for any deliveries, and I thought DPD were bad with my books.
Saying that, I’m guessing all of us have had the package thrown over the gate—smashing everything inside. Left on the drive—contents worth over a hundred pounds. Left with a neighbour—who denies ever receiving it. Or, conversely, left with a neighbour when you actually requested they didn’t—and they give it to you intact.
There are a thousand delivery stories , I reckon that’s a book. Only two days ago my son ordered and paid for a pizza from Pizza Hut at 9pm. 11.30 and it never arrived. He said it happens sometimes, the driver delivers to the wrong house and the baddies, instead of saying it’s the wrong address, thank them and eat it.
Sometimes I don’t like living around such people. Are they people, or are they animals? Only concerned with their own needs, their own life and not giving two hoots about anyone else? I see it everywhere these days, on the roads, in the supermarkets, shops, cafes. Why can’t folk treat others how they would like to be treated? Don’t they know kindness rubs off eventually on everybody if we all did a little tiny bit of care.
I didn’t realise I was going to get on my high horse today. I’m supposed to be updating you on my writing, but sometimes other things are more important. Like the new Phoenix Community Group I’ve started. We are meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 2 to 4pm. Easy to remember, and even easier, its at Hotel Chocolat, Westwood Cross.
The idea is to offer volunteer support to people and places and organisations across Thanet who need our help. One-off specific projects to put some love back into Thanet. Best of all, No committee, no chair, no treasurer, no minutes and no membership fee. Just buy a drink and come see if its for you. Our next meeting is Thursday 23rd October at 2pm.
See you There.

This month is a blog with a difference. People ask me all the time, "Where do you get your inspiration from? Where do you write? What do you write about?

This is an extract of a couple of hours of my life. I enjoy writing in busy places. My environment inspires me. What follows is a piece I've written two days ago including my reflection on attending the recent Turner Late and the subsequent deep thoughts that follow it.

The scene around me allowed me to relax. In the main area, an artist played on a Chinese instrument they called ‘Stingy’. They played exceedingly well, the audience mesmerized by their skills and the connection with Mandarin sounds.
Outside, a workshop on Salsa and Tango clashed with the Chinese vibe. The raspberry mojito helped, and the diversion of the Algo Bonda, a mouth watering spicy potato snack, prepared by The Curry Mistress, completed the experience.

Beyond the sky morphed into a glorious creamy orange teamed with original sky-blue tones. Chords rang out pure and insistent encompassing the area with vibrant sound. People came and went trying to move across the space discreetly and failing. Their movement distracting as the Salsa rhythms flowed through the double automatic doors – continually opening and closing, a juxtaposition to their footwork.

The finale. They rose to sing and moved in harmony to their music. A good vibe. As the last note fell, the audience vacated the space like a fire alarm had gone off. Fast, and furious they fled.

The evening wore on. Three salsa dances later and I’m outside the Bull’s Head pub in old Market Place drinking a pint of coke—no ice. I’ve not written any more of my Legacy manuscript but had a lovely evening writing. Waiting for my beloved to arrive after I texted him. He’ll turn up, probably stay for a beer too, if I know him and I think I do.

Temperatures nice, warm breeze enough to cool me down after my exertions dancing. Knee aches now. I’ll be regretting it come tomorrow. I don’t care. The journey continues. Its not the pain, misery or sadness that kills you. It’s the giving up.
Its hard not giving up. A tempting lure calling throughout one’s lifespan. If it were chocolate I’d be gone decades ago. An insistent niggle, subdued by recent death threats, bringing home the stark reality of my morality.

Life feels endless, till it isn’t. Till death pokes you, reminds you that life here is finite. Not a right, but a gift. Often with expectations and outcomes.

A timer counting down. For some within hours of their birth. For others a very long century. The vast majority of us never reach this milestone. An unreachable dream; lost, thrown away, or broken. Who knows?

With such uncertainty it’s hard to choose. Either to tiptoe gently through life, taking care of others and yourself.

To ignore others and stay true to your own needs.

Or manage a mish-mash of both?

It’s hard.

When I look at other people and animals. I feel guilty, because their world is about survival. No time to sit and muse on their progress. Each day concerned with surviving. Finding enough to eat, to drink, places to sleep.

To live in guilt, a human occupation for me, that I have in plenty. I sit moaning about my life expectancy and what to do about it.

Life is hard no matter who or what you are.

