C.L. Peache's Blog, page 15
February 27, 2024
((Not a lot happens… don’t bother reading it)) Brackets Day 207
Wednesday 14th February Day 207
It’s Valentines Day in this world and this year we haven’t bothered with cards or pressies. Some years we do and some we don’t. We are both of a mind that you shouldn’t need to be told when to be romantic or do something nice for your partner but each to their own if people enjoy it then why not.
After getting some jobs done on the boat in the morning we brave the bus into Stafford because we need some firelighters ((How romantic)) and some DIY bits and bobs. We then treated ourselves to a couple of drinks in the pub ((On a Wednesday!)) I know, drinking on a school day! Shocking.
That’s it for today ((well that was riveting again!)) I know, it’s difficult to make the blogs interesting at the moment as we are focused on getting the boat done and I’ve taken on this extra work as well so that’s taking up more time. I promise it will be more interesting when we start cruising again! Not long now. In fact by the time you read this we will probably only have 48 hours left before we untie the ropes and see where this year will take us… possibly to bright lights of that place called London! Exciting. Day done. Until tomorrow. x
P.S. ((Oh, here she goes)) I did say i was going to do this whole promotion on my New Zealand book. I did do a few TikTok videos which went down well but i’ve failed on being consistant. I think i really should learn that planning promotional social media doesn’t work for me. I have to feel inspired to post which probably means i will die a poor author ((Eaten by fish and not cats or dogs or maybe even geese!)) but hey ho. Stick to what you’re good at… ((and that is??))
February 26, 2024
Working from our narrowboat… funny where life takes you. Day 206
Tuesday 13th February Day 206
Well, I was doing so well and then last night I had a terrible night’s sleep. ((Stop moaning. Get on with it!)) I am. I’ve taken on some freelance admin work for Newark Book Festival. Regular readers will know I’ve worked in many different roles for the festival and I’ve been a board member for a number of years. ((Boring… oh sorry board. My mistake)) This seems a great way to get some money back into the bank after all the work we have done on the boat. Working when not having an address for a fixed amount of time is very difficult ((Especially when you’re on ‘research trips’ all the time!)) and it’s great to be back involved with the festival – although keeping secrets about the wonderful authors we have coming this year is difficult!
Working with the festival has brought back memories ((Wow you’ve remembered something!)) I originally delved into the freelance world in January 2020 ((OH DEAR!)) yes, you can see where this is going! So there’s me all fired up working for the book festival which gave me the freedom to work on my writing and try and get a publisher and then the pandemic hit! What a baptism of fire that was – I’d never worked in the arts sector before so learning all that and then we ended up having to move the festival online rather than in person because of covid restrictions was a challenge. Also, because I’d just registered as self-employed I wasn’t entitled to any grants. I also had an agent interested in my psychological thriller ((which you still need to publish!)) but due to the big changes Covid brought about this didn’t go ahead. It was a stressful time but as with all these things in life, I learnt a lot, met a lot of people and they say everything is for a reason right? Here I am, four years later with a publisher, lots more books published, a YouTube channel – this was something I thought I would never do as I’ve never liked being on camera and lot more firm friends made from all these ventures. It’s funny where life takes you.
Anyway, it’s onto the dinette to crack on with some work so that’s it for today. Day done. Until tomorrow. x
February 25, 2024
Travelling, bus diversion and Arnold Schwarzenegger! Day 205
Monday 12th February Day 205
Mum and I get up early today as we have two more episodes of The Tourist to watch and I don’t have the channel to watch it on the boat. Wow, what a series. Highly recommend it if you’re into thriller/dramas.
At 11ish I finally say goodbye to the family and it’s back on the train. Once again, everything goes smoothly with the trains until I get back to Stafford to catch the bus. For some reason the bus company said part of the road is shut at the point where I need to get off but cars seem to be getting through okay. Anyway, once it arrives; late of course, I figure out that I need to get off in the village and walk back to the marina but that only adds about ten minutes to my journey so I will take that.
It’s nice to get back to the boat and we start making a list of everything we need to get done before we leave and decide to finally order the washing machine. I think I’ve already said that we decided to have a proper washing machine because we realised we have spent about £140, I think it was so far on paying for launderettes and after we used our special gadget for measuring water we realised the water tank on the boat holds more than enough water for us to use a proper one rather than the twin tub. Although I have loved my twin tub!
