C.L. Peache's Blog, page 19

Money, business and laundry ((But not money laundering!))

Wednesday 10th January Day 172

The snow has more or less disappeared now so we book the car hire for tomorrow with fingers crossed the weather will be kind. The sun is shining and we tackle the many steps up to Fort Regent which has amazing views of St Helier, Elizabeth Castle and St Aubins Bay then we decide we deserve a treat and head to a coffee shop ((Wait a minute… are you spending the cash from the coffees you’ve had bought for you?!)) no I’m not – that money is all being saved so I can upgrade my website to a business website so then I can sell signed copies of my books.

Also, part of our long-term financial plan is to trade from the boat at festivals so I’m going to start creating branded items. This will include notebooks, pens, jigsaws, bookmarks and anything else which goes with the theme of The Plot/writing etc. ((Are you forgetting something… my fans will not be left wanting!)) Yes, there will be some promotional ‘Brackets’ items, I just have to decide how I’m going to create the logo’s etc but that is a job for another day.

Thoughts of going home are being discussed and all the jobs we want to do when we get back. It’s going to be very cold the first week back so it might involve getting the shower room walls sanded and the area near the kitchen finally sorted. For anyone who has seen the YouTube tour ((Peachy will add below)) you will see what needs doing. We have also decided we are going to buy a washing machine and replace the twin tub. I love the twin tub but now we are more tow path liveaboards we think it makes sense. The boat had one when we bought it so all the plumbing is ready to go. At the time we got rid of it as we needed the space and also had access to the laundry room with free tokens as part of our rent in the marina.

Now we have to pay to use the marina’s ones or a laundrette, not only is it sometimes physically hard work to carry all the washing ((Well, you’re both old and judging by your blog actually falling apart!)) Exactly. Also it can be between £7.50 – £15 for a wash and dry and that cost soon mounts up. The twin tub is great but not for towels and bedding. It does mean we will have to rethink where we have the rubbish bin. It’s all a compromise when living in a small space. Actually if anyone has a washing machine for sale or wants to buy our Twin Tub then let me know. Ideally we will need to get the new one by end of Feb and sell the old one whilst we are still at the marina and it’s easier to get deliveries etc.

Youtube Vlog

SNOW DAY and my writing routine

Tuesday 9th January Day 171

This morning we wake up to snow and apparently, it’s been 10 years since Jersey had proper snow like this! ((It’s totally your fault Peachy!)) We are supposed to be collecting the hire car today but looking at the snow which has already settled and more to come, we decide to cancel and hope we can hire one before we go home as I have places I need to check out for the new book.

As is standard in these situations we get ready and go straight out, because how often do you get to enjoy the snow but also on a beach! It’s cold but bracing morning because at least the gale force winds haven’t returned and we are wrapped up warm as we wander across St Aubins Bay. It’s very odd to see seaweed covered with snow! If you want to see some pics take a look at my Instagram or Facebook page. If anyone isn’t following my author/blogger/reader page it would be great if you give it a follow. I will pop the link at the end. thanks

The Fregate café which is in the shape of upturned boat is covered in snow, normally when I visit in June, it’s surrounded by blue skies and sunlight and people are enjoying ice-creams. What a difference.

After a walk, we wander back to the apartment and I set to writing and also treat myself to some reading again. I’m reading Trust by Hernan Diaz and I’ve read Part one and now I’m not so sure if I’m going to carry on. I’ve been assured by my book group folk that it’s worth carrying on with so I probably will at some point. The problem as I said yesterday is that I started reading The Drift by C.J. Tudor and that has gripped me so much I might have to finish that first and then go back to Trust. ((First world problems there Peachy!))

I think I read somewhere – possibly in a blog that an author had a routine which involved writing in the morning and then in the afternoon they would set to sorting admin, emails, socials and reading because it’s accepted as a rule that if you’re a good writer then you probably read a lot ((erm… you haven’t been doing so well on your reading the goals the last few years… that explains a few things!)) Oi!

