Music

Was in a shop and heard Lindisfarne's Lady Eleanor over the music system. Stopped me in my tracks and I couldn't not sing along, albeit very surreptitiously. I didn't move on until it ended - 'I'm all right where I am.'

Uncle Mick and Radio 7

Been off the boil, feeling bad. Taking the pills, resting and staying welded to the hotwater bottle. Got some writing done, but slow. Still, time to think and listen to great drama on Radio 7

Man at the door

It was dark. A man appeared at my door. From a distance he looked just like my brother. What the hell are you doing here? I thought.

The man wasn't my brother, but a new neighbour. The feeling of disbelief, shock, concern is proving hard to describe, but one I must pin down. A vaguely similar scene in my novel is written but I just need that clarity of expression. Testing? Damn right it is!

Strangely calm

Staying down west when an air raid siren went off approx 10.30pm and was loud enough to wake the whole town. Scared the hell out of me. Three minute warning I thought. This is it. It's finally come and damn I've got my novel to finish.

Playing

Just spent a few days playing with niece and nephew. The decision made all the easier by knowing I'll miss out on them growing up.

Getting back in there

Great to be back on with the novel and finally pulling the threads together. I've entered it in a competition too and that feels really good.

Back on track

It's been a while, but now I'm back on track I'm happier. The break away has been painful but useful. Coming back to the first three chapters was a pleasant experience.