In the evening I was flicking through trying to find something to watch and found a documentary/biography on Arnold Schwarzenegger which was really interesting. I especially liked his attitude to life. Basically, stop moaning ((As if you could!)) don’t have spare time where you can mope around and get anxious or depressed, get up, get it done and be useful. I think they are pretty good words of advice. Day done. x
Narrowboat life, working and YouTube adventures. Day 205 – 211 – Mon 12th Feb – Sun 18th February.
Monday 12th February Day 205
Mum and I get up early today as we have two more episodes of The Tourist to watch and I don’t have the channel to watch it on the boat. Wow, what a series. Highly recommend it if you’re into thriller/dramas.
At 11ish I finally say goodbye to the family and it’s back on the train. Once again, everything goes smoothly with the trains until I get back to Stafford to catch the bus. For some reason the bus company said part of the road is shut at the point where I need to get off but cars seem to be getting through okay. Anyway, once it arrives; late of course, I figure out that I need to get off in the village and walk back to the marina but that only adds about ten minutes to my journey so I will take that.
It’s nice to get back to the boat and we start making a list of everything we need to get done before we leave and decide to finally order the washing machine. I think I’ve already said that we decided to have a proper washing machine because we realised we have spent about £140, I think it was so far on paying for launderettes and after we used our special gadget for measuring water we realised the water tank on the boat holds more than enough water for us to use a proper one rather than the twin tub. Although I have loved my twin tub!
In the evening I was flicking through trying to find something to watch and found a documentary/biography on Arnold Schwarzenegger which was really interesting. I especially liked his attitude to life. Basically, stop moaning ((As if you could!)) don’t have spare time where you can mope around and get anxious or depressed, get up, get it done and be useful. I think they are pretty good words of advice. Day done.
Tuesday 13th February Day 206
Well, I was doing so well and then last night I had a terrible night’s sleep. ((Stop moaning. Get on with it!)) I am. I’ve taken on some freelance admin work for Newark Book Festival. Regular readers will know I’ve worked in many different roles for the festival and I’ve been a board member for a number of years. ((Boring… oh sorry board. My mistake)) This seems a great way to get some money back into the bank after all the work we have done on the boat. Working when not having an address for a fixed amount of time is very difficult ((Especially when you’re on ‘research trips’ all the time!)) and it’s great to be back involved with the festival – although keeping secrets about the wonderful authors we have coming this year is difficult!
Working with the festival has brought back memories ((Wow you’ve remembered something!)) I originally delved into the freelance world in January 2020 ((OH DEAR!)) yes, you can see where this is going! So there’s me all fired up working for the book festival which gave me the freedom to work on my writing and try and get a publisher and then the pandemic hit! What a baptism of fire that was – I’d never worked in the arts sector before so learning all that and then we ended up having to move the festival online rather than in person because of covid restrictions was a challenge. Also, because I’d just registered as self-employed I wasn’t entitled to any grants. I also had an agent interested in my psychological thriller ((which you still need to publish!)) but due to the big changes Covid brought about this didn’t go ahead. It was a stressful time but as with all these things in life, I learnt a lot, met a lot of people and they say everything is for a reason right? Here I am, four years later with a publisher, lots more books published, a YouTube channel – this was something I thought I would never do as I’ve never liked being on camera and lot more firm friends made from all these ventures. It’s funny where life takes you.
Anyway, it’s onto the dinette to crack on with some work so that’s it for today. Day done.
Wednesday 14th February Day 207
It’s Valentines Day in this world and this year we haven’t bothered with cards or pressies. Some years we do and some we don’t. We are both of a mind that you shouldn’t need to be told when to be romantic or do something nice for your partner but each to their own if people enjoy it then why not.
After getting some jobs done on the boat in the morning we brave the bus into Stafford because we need some firelighters ((How romantic)) and some DIY bits and bobs. We then treated ourselves to a couple of drinks in the pub ((On a Wednesday!)) I know, drinking on a school day! Shocking.