I struggle to have a fixed routine as when we are on the boat we do tend to cruise in the mornings. I must admit though, I prefer to write in the mornings, I think I said last week I struggle to write into the evenings which is a habit I’m glad I’m out of to be honest. Back in the day when I first discovered this strange world of writing books I used to write late into the night, mainly because I was at work all day but it made for a distinct lack of sleep as the story and characters kept my brain alert ((I’m surprised…)) don’t say it Brackets.

There is a lot of information and suggestions out there about when and how you should write. Like writing every day etc and if that’s works for you then brilliant. My writing routine depends on if I’m starting a new novel or editing and I tend to have an intense few days and then have a few days off, simply because I’m doing other things but of course I do blog most days so that’s still writing. ((And let’s face it most of what you say is fiction as no-one can be actually sure you’re remembering it correctly!)) Day done. x

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Writing, blogging and reading goals…

Monday 8th January Day 170

It’s another morning writing and then a walk along the harbours towards Havre de pas but first I pop in to the bus station to try and retrieve my gloves as it’s cold… and low and behold, they are there – thank you kind bus driver! ((You’re well jammy you are!)) They are well needed as it’s a very cold day and snow is forecast tomorrow although apparently it rarely snows on Jersey. ((That will be your fault Peachy!)) I think we have had every kind of weather whilst we have been here. It’s nice that the gale force winds have finally left and the driving rain. I will take cold and crisp day any day of the week. The wind was so strong it nearly took us off our feet the other day so not nice to walk in and explore the island.

Other than a walk, writing and blogging it’s a quiet day as come the afternoon it’s a bit too cold to brave another walk and we have to be kind to our old bodies. I crack on with a bit more reading once all the work is done in order to reach my reading target this year so settle down to carrying on with The Drift by C.J.Tudor – what a book!

What’s everyone else reading/listening to at the moment and do you have any reading goals for 2024? ((I’ve got one?)) Oh yeah, dare I ask? ((Well, my goal is about reading less nonsense really…)) Yeah, yeah I know exactly what you’re going to say!

I’m keeping a tally of my books on Goodreads so if you have an account and want to chat or keep a record of your books – Click here Day done x

Jersey adventures… Day 170 – 176 – Mon 8th Jan – Sun 14th Jan

Monday 8th January Day 170

It’s another morning writing and then a walk along the harbours towards Havre de pas but first I pop in to the bus station to try and retrieve my gloves as it’s cold… and low and behold, they are there – thank you kind bus driver! ((You’re well jammy you are!)) They are well needed as it’s a very cold day and snow is forecast tomorrow although apparently it rarely snows on Jersey. ((That will be your fault Peachy!)) I think we have had every kind of weather whilst we have been here. It’s nice that the gale force winds have finally left and the driving rain. I will take cold and crisp day any day of the week. The wind was so strong it nearly took us off our feet the other day so not nice to walk in and explore the island.

Other than a walk, writing and blogging it’s a quiet day as come the afternoon it’s a bit too cold to brave another walk and we have to be kind to our old bodies. I crack on with a bit more reading once all the work is done in order to reach my reading target this year so settle down to carrying on with The Drift by C.J.Tudor – what a book!

What’s everyone else reading/listening to at the moment and do you have any reading goals for 2024? ((I’ve got one?)) Oh yeah, dare I ask? ((Well, my goal is about reading less nonsense really…)) Yeah, yeah I know exactly what you’re going to say!

I’m keeping a tally of my books on Goodreads so if you have an account and want to chat or keep a record of your books – Click here Day done x

Tuesday 9th January Day 171

This morning we wake up to snow and apparently, it’s been 10 years since Jersey had proper snow like this! ((It’s totally your fault Peachy!)) We are supposed to be collecting the hire car today but looking at the snow which has already settled and more to come, we decide to cancel and hope we can hire one before we go home as I have places I need to check out for the new book.