What’s relevant? The word hard is relative. Unless its related to inanimate objects—I guess.

How do you stop something being hard?

For inanimate objects maybe find something harder to squash or squeeze them. Does that make them softer? No. Thinner. Covering a greater area but still hard, until they break under the pressure. Force doesn’t work, it alters the appearance but inside it’s the same state. We’re the same state.

Adding something to it maybe? Altering its essential parts, relaxing the structure.
Providing its not so much in dissolves into nothingness— without identity or purpose. In the organic world this means joining with someone else. Connections. Relationships. Creatures form packs, flocks, herds and shoals. They procreate to produce more packs, flocks, herds and shoals. Protection & safety.

With inanimates, the addition cannot overwhelm, otherwise it remains in its original state allowing excesses of abuse, violence, chemicals regardless. Or it breaks.

Things are not as hard if they are shared. Keeping hard, to yourself results in isolation, loneliness and ultimately—surrender.

Lesson learnt.

Sharing a life with someone else, is better for that life than staying alone.

This doesn’t necessary mean a permanent relationship. Friends, partners, colleagues, customers, pets—this is sharing life.

Where did that holiday go? Seems like only a few days ago I was preparing to go and here we are back four days already.

This post is mainly going to be about Japan, no apologies, but if you're ever thinking of going this blog might be useful. Starting off in Tokyo, we covered eleven cities/towns in seventeen days. I'm going to give you a summary on each relevant aspect from my point of view. If you want to see more, head to my TikTok profile for videos of all the places etc. 
First off, travel. Japan has four separate, distinct rail lines. The fastest the Bullet Train, speeds at 200 miles per hour. You need to reserve seats for this train. Next they have the Express train line, a bit like our high speed trains. Third, the local train service system stopping at every single station. It takes forever to get anywhere but time to enjoy the views. Lastly, the underground system, or subway as they call it. 
Each of these services have their own railways, their own tickets, platforms and destinations. Imagine you  arrive at the station, in say Tokyo. In front of you are all four systems, each colour coded, each with set numbers and directions and each with platforms.  Think London underground times four on entry. Add to that several thousand Japanese people, who know where they are going heading in all directions. Its terrifying.  It got better by the end, but I'm so glad my hubby and son managed this part of the holiday.

Next, Food.  Some of you will have seen my comments and photos on FB. It was traumatic. Unfortunately my hubby only told the travel company about his food dislikes, forgetting us two. He doesn't eat fish or seafood, neither does my son. I don't eat fruit or veg, neither does my son. I also have a Sulphite allergy.
First night we decided to play it safe. Tokyo had loads of chain restaurants and we went Italian so our boy could eat. Then Spanish, then Italian again 3rd night!
Following the city, we headed for Kiso Valley and a stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan hotel. Beds on the floor, chairs without legs, Kimonos and public (naked) Onsen baths. No I didn't! This had been set half-board.  I now know what I'm A Celebrity Food Trials are like.  Seven courses of Japanese food the likes of which we had never seen and had no clue what anything was.
1st course five tiny white bowls each with some unidentifiable object in it. Honestly camel eyeballs wouldn't have been out of place here.
2nd course bowl of water over a candle for you to 'cook' your own food. The lowest type of Wagu beef I have seen. Think bad streaky bacon which we were meant to boil and eat. Yuk!
3rd course; luke-warm bowl of water with something floating in it. Supposed to be soup. 
We all gave up at that point, requesting dessert instead. The lump of putty that arrived wasn't awe-inspiring, though my hubby liked it. The size of a testicle covered in a few blueberries. Reminded me of stretchy cheese and chewing gum when I tried to swallow it - gave up.  
We were going to cancel breakfast but they advised we could have 'Western style' so agreed. Not good. Scrambled eggs raw, more like porridge. Another Yuk from me. 
At this point, my son and I were starting to lose weight. I raided a supermarket for salted crisps and chocolate bars. These became my go-to foods. 
After this we stayed away from Japanese food, which was difficult for despite there being some Western fast-food chains they'd been 'Japanized.' The Wendy's cheeseburger I so longed for had some kind of jelly in it and sauce like gravy but by day five I was so hungry I ate it. Day four I'd had a cup of French fries.
In Kanazawa and  Kyoto we finally discovered Western Fast foods that hadn't been bastardized. These included KFC and MacDonalds. Also a Japanese chain called Y's burger, my first normal cheese burger I almost licked the wrapper clean. 
I stocked our room with a good load of rubbishy snacks and this kept us going. We finished the holiday with another lovely Italian meal.
Check out my Trip Adviser reviews on good places to eat.
Ryokan's are a great experience, but if you have family with 'fussy' members I recommend only booking bed and breakfast.
I almost forgot, the lack of normal tea in some hotels, only green, forced me to purchased our own English breakfast tea, sugar and cream milk pods. This was a life saver so we could have more than one cup a day. Also there is very little tea etc. in rooms, its all in reception and you have to take this and toiletries  to your room yourself.

