Swanwick writers summer school - approaching fast

Keeping busy works, up to a point. The problem is that when it’s hot, I reach that point rather too quickly. I hate being this lonely. I know what the answer is, learn to enjoy my own company, start doing things Ii want to do, smile more,  have fun, but I’m still struggling with all of that.

It’s Swanwick soon (10- 16 August ) (http://www.swanwickwritersschool.co.uk) and I’ve been busy putting together a  two part course on writing for women’s magazines, plus one on short story competitions. I’ve reached the point where I think I’m happy with them so all I do is need to organise my notes and produce some handouts.

I have a story in the new (September) Fiction Feast which is great timing  and a welcome boost. I’ve also been working on some more new stories although they’re still at any early stage.

I’ve been looking at holidays but not actually booking any. I/d love a holiday but spending lots of money on something ‘unnecessary’ when I’m not back to full writing productivity feels uncomfortable so it may have to wait a bit longer. That said, I think I might actually go away this Christmas. Last year and the year before, I stayed home and it wasn’t good. As soon as I left Good Neighbours (I helped out on Christmas Day both years), I felt wretched.  I’m not sure I can face that again. I’m thinking of going to Scarbourgh as I feel at home there and it’s not far to go. I plan to call on Monday and see if there are vacancies so fingers crossed.

Tomorrow night is fiendishly difficult literary quiz night at Leeds Writers. I don’t expect to do well as recognising pictures of dead writers isn’t my forte plus I don’t read ‘good’ i.e. Booker prize, books but it will make a change. I hope it’s not too hot though. The pub we meet in can be a real sauna.

If anyone reading this is going to Swanwick, don’t forget to say hi. I’ve offered to take a look at people’s short stories, PROVIDING they can say which women’s magazine they’ve aimed it at, so maybe bring something with you and we can have a look at it together. Fee – a donation to Swawnick (however large or small, it doesn’t matter) .

Hard to believe that this time next week I’ll be on my way or that in two weeks, it will all be over for another year.