As is standard in these situations we get ready and go straight out, because how often do you get to enjoy the snow but also on a beach! It’s cold but bracing morning because at least the gale force winds haven’t returned and we are wrapped up warm as we wander across St Aubins Bay. It’s very odd to see seaweed covered with snow! If you want to see some pics take a look at my Instagram or Facebook page. If anyone isn’t following my author/blogger/reader page it would be great if you give it a follow. I will pop the link at the end. thanks

The Fregate café which is in the shape of upturned boat is covered in snow, normally when I visit in June, it’s surrounded by blue skies and sunlight and people are enjoying ice-creams. What a difference.

After a walk, we wander back to the apartment and I set to writing and also treat myself to some reading again. I’m reading Trust by Hernan Diaz and I’ve read Part one and now I’m not so sure if I’m going to carry on. I’ve been assured by my book group folk that it’s worth carrying on with so I probably will at some point. The problem as I said yesterday is that I started reading The Drift by C.J. Tudor and that has gripped me so much I might have to finish that first and then go back to Trust. ((First world problems there Peachy!))

I think I read somewhere – possibly in a blog that an author had a routine which involved writing in the morning and then in the afternoon they would set to sorting admin, emails, socials and reading because it’s accepted as a rule that if you’re a good writer then you probably read a lot ((erm… you haven’t been doing so well on your reading the goals the last few years… that explains a few things!)) Oi!

I struggle to have a fixed routine as when we are on the boat we do tend to cruise in the mornings. I must admit though, I prefer to write in the mornings, I think I said last week I struggle to write into the evenings which is a habit I’m glad I’m out of to be honest. Back in the day when I first discovered this strange world of writing books I used to write late into the night, mainly because I was at work all day but it made for a distinct lack of sleep as the story and characters kept my brain alert ((I’m surprised…)) don’t say it Brackets.

There is a lot of information and suggestions out there about when and how you should write. Like writing every day etc and if that’s works for you then brilliant. My writing routine depends on if I’m starting a new novel or editing and I tend to have an intense few days and then have a few days off, simply because I’m doing other things but of course I do blog most days so that’s still writing. ((And let’s face it most of what you say is fiction as no-one can be actually sure you’re remembering it correctly!)) Day done. x

Wednesday 10th January Day 172

The snow has more or less disappeared now so we book the car hire for tomorrow with fingers crossed the weather will be kind. The sun is shining and we tackle the many steps up to Fort Regent which has amazing views of St Helier, Elizabeth Castle and St Aubins Bay then we decide we deserve a treat and head to a coffee shop ((Wait a minute… are you spending the cash from the coffees you’ve had bought for you?!)) no I’m not – that money is all being saved so I can upgrade my website to a business website so then I can sell signed copies of my books.

Also, part of our long-term financial plan is to trade from the boat at festivals so I’m going to start creating branded items. This will include notebooks, pens, jigsaws, bookmarks and anything else which goes with the theme of The Plot/writing etc. ((Are you forgetting something… my fans will not be left wanting!)) Yes, there will be some promotional ‘Brackets’ items, I just have to decide how I’m going to create the logo’s etc but that is a job for another day.

Thoughts of going home are being discussed and all the jobs we want to do when we get back. It’s going to be very cold the first week back so it might involve getting the shower room walls sanded and the area near the kitchen finally sorted. For anyone who has seen the YouTube tour ((Peachy will add below)) you will see what needs doing. We have also decided we are going to buy a washing machine and replace the twin tub. I love the twin tub but now we are more tow path liveaboards we think it makes sense. The boat had one when we bought it so all the plumbing is ready to go. At the time we got rid of it as we needed the space and also had access to the laundry room with free tokens as part of our rent in the marina.

Now we have to pay to use the marina’s ones or a laundrette, not only is it sometimes physically hard work to carry all the washing ((Well, you’re both old and judging by your blog actually falling apart!)) Exactly. Also it can be between £7.50 – £15 for a wash and dry and that cost soon mounts up. The twin tub is great but not for towels and bedding. It does mean we will have to rethink where we have the rubbish bin. It’s all a compromise when living in a small space. Actually if anyone has a washing machine for sale or wants to buy our Twin Tub then let me know. Ideally we will need to get the new one by end of Feb and sell the old one whilst we are still at the marina and it’s easier to get deliveries etc. Day done x