That’s it for today ((well that was riveting again!)) I know, it’s difficult to make the blogs interesting at the moment as we are focused on getting the boat done and I’ve taken on this extra work as well so that’s taking up more time. I promise it will be more interesting when we start cruising again! Not long now. In fact by the time you read this we will probably only have 48 hours left before we untie the ropes and see where this year will take us… possibly to bright lights of that place called London! Exciting. Day done. Until tomorrow. x
P.S. ((Oh, here she goes)) I did say i was going to do this whole promotion on my New Zealand book. I did do a few TikTok videos which went down well but i’ve failed on being consistant. I think i really should learn that planning promotional social media doesn’t work for me. I have to feel inspired to post which probably means i will die a poor author ((Eaten by fish and not cats or dogs or maybe even geese!)) but hey ho. Stick to what you’re good at… ((and that is??))
Thursday 15th February Day 208
Today was all about getting the vlog ready and uploaded to Patreon and YouTube. I had to film a little intro to explain what the vlog was all about as it spanned a long time period from when we arrived in the marina in December to more or less up to date and included our time in Jersey so thought I needed to explain. ((I’m sure that made it clearer with how you explain things!))
I’ve created and uploaded the short vlog to music in Jersey and I’m really pleased with how it’s been received ((I feel like you already said this somewhere but I cannot be bothered to go and check!)) No, I think I’d mentioned I’d created it but not uploaded it. It slightly different to the normal vlogs as it has music which we have to add the copyright information to the description to acknowledge the creator. We don’t want to get sued but also someone has taken the time to create it and make it free so it’s only right they get credit. Long term we need to look into option of music for the New Zealand vlogs which might also be live by the time you read this.
We have decided to try and broaden our viewers of the YouTube channel. It’s so hard as the YouTubers who get loads of views us the old clickbait. I’m really against this unless it is actually relevant to the blog but if you want to make an income from it, then it’s hard not to join in. For example: if you put on a vlog which says ‘disaster’ or ‘emergency’ ‘it’s the end’ things like that, we probably get 3 to 4 times the amount of views. Anyway, we are hoping by having a broad range of vlogs it will help us avoid having to use clickbait too much! You will see i’ve titled this blog ‘is the end?’ just to do a little test and compare against my other viewing days. I will let you know the stats.
My friend came to visit whilst we are still in a fixed location so that was most of the afternoon spent chatting and then a bit of freelance work and then delving into my latest book – The Gift of Poison by Bella Ellis – highly recommend this series especially if you love the Brontes. Busy day done. Until tomorrow. x
Friday 16th February Day 209
It’s up at an unsociable hour as the new washing machine is due between 7am and 7pm and there is some anxiety in the air about getting it into the boat, connected and avoid water gushing into the boat and sinking us ((A few pennies were added to the swear jar!)) It went surprisingly well and we now have a proper washing machine on board. It makes the boat feel even more homely and will be useful when we are cruising again and not having the hassle of finding a launderette and carrying our clothes for miles and miles.
I’m trying to work it out and I think the vlog for this should be live now… if you want to see the renovation of the kitchen and dinette from start to finish then have a look. We are so happy with it even if it’s taken a year and a half to get to this stage. Can someone please explain why time goes so quickly?
Oh dear… in the afternoon I go for a power nap because I’ve come down with another cold ((OH come on! You cannot even ring in sick to work!)) I know! I’m so annoyed with myself and this sets about a couple of days of proper grumpiness and many sessions of having a ‘word’ with myself to stop getting ill. Honestly, it’s so annoying that I cannot get on with stuff. Also, I end up missing book group again because when I get up I have some freelance work to do and had to get the Jersey vlog uploaded. The joys of being self-employed! Although generally I love the freedom and very grateful for this life, it’s just hard when poorly and I have no-one who can do the work for me!
I spent the night on the sofa flicking between feeling sorry for myself and feeling annoyed. ((YOU need some sunshine Peachy!)) I know, I think it’s a combo of lack of Vitamin D and peri-menopause it’s absolutely evil. I honestly have something different wrong with me every single day! I am deffo not coming back to earth as a woman – might come back as a dragon… ((are you delirious??))
At least the nights are getting lighter that’s something. I’m holding onto the day when I’m sitting on the stern, basking in sunshine, with a glass of prosecco in my hand appreciating this amazing life. ((you would probably just get sunburn lol)) Day done. Until tomorrow. x
P.S. Today we should be leaving the marina so pray for nice weather!
