November seems to have zipped past. Maybe because I’ve spent a lot of time cursing the cold and keeping my feet warm. It’s only going to get worse before it gets better! I do love this time of year, though. Opening my attic blinds to find a layer of snow, pushing the window open and inhaling that crisp air – it’s beautiful and exceedingly inspiring. I’d just prefer toasty toes while nature’s being beautiful, that’s all I’m saying.
What have I been writing?
Exciting month for me as I’ve started the next round of edits on ‘Valerie’, the novel I plan to release in the early part of 2017. I’m not rushing through it; I’m firmly of the opinion that a novel needs as many edits as it thinks it needs. However, things are definitely coming together. I’m getting the same sense of cohesion that I got with But By Degrees and it’s exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
To tell you a little more about ‘Valerie’, it centres on a politician who is aiming to get elected but finds her ambition clashing with her love for Max. The novel’s told from Max’s point of view, along with that of Valerie’s teenage daughter, Amy. I’m only 13,000 words into the edit, but it’s not looking too shabby at the moment. It’s just a case of plugging away and enjoying the ride.
What have I been reading?
So, last month was obviously an anomaly. Apart from finishing Still Life by L.T. Smith and starting Marina Warner’s Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale, I’ve read nothing. I mean, I’ve bought books but that TBR pile isn’t going down!
What have I been watching?
Less than usual. Well, I’ve been watching Holby City and the odd episode of The Bill. I’ve also watched ‘Winter’ and ‘Spring’ of the Gilmore Girls revival. My thoughts on it are mixed so I might share my full views next month. I will say, however, that Emily Gilmore rocks.
What have I been listening to?
Indie playlists on Spotify mainly, with a few forays into Judy Garland, Bobby Darin and the like when the mood’s taken me. I still have a real thing for Judy’s version of ‘Alice Blue Gown’. I also went to an album launch a few weekends ago for The Bleeding Obvious’s debut release. While it’s not my usual cup of tea, I really enjoyed it so, please, go take a peek.
Have I done anything remotely interesting?
I’ve been flitting around Yorkshire a little, going to Halifax (where I found some novel inspiration) and Leeds (where my train hit someone on the way home), amongst other places. I’ve made a conscious effort to step away from my computer a little more, although I would still rather be productive than relaxed!
The big But By Degrees news of the moment is that it’s available on Kindle for 99p in the UK ($1.49 in the US) until the end of the year. You can grab it here. The offer’s going down well so take advantage while you can! And, don’t forget, if you’ve already read But By Degrees, reviews are welcome and so are recommendations to your friends. Well…can’t blame a girl for trying, right?