Overall, beautiful places, stunning scenery, great history. Lots of hills, valleys and mountains. We both agreed the countryside was our kind of place. A bit like how rural England used to look before all the housing. Well worth the lack of food. The people were polite and they followed rules. No one stepped on to the road if the crossing light wasn't green. Everyone waited in line. Not a piece of rubbish anywhere. Clean, shiny place with great attention and love to plants and trees. 

We also had five personal guides during our stay. The first, met us at the airport and provided us with the 29 tickets for rail travel. She ordered a coach to take us to our first hotel too. Then, a couple of days later two women, introduced us to a Fire Ceremony in a Buddhist Temple, followed by a private meditation session with our very own Buddhist Monk. Next, an Evening of Japanese food tasting. Not one we were looking forward to, but we told her all our problems and she managed to find two restaurants where we could eat something. The fourth was an event rather than a guide. We arrived at a place and were helped into traditional Japanese kimonos. We were guided through a tea ceremony and its history then tried out Origami, my heron had a bit of a stubby beak. The fifth guide we had for a whole day, she took us around everything, lunch and more sightseeing. All lovely people and a pleasure to spend time with.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Trail Finders for putting our holiday together so well. We told them the locations we wanted to see, style of hotel, times we wanted to fly  and they did the lot. Okay next time, no Ryokans for us. Also the Gracey chain of hotel was the better one and provided Western style breakfasts.


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​Where did this month go? I’m sure it was only a few days ago I thought, “it’s the beginning of the month I’ve got weeks before I need to write my monthly blog,” and here I am heading towards the end.
 
On my last blog I was about to go to Brighton Comicon. See my conferences and events page to view amazing cosplayers and here is my new gothic look. Heads up to the amazing, caring staff at the Ruby hotel too. Treated me like family. Thank you.
 
 I also released the 2nd Timmy book, this time set in Westgate and it did very well. You can order via Waterstones, or direct from my EStore  via this website.
 
I’ve become a bit more philosophical since turning part-time (3 weeks ago!). I realized a few years back that time is experienced differently depending on your age. When I was in school—at the onset of my life—an hour felt like it lasted a day, a day lasted a week, a week a month and a year – forever.
 
Now the end of my life is nearer than the beginning it’s the opposite. A day rushes past in an hour, a week speeds through in a day, a month a year, and a year – at light-speed. It’s why I went part-time in June. I have so many books waiting to be completed and published and so little time in which to make them a reality.
 
I work with books at different stages. Some I’m writing, others are in editing, more await formatting and publishing, which I can’t afford without the funds to do so. Going part-time would not be possible without the state pension coming on-line for me to cover some of the publishing elements. I want to get more books out, but need to sell more as well in order to cover the costs.
 
I guess I’m like the many musicians, artists, actors and other creatives that exist around the world. The majority of us at the bottom of the creative pyramid, never find fame, or even a following which enables this to become a financial career. My accountant tells me “this is an expensive hobby.” I don’t like hearing this. Her words spur me on to achieve more.
 
I’m hoping my upcoming holiday to Japan will inspire me onwards with Aquasapien four. Don’t be surprised if parts of it feature in the book. I’ve a fourteen hour flight both ways. Time to kill. Actually I’ve just decided I don’t like that phrase. Please don’t let me kill time. I want to keep as much of it alive as possible.
 
It needs to be Fill Time instead. Fill time with things you want to do. Don’t sit indoors bored. Don’t have walking the dog as the highlight of your day.
 
This afternoon I went to listen to a live band at the Swan, in Westgate. Neon-Buzz were brilliant. I ended up meeting a beautiful lady in her eighties, who put the other people there to shame. Despite having a walker she got up and danced to their 80’s vibe. I joined her, while the majority looked on. I only hope I have as much mojo when I’m 85. She is iconic.