It's been a long time since I've written so it may seem that nothing has been happening but that's not the case. Quite the opposite in fact. Since Holland I've been working hard on the third novel but also have been revisiting the second one. I had a peer session in November with Karen Campbell, a novelist with several books under her belt, the latest of which This is Where I Am was one of Radio 4's 'Book At Bedtime'. She suggested some changes to the opening and to tighten my synopsis, which I have been doing. However, re-visiting and changing the opening prompted me to go through and change a few more things, so that put the third novel on hold for a wee while.
In amongst all this writing I've been dogged with pain and am now awaiting a hip replacement operation. I need a walk-in shower and 'comfort' toilet so I'm in the process (and disruption) of having a new bathroom fitted. Not the most ideal of circumstances to work in but we're getting there. However, it's wonderful how people rally round when you need them. My next-door neighbours have been letting me use their toilet and shower, a close friend has put me up in her guest room and I've also been able to go to a local cafe and work with meals and hot drinks whenever I needed them. Priceless.
Last night I took part in a reading at the Ryan Centre in Stranraer alongside partners-in-crime Renita Boyle, Patricia Comb and Jayne Baldwin. We call ourselves Take Four (not very original but apt) and we offer a range of readings and genres to our public. Renita is a talented storyteller, poet, singer and author of children's books, Jayne is a journalist, author of two non-fiction books that are methodically researched and beautifully written. She is also an author and publisher of children's books, while Patricia writes hilarious romantic comedy. It was a dearful night with lashing rain and gale-force winds so we were thrilled (and surprised) to have an audience at all, let alone people who have seen us before and have already bought our books. It was a great night.
There's not much on cards for me in the coming months as I await my hip operation but as soon as I have any news I'll let you know.
All the best
Kriss xxx
