Moving On ...

I have just finished correcting the proof to My Writer and emailed it back to David at Publish Nation.  I am so pleased with the layout and everything and I am more convinced than ever that this book will reawaken  interest in Creative Writing because it is the kind of book I would buy for myself - as I buy every book I come across that has a connection to Writing - no matter how vague or for what age group.  I now need any advice anyone anywhere can give me on marketing this book to its best advantage.  I have a lot of ideas - and a lot of contacts in the Writing and Publishing world.  And I have marketed a lot of stuff before -not only my own work, but in various jobs, for the Young Writer group, for a kids' drama group back in the 80s - so I know there are plenty of options.  But I am still open to fresh ideas so please get in touch if you, or someone you know, has any suggestions.  I'd be eternally grateful!

Had a bit of a panic earlier.  Could not get the internet up on my laptop for love nor money!  Had to ring Sky and they helped me re-boot it all so at the moment - touch wood - it is working fine.  Panicked because I was determined to get this book back to David today, even if it meant sitting up all night.  Anyway - it has winged its way back.  It's David's move next.

Still struggling with Kindle.  So desperately want to use it.  Almost makes me sad.  I was so grateful when my cousin Stephen said he could help me with it.  I did send him a message back saying thank you, but haven't heard from him yet.  Me and my cousin Steve were really close as kids.  He was like the big brother I never had and I loved him to bits.  Still do.  But it is the same old story with families really.  As they grow up, find lives of their own, move, have kids - the contact between them just kind of drifts off and that is a real pity.

 I can remember one particularly funny story about me and Steve.  We decided to go to London for
 the day.  He would have been about seventeen or eighteen and I was a bit younger.  We were growing up. Spreading our wings.  Becoming independent people.  And we thought it would be great to go into London for the day so off we went to see the sights - Trafalgar Square, Regent Street etc.  We stopped for lunch in a cafe - I can still remember what we had - cheese and beans on toast - then we went off in search of St Paul's Cathedral.  Couldn't find it after endless walking around.  Finally came across a Tourist Information centre so we went in.  Went up to the counter.  Said "Can you tell us where we could find St Paul's Cathedral?".  The girl behind the counter looked at us a little incredulously and pointed.  "It's over there," she said.  Our eager gaze followed her finger - and there it was - exactly opposite.  How on Earth had we not seen it?  It's big enough!  That still makes me laugh even after all these years.  Anyway I just heard that Steve and his lovely wife Fiona have moved into the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and I wish them all the best.  And I will say it again - PLEASE tell me what I can do with my Kindle ......

All Systems Go ...

I have been unbelievably busy since my last post!  I have been away, had two family get-togethers,  a token Young Writer session, meetings, day job, proofs to read.  Oh yes.  it has all been happening!  In fact tonight I simply must finish proof-reading My Writer.  And I need to email The Society of Authors, update the Young Writer blog.  And I still need to get back to Wattpad before I am forgotten completely.  I love all this busy-busy-business and I am not complaining.  Not getting a lot of writing done though, apart from the poetry which is bombarding me at all times of the day and night! I have got to find time to start my new book.  How else will I be able to keep the momentum going?  Love it!

Wasn't it a complete shock about Robin Williams?   I remember him in Happy Days and Mork and Mindy. The first film I saw him in was The World According To Garp (the book of which by John Irving remains one of my all time favourites to this very day) and he was amazing in that, equally able to portray a confused teenage boy and a middle aged man in the space of a couple of hours.  He was also brilliant in Good Morning Vietnam, Good Will Hunting,  as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin and of course Mrs Doubtfire. There are quite a few others I remember him in - One Hour Photo, Night At the Museum and various others whose titles momentarily evade me. He was a very talented actor whose comedy timing was faultless and he will be very sorely missed.  If the papers are to be believed he was also the archetypal tragic clown - but I prefer to think of him as the gifted man he was.  Very sad really.

Still having problems with my Kindle Fire HD.  One night a week or so ago, when I emailed and asked for help,  someone rang me from Kindle and told me how to get it all going.  It seemed to be connected  - but, by the next day it was playing up again.  I have had it six weeks and haven't read a word on it apart from emails.  I really cannot understand what is going on with it.  I see other people with theirs and they never seem to have a spot of bother.  Me?  Forget it!  I have had nothing but bother.  So now what do I do?

Anyway.  better go.  It if 9.30 already and I still need to do the Young Writer blog.

Good writing!