Thursday 11th January Day 173

Finally, we get the car and are up early and to the bus station to catch the number 15 to the airport to collect the car. I don’t know about you but I love going on double decker buses. You can see so much ((You mean, nosey in peoples homes and gardens!)) What a journey this turns out to be. There is a guy having a full on conversation on his phone about how he wants his mate to lend him the money to buy him a strip of Viagra because he’s having a few problems, probably due to the ecstasy he’s taking! I mean would you have that kind of conversation so everyone could hear? He was on his way for a job interview. He also then went on to say how he got put away for witness intimidation but said he had mental health problems so got off with a lighter sentence! ((wow!)) I know right, not the kind of conversation I’ve ever heard anyone have in Jersey! I’ve said it before and i will say it again, be careful what you say in the public domain because a writer might be listening. ((and if it’s a writer who can actually remember things then you’re really in trouble!))

It’s the easiest car hire we have ever had. We paid £17 for fuel, got given the keys and told not to worry about anything, we are fully covered and enjoy ourselves! The car hire cost £77 for 2 days so £94 including fuel which is a very reasonable. To drop off, we just park it back in the car hire place and put the keys in a key drop box. Could not be easier. Very impressive.

Then it’s off we go with butties made to save some pennies for the full island tour stopping off at various locations i need to check for my book. I’m not sure when the Jersey vlog will go out but there are pics on Instagram. We stop off at a few places which are in the book but plan to visit the main dramatic scene in the book tomorrow.

We arrive back to the apartment around 4.30pm which is about the time it goes dark and park the car in the carpark across the road from the apartment. Its free between 6pm-8am and then only £1 per hour. We intend to be up early tomorrow for our last full day with the car.

Great day and really nice for Chris to get to see the island properly. This is what we normally do when on holiday ((HA got you! You said it was a research trip!! You weren’t fooling anyone.)) whatever! It’s a brilliant way to explore somewhere and we enjoyed our butties parked up in layby overlooking the sea and the lighthouse. Jersey has so absolutely stunning places to visit and even on dreary days the sea is always that lovely green/blue.

Day done and looking forward to tomorrow. x

Friday 12th January Day 174

Today is a fab day. It’s a bit cloudier than yesterday so we don’t get the lovely sun reflecting off the sea but it’s still lovely. We visit Portelet beach which is very easy to go down and a bit of killer on the old legs walking back up. We have the beach to ourselves and enjoy just listening to the sound of the sea ((Not your gasping for breath then?)) Don’t ruin the scene I’ve created! Leaving there we head around to the next beach called Ouaisne Bay which I think is pronounced Way-neigh and then there is St Ouens which pronounced St Wans… I think that’s right! On this beach we stumble across the rocks and climb the steps to make it to Portelet common. I take some videos and pictures to help me visualise the final scene. ((Make sure you don’t fall off. It might make you infamous but no good to anyone as you haven’t finished the book yet!!)) I must admit when I was clinging onto a rock I did worry about falling off! This has been really useful and once down it’s on to find a place to eat the butties.

In the afternoon we find the Green Lanes on the island. They are roads where cars have to stick to a 15mph speed and horses, cyclists and walkers have right of way – what a great idea. So many lanes we weaved about and it’s a part of Jersey I’ve never been to before. I normally only come for a few days at the end of June for mine and my friends birthday who lives over here so we don’t get chance to do loads of things ((That’s because you’re usually in the Royal Yacht drinking fizz on the balcony or in the spa!)) Well it is our birthdays.

As we’ve only eaten out once we decide to treat ourselves to fish and chips, it was well worth the wait and we are suitably full as we take the car back into the carpark for the night and head back to the apartment. Jersey really is such a stunning Island and well worth a visit if you get the opportunity.

I’ve got loads of work now to do on the book and so when I get home it’s going to be a good few day of head down and crack on. Since it looks like it’s not going above freezing and -5 some days the marina will no doubt be frozen and so it will be a perfect hiding inside the boat few days ahead of getting stuck in and getting the boat DIY jobs done before we leave the marina.

