A Busy Spring!
This is one of those times in my life where I feel like my social calendar and to-do list are at war - but somehow I am winning the battle.
With the successful launch of Unmasked I immediately accepted a contract to produce Unbroken, it's highly anticipated and recently released sequel. Having finished my first read of the manuscript - this one is even better, and I'm not sure entirely how that is possible since the first was so good! So I'm prepping the manuscript now, which involves the prodigious use of highlighters, character notes and voice development. Distinct character voices is something I'm keen to improve on in my work, but it's something that has to be done gently - go too far and it ends up sounding like a cartoon character!
I'm also hoping to finalise a contract on another book, a hauntingly beautiful romance about rising above grief and tragedy to find love again - hopefully more news on that one soon!
Our new hoover broke but I managed to pull it apart and put it back together again (with only a single extra screw when I finished!) and suddenly it was working again. I pretended like to totally knew what I did, much to Wifey's delight, but in truth I haven't the foggiest. But it works now so that's a win.
I've got a camping trip at the end of the month with my beautiful Wife where we will try to do as much hiking as possible without aggravating my strained angle ligament, which may prove to be quite the challenge. Last year we climbed Malm Tor and did a 10 mile map and compass trek which was amazing, this year I think we might stick to the paved pathways of the Monsol Trail while I heal. On the plus side, there are more pubs on the paved trails so I can sample the wines as we go.
Last week I picked up my favourite baby brother from the airport along with his boyfriend and we've been having a whale of a time this week hitting London and some local tourist destinations. Today they've gone to Thorpe Park and Wifey and I have stayed home - my days of spending hours in line to ride a roller coaster are well and truly behind me. I've managed to catch up on my audiobook reviews for InD'Tale magazine and even bank a few for my site to keep you all going whilst I'm off on my tenting holiday.
The sun is out this morning, which means Wifey has decided to go fishing for a few hours, and I am now sat here enjoying my coffee, courtesy of my lovely reader Wayne Reid. (Thanks Wayne!)
Studio dog is now insisting that I throw his ball for a bit so I'll sign off for today. And thank you to everyone who has graciously donated a coffee to keep me fuelled, they are extremely appreciated, each and every one!
Cheers
TJ