Saturday 17th February Day 210
This day is pretty much a write off as I’m in bed most of the day. Chris warns me to take it easy and have a day off which I sort of do but obviously do a little bit of faffing with the vlogs as well as social media posts. The problem with social media is that if you’re not consistent then the algorithms ignore you and you’re not going to get any traction or views but keeping this up is hard!
At least I manage to also catch up on some reading. As you can tell if you read this blog regularly, I’m not very good at doing nothing. I like being busy and having something to do. I love goals, spreadsheets and achieving things in life. That’s why I get annoyed when I’m ill. ((To be fair can you imagine what you would be like if you were on top form all the time?? Man alive, just think how long these blogs would be! You would be filming a new vlog everyday. A new book out every week. It would be exhausting for us! Most people can barely keep up with you as it is. You never even know how many books you’ve published.)) Fair point!
Does anyone else have a reading goal for this year? I’m logging mine on Goodreads if you want to join me. Day done.
Sunday 18th February Day 211
Still ill but decided I’m going to ignore it. I stay in bed for the morning and get the blog updated and scheduled for the week, then have some noodles for lunch as we have a food delivery on order but it’s not due until tonight and the cupboards don’t reveal anything healthier.
Chris is cracking on with the painting and the bow is finally all blue! Well other than the bits he still needs to grind which we cannot do until we are out of the marina. I’ve mentioned we need to get it painted as it needs a couple of weeks to dry without us having to stand on it, which won’t happen once we are out cruising.
That talk I had with myself must have worked as in the afternoon I have a burst of energy and create a video for TikTok – specifically booktok and it goes down really well and get just under 2k of views quite quickly. I found it pretty easy to learn how to create the video but trying to attach all my other social media account like Instagram and YouTube prove tricky but I get there in the end. I still think my social media will always be a bit random on how i’m feeling on the day and i guess i just have to make peace with that. There are reason people are paid good money to do these jobs!
If i’m never successful financially in any of my endeavours no-one can say I haven’t tried! ((I agree Peachy. You’re a trier that is for sure.)) must be true as you gave me a compliment. ((well I have to keep you going as without you I won’t be able to carry on))
Right, that’s this week done and spring cannot come soon enough. I’m so ready for some sunshine and lighter days. Day done. Until next week which should include us leaving the marina! X
links below as usual…
February 24, 2024
Who doesn’t love a thriller… Day 204
Sunday 11th February Day 204
I make use of having proper, fast wi-fi and get some videos and vlogs sorted. ((Does your mum know you’re stealing her data!)) yes, it’s all in a good cause so don’t be grassing me up! It really makes such a big difference when I have a decent connection.
Whilst doing this, we start watching The Tourist – what an amazing series; has anyone watched it? This is the second season but it’s just as good as the first. I love watching programmes like this, not only because they are bloody good but because they give me ideas ((Hey, don’t be stealing!)) I’m not, I mean in the sense of the pace of a programme and character development. I always try and make sure my chapters end so the reader wants to turn the page but the only way this happens is by having a great story and great characters to move it along.
In the afternoon a friend pops round who I haven’t seen in about fifteen years so we have a good old natter then it’s back to watching the Tourist and that’s day done again and the end of another week. The weeks really are flying by but that means lighter nights are coming, spring is looming and cruising days will soon be up on us. Lots to look forward to. Until tomorrow. xx
((This is the last one… then it’s over you to promote your own work… if you would like to read one of Peachy’s page turning thrillers then why not try Power of Nature… if nothing else it might shut her up moaning if she gets some more sales. it’s all in a good cause people! Read it here))
February 23, 2024
We have zombies to kill… Day 203
Saturday 10th February Day 203
The second day of zombie killing continues as we battle it out to the final conclusion. Who will be victorious… of course we win! ((You didn’t build that up for very long!))
Chris messages me to say the gas bottle has run out so he has to buy two new ones, but at least that means we are fully stocked up now for when we leave the marina in a couple of weeks. These should last us about a year for both bottles.
I’ve just realised I’ve passed 90k on the blog which will be turned into my canal book later in the year. ((The editing is going to be off the scale!)) I know, right? I’ve had a few new followers of the blog so I apologise in advance for any errors when you read these daily blogs. Because I blog every day, I only do a very minor edit so there will be mistakes. ((I find it helps if you just skim read Peachy’s blog with one eye closed)) It was either hope the readers let me off the mistakes or I don’t blog everyday ((People cannot live without me every day!)) Exactly, Brackets.
