It might only be 2pm, but I’ve cracked open the bubbles! Seriously, I have. That’s because I’m celebrating on this final day of 2020! I have just queued for 10 minutes to enter a Tesco store at Coalville to witness my book baby sitting on their shelf surrounded by other lovely authors. It seems very strange to refuse a basket or trolley and head straight for the book section knowing you won’t be buying a single item in such a huge store. But that’s what I do each time I go on sale in a superstore; the food shop can wait.
 
As an author, it feels strange entering and seeking out your own book in their aisle. It’s even funnier when you scan the shelves and spy your book then proceed to snap photographs amidst other customers who are busy browsing and reading blurbs. They're not watching you at all! Once you’ve snapped a suitable #Shelfie for use on social media you then stand amidst the said book browsers posting on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook before heading straight for the exit knowing you put a bottle of bubbles in the fridge before driving to the store.
 
So, there it is, my end to 2020! I couldn’t have asked for better. I know the entire planet has hated this year, but I haven’t. I’ll be honest, this year was always going to be a difficult year due to a personal tragedy in 2001/2002, but I’m eternally grateful to 2020 for every minute she’s awarded me. Back in 2002, I’d never dreamt I’d see this date, but I have! I’m still here. And, I’m so incredibly proud to be able to write that last sentence. 
 
I wish you all the happiest, the merriest and more importantly, if 2020 has been your ‘bad’ year just know how resilient she has made you ready for a fabulous future!
 
Love Erin x

Not the year I was expecting but hey, it has enabled me to hibernate, read and write till my heart is content so, I can’t complain. If anything, I am very grateful for the experience and time awarded to me.
 
My original goal in January 2020 was to read 25 books but I managed 37 in total. I tend to have multiple books on the go at the same time: an epic read, usually a classic and various books ranging in genre/format. Others claim it’s a ‘bad habit’ but for me, it maintains my interest as I can wantonly move from genre to genre as the mood takes me. I love the fact that I can enjoy Eliot in the morning, Mansell by mid-afternoon and settle with Christie by bedtime. Isn’t that bliss? 

During 2020, I have reread numerous books from my youth as I think I needed the comfort of old friend around me. I love how books are just like music in transporting you to a specific age and time.
 
I listen to audiobooks during dog-walks, gardening and cleaning but don’t count these in my annual reading list. My book total would be more than double if I did, funny that.  
 
Anyway, I have no plans to change my ‘bad’ reading habits or tastes so look forward to 2021. Again, I’ll choose 25 books as my annual goal.
 
During 2021, I might share my current reads more than I previously have. My choices are somewhat eclectic in nature as I tend to drift between genres and interests. My GoodReads tally for 2020: reading books
 
My current reads are: 
 
Mill on the Floss – Eliot (classic read)
Cranford – Gaskell (bookclub challenge read)
French Kissing – Shelby (ebook read)

Wishing you health and happiness for the year ahead plus, plenty of reading time! 

It is 2:20am and I should be going to bed, but I can't. I literally couldn't sleep if I tried. I have just waved goodbye to the month of November - which has been the most productive month of my writing career. Seriously.

Firstly, for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) I managed a staggering 72,900 words in relation to the expected challenge of 50,000. Those 72,900 words are my Christmas book for 2021. I just need 25,000 words to complete draft one! My deadline is 1st February 2021.

Secondly, three weeks ago, my structural edits arrived back for the book I'd completed in October. My deadline for completion: today. I've just sent the amended manuscript back to my editor and agent. 

I'm chuffed to bits with how much I've accomplished in 30 days. Tomorrow, I will celebrate with a bottle of bubbles!

For the next three days, I'm officially taking holiday away from my screen, but I'll see back here on Friday morning when I'll crack on with those final 25,000 words for the Christmas book 2021.

​Night, night x

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