Buzzy and busy...

Things are somewhat buzzing in my writing life just now and normally I would share all the details with you but I am feeling just a little bit superstitious. To do so may well tempt fate. And so instead? I am going to do what we call, in my journalistic world, something of a tease.

 Let’s just say that lots of things are happening and I will update you all soon -  promise.

 Meantime I am concentrating on the Arts Council- funded short story workshop tour which I am organising with Devon libraries as my partner for this coming Autumn.

 We have just agreed the ten venues and I am liaising with the library team regarding the publicity material. In a nutshell, we are planning to put out all the details  over the summer, with students able to book a place on the tour from August 1. So – if you happen to live in Devon, do watch this space. Details so far are HERE and  I will update as soon as I can.  Cross my heart.

 For now I am enjoying the sunshine and copy-editing in the garden. Insane to call it work but isn’t this what we writers  live for? The summer – when we can finally move into the garden and call it an office?

 As a freelance working from home, I always find the Winter such a terrible trial. Gloomy. Cold. Dreary. And so very long…

 And then as soon as the sun comes out? Suddenly working from home is the best thing since sliced bread…

 I have chosen my hebe as the picture for this blog as the bees are going bonkers for the flowers just now and everyone is telling me this is very good because  bees have been having a hard time.

 So you must understand that I am not working in  the garden as some kind of skive, but doing my bit , ahem, for nature.

 And as a champion for the short story form, I MUST just mention finally the excellent piece in the new edition of Mslexia, edited by fellow Devon author Janey Fraser, about the commercial short story market. Like me, she is passionately defensive of this genre and has written a wonderful piece with lots of tips and tricks of the trade. Janey warns literary writers as I do : “Do not be sniffy about the magazine market. There is a good living to be made!”

 Oh – well said, Janey.  I am proud to write regularly for the commercial magazine market . It is competitive. It has high standards. And those of us who are lucky enough to be a part of it should hold our heads high.

 Enjoy the sunshine and enjoy your writing…  

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