Right, day done. ((What? That was a short one?)) I know, there isn’t much else to report as had a day with family and friends catching up and playing games. ((What about interaction with your readers? Honestly, down to me one again… i should be paid as your marketing manager… if you want to read any of Peachy’s books then check out her bookshelf… click here… Wow you have loads more subscribers on your website. i worry about society. That’s day done)) x
February 22, 2024
Ladies that lunch… Day 202.
Friday 9th February Day 202
Today I’ve been invited to join the ‘ladies that lunch’ and two of them are Patreons of my YouTube channel and big supporters of my books. ((One is your mum, the other is Sandra my number One Fan – Hi Sandra!)) Hey, stop having favourites again!
We have a lovely natter and the hours tick by as we tuck into our food. My mum threatens me once again about publishing my psychological thriller and I promise I’m working on it – I was making notes on the train after all! ((actually you were. I’m liking the new ideas for it.)) thanks Brackets, I’m glad I’ve waited so long to get this one ready to publish. Sandra very kindly treats us to lunch – thank you again! Very spoilt ((Too spoilt. I notice I wasn’t invited!)) That’s because… I was going to say you’re not real but then I would get in trouble. ((How dare you! Sandra… tell Peachy!)) I do often wonder what the heck new people think when they start reading this blog!
Once home the rest of my family who live nearby pop around and we start a game of Zombicide. We have played games ever since I can remember. It’s where my love of writing came from and the imagination as we used to play Dungeons and Dragons and every other game we could find. Day done. Until tomorrow. x
((Down to me again. If you would like to sign up to be a Patreon and have the utter joy of going to lunch with Peachy one day – personally, I couldn’t think of anything worse but here is the link… Join here as a free Patreon for limited access or subscription for content before everyone else.))
February 21, 2024
Dodgy weather, transport and the police! Day 201.
Thursday 8th February Day 201
What a day to have booked tickets to travel. The threatening horrible weather arrives and as I’m getting ready to catch the bus to Stafford. The driving, sleeting rain bounces of the boat and I decide we better order a taxi but then after seeing the cost at £18 we decide to brave the weather but then the price reduces to £10; for anyone who uses Uber do you understand how this works? Literally fifteen minutes later it was a different price. It costs us £4 on the bus so £10 door to door for a taxi so I’m not soaked on the start of my journey seems reasonable.
Surprisingly, because according to the weather report it the new apocalyptic end of the world weather front coming in ((Don’t be so dramatic)) I’m not being dramatic. It’s winter and yes, I know I’m stepping on an emotive topic here because of ‘global warming’ and if you need to know I think with my very limited knowledge ((Peachy means she just made up this theory)) I think humans do contribute to global warming but I also believe it’s also a natural ebb and flow of the planet. How else do you explain terrible floods of the past that we know have been worse than we have today? Also, our knowledge is based on when records began. It’s too big a subject to go into now ((And how is this relevant to you?)) well, I do live on water now so heavy rain and flooding affects us in many different ways. There has just been a big land slide on one of the main canals so this might stop us travelling that way and there have been some terrible incidents of boats being sunk. It’s one of the reasons we made sure we weren’t mooring on a river and hopefully never will. they are too unpredictable but I also think ((Here we go)) that a lot of flooding problems are due to poor maintenance, building on flood plains and chopping down the trees. ((okay enough now))
As I make it to the train station, I stand disbelievingly looking at the information screen showing the train times. On time. Every. Train. On time. What is this third dimension I’ve fallen into? Although, whilst I’m sitting waiting, the train starts showing delayed and normal life resumes. Luckily it ends up only being a few minutes late and I have a forty-minute wait for my connecting train so no panicking required. I know I have readers from all over the world and if you ever venture to the UK I apologise in advance if you use our public transport. It’s shocking on every level and makes me dream of being back in New Zealand or literally anywhere in the world is; from my experience, better than here. The train is surprisingly quiet and warm so I finish my kindle book –Glass Doll by D.E. White and then have some ideas so write some notes for my psychological thriller… that’s when the police got on the train ((Run, Peachy. Save yourself… and me obvs)) I did wonder if they had been glancing at my notes on the train camera… killer’s, list… Turns out they are not interested in me and I get off the train at Lancaster and wait for my connecting train.
