As of today, there are just 100 days remaining of 2026! I intend to make the most of each day, so I'm starting a mini project - almost a replacement for the long-lost NaNoWriMo!

I will write a snippet of anything I wish each day - a dedicated 30 minutes of creative flow, in addition to my usual writing. I'm freeing myself to play with words and save the results. There is no particular goal, no boundaries and no pre-planning. Challenge accepted! I'll adopt any format I chose - be it novel writing, short story, diary or poem. 

My goal is to have enjoyed the final 100 days by playing. Simple!

I've spent the last ten days moving house. It was only eight months ago since my previous house move, just before Christmas 2025 - if you remember. I had no intention of upping sticks so soon but needs must, as I wasn't left in peace to enjoy my time at home. Though the constant interruptions have provided my muse with a fabulous idea for another book - so maybe it was meant to be!

My new home is very different. It's quiet. Bright and light. And extremely well-cared for - so this gal is a happy bunny! Though I'm not sure that my dog feels the same way as he's yet to remember where the garden steps are so keeps launching his old bones off the patio section onto the grassed area - there is an easier route, Ted!

Anyway, it means I have a brand-new writing room. Over the years, I've written in various areas within my homes: corner of a dining room, a spare bedroom, settled within a converted fireplace and now, the kitchen. Which might sound strange but there is a huge window in my new kitchen that allows me to overlook the garden and admire the gigantic trees in the school beyond the bottom fence. So, I've taken a risk and opted for a complete change to my working practise. Though, I'm nearer to the kettle and teabags - which is always a bonus. If it doesn't work, then I'll soon switch my desk elsewhere in the house and press restart.

So far, the move has gone well; I've literally plodded like a tortoise in packing items, opening boxes and positioning furniture. I've worked around the clock, as you must at times, as a new term started at college too so, not the best timing but hey, I'm getting there. I still have the previous house at the moment so am living between the two but in the coming weeks I'll hand the keys back and have just one home address. I'm hoping by then Teddy will have remembered where the garden steps are and stop hurling himself onto the grass! I can but hope!  

Tonight, I’m visiting a community group to give an author talk about my publication journey, plus some hints and tips on creative writing! 
 
If you’ve been a follower for a while, you’ll know that I’ll list the topics of conversation and questions on my return. There are a few obvious inclusions but the fun and laughter usually arises from the ‘rare and beautifully creative’ questions coming from my audience.
 
I always arrive early, as is my nature, armed with my polka dot suitcase positioned at my feet. I tend to joke that I’m a little bit like Del-Boy and Rodney Trotter, as I too work out of an unzipped suitcase! I take a copy of each of my books, planning books, reading books and Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (just one, two or all six copies) ‘to show and tell’ whilst talking. I can usually judge if my audience are readers or writers based on their reaction to various items pulled from my suitcase – again, a simple trick I learnt from Mary Poppins!

​The topics mentioned tonight were ...

Parquet flooring                                                                 Legal contracts
Narnia & CS Lewis                                                              107 days
Pride and prejudice                                                            Katie Fforde
Secret scribbler                                                                  Writing retreats 
School options                                                                    Networking
Cake                                                                                     New year
Soup serving                                                                        Sainsbury's opening hours
Romantic Novelists' Association                                        Raffle
Euston station                                                                     Highlighter pens 
George Eliot                                                                         3 days, wine and chocolate
Rosie Goodwin                                                                     Nappies
Comet computer purchase                                                 Macmillan coffee mornings
Polesworth library                                                               Qualifications
Bank clerk                                                                             Ripping books apart 
Writing groups                                                                     Agents 
Bottom drawer                                                                     Enjoying life
​Font size                                                                                Fire alarms & class 9
Percentages                                                                           1994
Paint stipling                                                                         Tap dancing