Friday Five…

Did you hear that? That was a sigh- actually, no, it was me breathing…taking in a deep gulp of air. The last of my commissioned freelance work was sent off last Saturday morning, and now I’m free to concentrate on my latest novel. I got the structural report back last week and have had a good chat with my editor (the lovely Nicola O’Shea from Ebookedit) about the direction that my character is heading in, so now I’m keen to get stuck into it.

I’ll tell you more about how Finding John Smith (or whatever it is that I decide to call it) is shaping up later, but for now, let me just say that I really enjoy the structural edit process…and yes, I’m aware that I’m not supposed to. The thing is, in a way it’s a little like a new project. You see, when I start a new project, I’m excited about the story- or rather, the possibility of a story. By the time I get the structural report back, I’m excited about the characters. It’s at this point that they become really interesting.

Before I go to the Five, please don’t misunderstand me- I really love working on the freelance stuff that I do each year. It’s just that this year, in particular, it’s been tough to juggle with the corporate gig, the domestic stuff going on behind the scenes and the novel. I’ll be better organised next year- truly I will. #famouslastwords

What I’m working on…

Finding John Smith. I really need a new title. As tends to happen with me, I came up with the title and the first line and started writing…The story has since morphed into something else- so I’m looking for a title. In the meantime, Finding John Smith it is.

What I’m looking forward to…

In just over a week, Hubby and I are off to Bali. It coincides with our wedding anniversary- which falls on May 7. We’re up to 22 years this year- 27 years together. I have no idea where the time has gone. Anyways, we’re off to Bali and we can’t wait. This year it also coincides with a huge change in our lives- I’ll be able to tell you more about it next week.

The main pic this week was taken at the resort we stay at in Ubud. Yes, you might recognise it from the cover shot for Big Girls Don’t Cry…

What I’m watching…

Ok, this is seriously daggy, but I’m re-watching Midsomer Murders. With Inspector Tom Barnaby. From the start. It’s for research purposes…seriously…

What I’m listening to…

Mark Dawson and James Blatch on the Self Publishing Formula podcasts. Seriously inspiring. If you’re an indie author, you should be listening to these guys. I got stuck in traffic yesterday afternoon and managed to get through two full podcasts. Dreadful two hour commute, brilliant podcast.

What I’m Reading…

Because I’m writing romance, I’m not reading it- yes, it makes some sort of sense. On my bedside table at the moment is Bill Bryson’s A Walk In The Woods. It’s laugh out loud funny, and the perfect antidote to my work day.

How was your week? Tell me what you’re cooking, reading, watching, working on…whatever?