The gale force swirling maelstrom of weather hits me in the face and I stupidly try and put up my umbrella as I walk up the steep hill from Bentham station. Finally, I make it to the warmth of home and a coffee. Day done. Until tomorrow. x
((Just sharing a link to Peachy’s New Zealand book because if you want something doing you might as well do it yourself! She is so bad at promoting!))
February 20, 2024
Social media… love it or hate it? Day 200!
Wednesday 7th February Day 200
Today is a bit of a faffing day ((That’s all you ever do!)) I think I mentioned that I’m going to do a promotion on my New Zealand travel book soon… well, we just happened to start looking through all the videos we took using the go-pro and as i’ve previously said we have decided we are going to create vlogs out of the footage ((Of course you are)) it’s what we originally intended to do but then life got in the way and in a funny turn of events we now have a YouTube channel to share them on. Although we do intend to keep the Sunday 6pm vlogs as the cruising ones and then add the other ones on other days.
I’ve also decided to give TikTok another go. Specially BookTok as it really is a great market to break into it’s just the old problem of having enough time and if you’re going to invest in something you have to do it properly else there is no point. I’ve got a few ideas so we will see how that goes. I still haven’t been using Twitter or the new Threads on Instagram; I’m not sure why but I now seem to prefer other platforms. I suppose it’s a case of going where your audience is or where you can find a new audience. I will keep you updated on how that goes. ((Oh Joy. We so look forward to that.)) Social media is such hard work!
The promotion side is really the hardest part for me. I love creating but then i’m onto the next project. ((Perhaps you need to teach Chris how to use them)) Oh yeah, can you imagine… he doesn’t do social media in any way shape or form so i don’t think that would go down well. ((You could offer to pay him in beer?)) Not a bad call! Anyway, if you haven’t read my New Zealand book and fancy bagging yourself a bargain click here. Day done. Until tomorrow. xx
February 19, 2024
New Patreon and creating vlogs… Day 199
Tuesday 6th February Day 199
I’ve had the best sleep ever and don’t wake up until 9.50am! ((you lazy…)) I know. It happens maybe once every year and more than that I wake up feeling restful and actually well for the first time in a few weeks and ready to take on the world! ((Oh Lord!)) big list made and first job is to go to the shops as Chris’s back is feeling better after resting it and we need milk for coffees.
There seem to be a lot more narrowboats out and about at Great Haywood canal junction and we cannot wait to join them. More and more our chats are going to where we are going to go and of course, this is all weather dependent but unless we are frozen in I don’t see why we wont go as we are ready to cruise. The only issue is getting the bow and stern painted but if we don’t we will just have to figure it out. ((I can just see you climbing through the duck hatch – perhaps you fit a lift to get you out so you don’t stand on the stern or bow))
I seem to have an okayish wi-fi signal but it still takes 5 hours to finish creating the vlog to upload for my Patreons to watch before it goes onto YouTube and I welcome a new Patreon Bonnie to The Plot crew. ((You will soon have enough people to crew a dingy)) Oi, don’t be rude! Without them you would be silenced and not allowed out every day ((I love our Patreons; Sandra and Ann are my favourite though)) Hey, you’re not allowed favourites – just because they want you to have merchandise!
It’s the standard washing day and wandering to the laundry room – will there, won’t there be someone using it? Turns out there is but just the dryer. Anyway later on I go back and end up having the standard laundry room chat about life. Very pleasant. What else to report ((Oh don’t forget you spilt the white spirits)) Oh yeah, thanks for that. We were doing another coat of varnish and decided to move everything into the bow and as a result of the boat rocking ((Always an excuse)) I knocked over the tub with white spirits. Luckily, it was in the bow so at least not in the inside of the boat. One step forward…
We are still watching New Zealand videos and creating a play list of which ones we are going to upload. It was amazing watching the helicopter ride. Brings back so many amazing memories. We’ve uploaded the little vlog we did to music about finding the hermit’s cave at Elizabeth Castle in Jersey if you fancy a watch… day done. Until tomorrow. x
https://youtu.be/Vkb90q7PyWI
