Sunday 25 February 2018

Week One as Full Time Writer / Unemployed

So, first week..... I thought it would be helpful to do a 'Done List' as opposed to a 'To Do List'.  

(Of course I have got a number of 'To Do' Lists, but these can be de-motivating if they are too long!)

Firstly, I proved that I was 'Supermummy' (and earning my keep) by giving a thorough clean and sort out of my sons bedroom.  I also sorted out his Karate classes, ordered his World Book Day costume and volunteered for a trip at school.  Oh, and I also sewed his badges on his Cubs uniform as well as sewed a cushion cover in our room.

Other rooms that got the clean and declutter this week were the bathroom, the hall and porch, and my creative space.  I have not finished the space as yet but it is clean!  While decluttering and cleaning I have been working on a 'Spring Clean' article, as well as finding items to possibly sell to increase my current savings.  Of course a spring clean also adds to the 'To Do' list with regards to the house but that is where those jobs will stay for the time being.

As part of the declutter I also went through a number of magazines I had saved.  Two have been moved into the 'Non Fiction' basket as possible markets.  The other one I am still reading.  Following our visit to Ann Cleeves I also read the second book that I purchased that evening.  I also managed to read an Agatha Christie.

On Thursday night I went to the theatre to see psychic medium Tony Stockwell (http://tonystockwell.com/) with two friends.  Not only was it a brilliant evening full of laughter (my friends also gave me a good boost with regards to my recent job upset!) but it also gave me an idea for a short story that I am hoping to write for a competition.

This week I also made time to visit a sick friend.  When I got there she had a huge favour to ask of me and we ended up visiting a local primary school as she wants to move her son from his present school.  This could be the start of an article if I feel so inclined, so not 4 hours entirely wasted.  This week, I also took my mother to the hospital; which took up another 4 hours of my week.  I could not believe how absolutely shattered I was at the end of the day after all we did was sit about waiting.  I think this confirms that rest is not always a good thing!

Finally, Saturday was a girly day shopping and then in the evening we went to see Icons of the 80's.  It was a fantastic night with lots of laughs; another reminder that its not always a good thing to shut yourself away.  We need to get out there in order to wet the creative juices!! However, I was totally out of action on the Sunday as every bit of me hurt from shopping, clapping, singing and dancing.

We Love The 80's

The lyrics were so much better.....


Go West and Nik Kershaw - what more can I say? Fan - Bloody - Tastic!!

Saturday 10 February 2018

Don't Read The Hype!

Recently I made the mistake of choosing a book purely based on the reviews and ravings from other people.  The book was IQ by Joe Ide
Conan Doyle as channelled through Martin Scorsese says Stephen Hunter (author of  G-Man), nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, One of the best books of 2016 according to the New York Times.    Need I go on?

I liked the book.  I thought it was (trying to be) clever in parts, but I really think I would have thought more of it had I not read all the wonderful stuff about it before hand.  I was left feeling disappointed.  I wonder if I had just picked it up and started reading it whether I might have rated it higher than I do.

There is a sequel apparently - IQ is BACK! Sherlock Holmes meets The Wire in this fast-paced crime thriller from Edgar-shortlisted Joe Ide….        Should I try again?