A requiem to mince pies and a to-do list for my novel.
Almost back into routine. Phew. Sort of. There is something nice about the holidays after Christmas: most of the benefits (pretty lights, mince pies, and hot chocolate, time with family)…
Category: publishing
Reindeer on roses and whiskers on kittens…
Three of my favourite things that would surprise younger me… Teenagers I used to be terrified of them, even when I was one myself. But they are far less intimidating…
As the Sparks Fly Upwards
Last night, I went to a book launch. This is the sort of thing I’m supposed to do now as a publishing magnate, but a. COVID’s got in the way…
A man behaving too well.
This week, I read through my own novel. It’s in a much better state than it was at the beginning of September, but I still wouldn’t let anybody else read…
Poacher turned gamekeeper: editing other people.
Between trips to Manchester, the tip and the vets, and finishing the article I mentioned last week, I have been making notes on the latest draft of an author’s manuscript.…
The dog ate my daughter’s birthday cake.
If this makes less sense than usual, it is because I’m writing it during my daughter’s birthday party. (Everyone else is off trampolining and I’m minding people’s valuables, so it…
Order, twenty years of something inexplicably working and a new puppy.
The children went back to school this week. Love my children, love spending time with them, but thank goodness for teachers – people who know what kids should be doing…
Big feet, the meaning of September, and publishing progress.
“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. If I knew your address, I would send you a bouquet of sharpened pencils.”…
sophie beal 