School holidays are over, writing and baking

School holidays are over

Yes, the children are back to school today, the holidays are over.  When I realised that today was the day, I felt a sense of relief, for a day to myself and sadness. As much as my children make me stressed, I do love them very much. The constant “mama, I want” in combination with “mama, love you”. I think they think if they keep saying, love you, then I’m more likely to give in to their wants. They could be right.

The amount of bread we have got through these last six weeks, I should have been recording it. I guess I’m lucky that they eat but wow the endless need for toast. These last few weeks I’ve had to replace my toaster. Purchased back in 2003, it had now finally given up. The toast was either black or bread. So, yes the school holidays and the need for toast took over and we now have a red toaster to match our red kettle.

This morning with no children, I’ve managed, shopping, a load of washing, a bath, baking a Plum Crumble and Banana bread from forgotten black bananas. Now I’m sat here typing, so yes, a productive morning and I feel quite relaxed. Relaxed until I need to collect the children anyway.

What I am reading

I am still reading ‘GX Todd – Hunted’. I am finding it harder to read than the first part of her series, ‘Defender’. I think it could be because she has more characters, so the scenes keep jumping from chapter to chapter. The book is making me wonder about mine as I also have a lot of characters and it does jump around from group to group. From my scientists to my agents to my supporting characters. The challenge to keep the reader interested is real.

I am sure the children will come home from school with their reading books today.   It will be nice to sit and hear them read later.  I’m sure there might be an argument first.

My novel

I am now at 68000 words. I have noticed that I’ve only written 1000 words since last Tuesday so not great. However, life has been busy. Last night after I managed nothing as after a busy workday I was falling asleep to Emmerdale. It is amazing how the body works. A day of driving, telephone calls, talking and typing, then finishing work late, led to me feeling like I had walked miles. Maybe my brain was just tired after all the thinking. I am glad of my day off today.

With writing my book, I keep having to remind myself that no one’s first draft is perfect. If you are sitting there with a story in your head, but thinking I couldn’t do it, my advice is to try.

Characters

I have learned now that as soon as my first draft is finished, my next step is to get to know my characters. I have read so much on this and there is so much advice. I need to know all about them, just as if they are sat here next to me drinking tea. I need to know their flaws and what they like, what makes them happy.

I also have my book on showing not telling to study and I need to think more about the university and office location. I have not written much description yet and in the second draft, I hope to address this.

My novel took a sudden turn on Sunday night that I did not expect and introduced another character. I had not planned this, it just happened. This is one of the joys of pantsing, little surprises of characters who invite themselves into the story.

Facebook live

My recent Facebook lives.

New blog post today and life – 27th August 2019

New blog post and today – 30th August 2019

Newsletter

If you are interested in receiving my newsletter containing links to my posts then please do enter your email either on the right-hand side if on a laptop, or below. I sent my email for August this last weekend.

Today

Soon I have the children to collect from school. I’m hoping they may have some banana bread rather than just toast. They always seem to come home starving. It will be nice to see them and catch up on their first day back.

I also hope to do a Facebook live later today and write more of my novel after the children have gone to bed.

For more see, Children’s demands and writing my novel and blogs