And The Work Goes On

If I seem to be saying the saying the same thing here, over and over again, it’s because that’s how it is. So I’ll say it again: I am still super busy and that’s mostly very good indeed.

I think, over this past few months, I’ve probably taken more train journeys than I previously had in my whole life. (I was strangely amused earlier today when the lady on the platform was convinced I was heading to London – I must have had the look. Or something.) But that’s good. I’m enjoying myself and I’m doing an awful lot of teaching and all that kind of thing, and I’ve been working with, and for, some really great people who are doing some really great things.

Today, I had a very useful conversation with my publisher, which is always a lovely thing. Stay tuned for info on the next in the Beautiful Series, Beautiful Trees. All, on that front, is looking very well indeed. Then, this evening, I taught grown-ups and that was fun and, again, great stuff was produced. Now I’m back at a desk approving the proofs for the children I had on my junior writers’ course. They look absolutely stunning. Thank you, clever, lovely, Vicky. [Added, a little later: finished! See picture.]

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Tomorrow I’m teaching again over in Sheffield (details here). And then there’ll be more editing and more teaching and even some writing. The writing, I should add, has started again. It had been a while and I guess that’s fine. Often, other things can get in the way and I think the trick is to allow that, to a certain degree. It’ll always come back. It’ll always be there.

So, lots done, lots achieved, lots to be happy with. And lots to look forward to too. And walking. I have promised someone there will be walking soon. So walking, there shall be and I can’t wait.

More soon.

Lots of Writing Stuff

I have been very busy recently with a whole bunch of stuff, mostly writing stuff – and lots of it –  which is great. I’m sitting at my laptop now, at twenty past ten on a Tuesday evening, after having spent the morning editing short stories as well as a travel memoire (the page is here in case anyone would like my help with any of their stuff) and the afternoon was spent teaching at the brilliant Bollington library.

First, before the adult group, it was the last session of the junior writers’ group I’ve been running for the past eight weeks. And it was, as things like this always are, both a very happy and very sad time. I was happy –  thrilled, in fact – to see the members finishing their stories, and covers, and illustrations. We’ve had a lot of fun along the way, but we’ve worked very hard too, and to see the results of that is a brilliant thing. I think one of the best things about teaching, in my book at least, is seeing how great ideas have been turned (with fun and hard work) into brilliant stories. And today’s certainly were that. And a whole lot more. Next step is to turn the stories into books. There will even be a launch. This is exciting.

But, as I said, it’s a little sad too. I’ve enjoyed working with all of the writers and it’s a sad thing to be waving them goodbye. I just hope they all keep writing. They’re all very, very good.

We’ll be starting the course again on April 21st (as far as I know). If you’d like your child to enrol then either drop me a line (pop it in the box here) or give the library a shout. Places are limited (as far as I know there are only two left) so you’re probably best off acting quickly to avoid disappointment, as they say.

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Tomorrow I’ll be, courtesy of the brilliant Writing Yorkshire (who do all sorts of brilliant things, including free groups like this), be at Sheffield Children’s Central Library, 5:30-7:30 (still covering for the usual group leader, the very wonderful Vicky Morris, and loving it very much). If you’re a 14 – 19 year old writer, do pop along. We’re very welcoming and supportive and it’s a really top group. There are even snacks. And if you know of anyone who might be interested, do send them that way. I’ll be at Rotherham Young Writers next Monday – if you’ve any questions or would like any further details, do let me know (just pop your question inside the box here).

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And that’s about it for now, I think. I’ve still stacks of work to finish and tabs to close and everything so it’s back to that for me. And writing. I really should do some writing soon.

More soon.