Day done. x

Saturday 13th January Day 175

It’s up early as we have to return the car by 10 am and need to drive to the airport. We collect the car from the carpark and then head to St Brelades Bay which is yet another stunning beach in Jersey. It’s one I often come to with my friends but it’s normally sunny, unlike the frosty cold morning today but it’s still beautiful. Winter can be such a hard season people who suffer from SAD and struggle with the darker nights. I find them difficult sometimes but winter is too long and I’ve tried over the years to embrace it and enjoy the cosy side of being indoors. Chris finds it a lot harder than me ((That’s because he’s stuck inside with you more! Poor bloke)) I always have something to do and I’ve said before although love getting out and about I’m a home body at heart so give me a jigsaw, a book, writing, vlogging, blogging, freelance work, it’s why I take all these things on, because I like to be busy.

Anyway, car returned and again so easy. Then we wait and catch the double decker bus from the airport back to St Aubins bay and a walk back from there. It’s a very bracing cold morning but exhilarating to be walking on the beach and finally we are back to the apartment for some writing for me and there may or may not have been a powernap involved before heading for our first visit to the pub as we meet some of my Jersey pals for a good old chin wag and I tap them for information as they have all done the Jersey Itex Island Walk ((Oh right, I understand. Even trying to pretend that going to the pub is actually work. I do not believe you)) After a pleasant few hours we grab some noodles for tea and that’s yet another day done and we are coming to the end of our Jersey adventure. Day done. x

Sunday 14th January Day 176

We decide a walk over the sea pathway to Elizabeth Castle is in order since it’s something we haven’t done yet so we have lunch and then walk over when the tide has revealed enough of the path for it to be safe. There is something exciting about walking on a pathway which in a few hours time will be covered by the sea again. Some of the sand is really soft as we decide to walk around the outskirts of the castle, over the rocks, pebbles and shells to the Hermit House, again a video of this will be coming out soon. We spot what looks like an allotment area with a little shed on it so I’m presuming the sea doesn’t make it that far up the walls – or maybe only in bad weather.

We are both knackered when we get back so chill out watching some TV. Chris makes a Sunday dinner and then I do some faffing with the book before checking that everything is in order for our flight tomorrow and then travel back to the marina on Tuesday and thoughts go back to boat life and if the boat will be okay after so long.

OMG I’ve just been looking at the planner for the train on if I didn’t have a ticket for this journey which we booked in advance and it would be £235 pounds! What? I paid £21 for these tickets. Honestly the UK’s transport is a joke and that’s not even for first class.

Right, that’s it for this week as it is currently 12.17pm on Sunday 21st January and this blog is supposed to go out at 12.30pm! nothing like cutting it fine but I’ve been working none stop on the book since I got back and I wasn’t well this morning so I’m behind with everything. So, I hope you have a good week ahead if you’re reading this weekly and ‘see’ you tomorrow if you’re reading it daily. Don’t forget the latest vlog will be alive on YouTube. It’s started slowing down with new subscribers so if you haven’t subscribed or liked any vlogs that would be fab.

Thank you and day/week done! Xx

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I lose my gloves and maybe the plot…

Sunday 7th January Day 169

After spending the morning writing, we decide to head to Gorey on the bus to have a look at a few more places which feature in the book. Researching for a book is a strange affair because you can see something which you think will work really well but it won’t fit for some reason or you’re lucky enough to find a perfect spot for your characters to meet but then the characters are not having it or it doesn’t fit in to the story arc. It’s a tricky old business!

We headed to the bus stop and even though it’s Sunday there are plenty of buses which are all on time and everyone is really friendly. I know it’s a small island but still, the service is very good and it costs £2.25 for a single to Gorey which I would say took about 20-30 mins. You can get offers for day/weekly tickets etc but we have decided to get a car on Tuesday. The weather is turning colder and there are some points of the island which are easier to reach in the car as it’s just a case of me nipping out and getting the feel of the place, taking some pictures etc which will help. I might even take my laptop with me so I can jot it down in the scene. ((ohh, get you being like a proper writer!)) I know right. Although I’m ready to move to the next stage of the book now as I’m sick of rewriting this part ((Should have planned more Peachy. I keep telling you!))

