Deadline dementia and Haltwhistle Library Girls Night In

My deadline of 1 November is fast approaching and I find that I keep forgetting things or absently answer my husband's question with a remark about my muddle.
Actually at the moment, I do have the story mapped out. I have figured things out which are starting to make sense. So huge relief here. But once my editor sees it, there will be REVISIONS. Editors are like that. And they do like to see that you have taken on board their concerns. Sometimes, you will make different mistakes. Sometimes their solutions are not your vision but their concerns are valid. If you can't use their solutions, find a better way! And sometimes you might not think the suggestion will work but it does make sense later on and you go -- oh, it will work!

On Friday 15 October along with other women's fiction authors, I shall be at the Haltwhistle library doing a reprise of our popular Girl's Night In panel. Last Thursday was Alnwick and several women asked when we were doing the next one. Personally they are very fun to do. We get to talk about writing and how each goes about drafting a novel. Seven different authors and guess what seven different approaches!
Apparently I am the one who does the most words. Unfortunately I had my daughter convinced that I was a slacker and all the other authors worked far harder...

The second chapters of the New Voices competition go up today and hopefully they will really develop the promise of the first chapters. It is all well and good to write a clever first chapter but it has to have a sustainable heart. And I am also hoping that a few people will get the submitting bug and will really work to hone their talent.  But the second phase of the contest is about to begin...

Hexham Library and RNA Northumberland Girl's Night In

The Romantic Novelists Association Northumberland present…
Girls’ Night In Party
Hexham Library, Queen’s Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham
Wednesday 25th November 6.30 (for 7.00) – 9.00pm

On this exclusive evening a panel of authors; Janet MacLeod, Anna Scamans, Prue Philipson & Margaret Carr, will be talking about where they get their ideas from!
Michelle Styles (Mills & Boon) will facilitate the evening’s events.

At the event, the authors attending will be signing & selling copies of their novels, so bring your purse!

Alongside this there is the opportunity to have your nails done by Lynn Foster of Finesse Nail Bar (Wentworth Leisure Centre)

Tickets £5.00 – Includes goody bag, one free glass of wine & mince pie
Handcrafted Christmas cards will be available for sale
Please contact Hexham Library on 01434 652488 to book your ticket.
Contact Finesse for prices on 07799497766 & to book your manicure in advance. Manicures available on the night subject to demand.

Middlesborough Girl's Night In

Next Thursday from 7pm, I will be appearing at the Bewick Hills Library to take part in their annual Girls Night In. I know Julie Cohen has been before and said that it was a blast. So it should be fun.

Yesterday, my daughter dragged me off shopping as she wanted to spend her birthday money. Going up the escalator at M&S, Julie will be proud to know that she started chanting BRAINS. When I asked why, she said that I needed to read The Girl From Mars. I pointed out that she STILL has squirrelled away my copy in her bedroom. My daughter was unrepentant. And despite her contention of zombies in the shop, we did find her a pair of jeans.

We found a dress at Bravissimos. It works. With my greying hair, I find my colouring has changed a bit and red now is a better shade than blue or purple.

And Bravissimo has clothing that is cut to accommodate one's top half. It makes a welcome change. Because some of us have curves.

No real mischief from the puppies. I tried Tess with a lead again and she behaved beautifully. Hardy still thinks the lead is a tug, but as long as he can carry it in his mouth, he is content to trot alongside me. It is a significant break through.