I am counting down the days until I leave Leeds. I’d say I can’t wait, but that’s a nonsense. I HAVE no choice but to wait. But I am finding it hard. Very hard.

Having had the green light for my first serial, I am hoping to get it done and sent on its way before I move. I have drafted the last two parts by hand as is my wont so now comes the hard work – typing it up followed by correcting the multitude of typing errors I am bound to make. This typing up stage is when I do my main edit. As this is a serial, this will probably involve adding words, even extra scenes, in order to meet the required length (around five thousand words an instalment),  rather than my usual streamlining. Normally, I am a very spare writer when I am in short story mode, so this serial writing business feels very different. It demands another set of skills. I need to keep up the pace and the interest while fleshing out the descriptions rather more than I am used to.

There was a point when I wished I hadn’t even suggested writing a serial. I had serious doubts that I’d be able to do it. In the end, once I got stuck into it, it became so much easier. I am hoping the same thing will apply when I, eventually, get round to those novels I have long wanted to write. As is usual for me, I have been working on myself too – motivation, self-esteem, self-belief and so on.  So far, it’s working well (fingers crossed). I’m learning a lot. One thing that has, I hope, struck home is this - it’s better to fail at something than not to have even tried to do it. 

The picture was taken on holiday and shows the type of food I will not be eating for a while. 

I have put on weight. I could blame Christmas and stress but it’s more complicated than that. Suffice to say that  I am having to resort to the five two diet again as I KNOW that one works. It is hard feeling hungry now, especially when I’m stuck in this in between place but needs must. So think of me when you’re having a wonderful meal as I pick at a small chicken salad…. No booze today either.

I just hope that when I, eventually, find the man of my dreams (If you know where he is, do please ask him to come out of hiding. Soon!), he will appreciate the effort I am making for him.