Typically for me I left my gloves on the bus. I am absolutely terrible with gloves. What happens is I take them off and put them in my lap then I forget about them, stand up and then they are gone. I cannot tell you how many gloves I’ve lost. Even these ones I bought when I got to Jersey because I left mine on the boat. ((I despair Peachy. I really do!))

After a wander through a very quiet high street in Jersey where only the sports shops and some food shops were open we then went back to the apartment. I tweaked my knee the other day with that long walk ((So, how does that mean that you end up having a power nap??)) I took some painkillers which I’ve been having anyway for a trapped nerve in my shoulder ((If I had a head, I would shake it!)) anyway, painkillers always make me sleepy.

Nap done, I do some social media and share the new vlog and a subscriber to the channel who recognised me in Mercia Marina – do you remember? He bought us two coffees! So kind. I did check if they were both for me . Sales seem to be going well for my New Zealand book, I suppose with people are thinking of booking a big adventure for the new year.

Day done x
((Tune in tomorrow for thrilling updates on ‘does Peachy get her gloves back’ and ‘will she finally finish the book.’))

Links below and a big thank you to everyone who is supporting this journey through Patreon, buying books or buying me a coffee. It is really appreciated and I won’t forget you when I’m a best selling author…

YouTube Channel – Watch our narrowboat adventures here
Patreon account – get early access to vlogs and you find out our plans first!
Saga Fiction App. – read some of my short stories and novels
Powertheauthor – Buy me a coffee here – saving up to upgrade my website so i can have a virtual bookshop! Until then you can buy from Amazon…
Amazonlink – Fantasy, travelogues, thrillers, romance and more…
Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany

A long walk and more research…

Saturday 6th January Day 168

It’s a nice day today so it’s a walk to St Aubins on the agenda, which takes us around the harbour and back with a stop for coffee and some homemade butties which help to keep the costs down! Some of the walk is on the promenade which follows the bay around but we decide to walk mostly on the beach. It’s approximately 8.5 miles and on the way back my knee decides it’s had enough ((Oh so not your hip or shoulder this time. It’s your knee – you’re fealling apart Peachy!)) it does feel like that sometimes. It’s like my tendons are tight at the back of my knee ((well you are for Yorkshire. Tight is in your DNA)) so I take it easy and still manage, hoping I haven’t done any damage as I’m really enjoying getting back into my walking.

One of my characters runs around this bay ((OH DEAR LORD do not trying running Peachy. Walking about breaks you, imagine what running would do!)) Rude! so it was good to get a few more notes filed in the brain ((You talk like you’re going to be able to access them later! They are gone Peachy, trust me!))

A friend was in the area as she’d taken her little girl swimming so we met for a coffee and a chat before I hobbled back to the apartment for a well deserved and needed bath. After a power nap ((Again!)) I crack on with a little bit more writing before chilling and binge watching some TV – before you say anything Brackets… ((Yes, I know. It’s research – insert rolled eyes people!))

Until tomorrow… x

An island tour…

Friday 5th January Day 167

Today is the day and we are treated to a full Island tour with a friend who has managed the Island Walk ((48.1 miles we remind you)) 14 times I think he said! 14 times! So he is the one in the know. We spend the full day stopping at as many of the check points as possible and he explains which parts are the hardest and the mentality of the walker. Absolutely amazing and I’m so grateful to my friend for taking us. ((I think he deserves a mention in the book. Also you can blame it on him if you get any of it wrong!)) Don’t be mean Brackets… although that’s a good idea.

Nothing else to report today as we didn’t get back until about 4ish after leaving at 10am. I’ve written down a load of notes ready for my next writing session. I’ve put some pictures on Instagram if you want to have a look at the Island Tour around Jersey. At some point i will upload a vlog showing as much as our trip as possible.

Day done. x
((P.S. for anyone following this for the narrowboat adventures… normal cruising life will resume soon as Peachy thrills us with exciting narrowboat DIY! Bet you cannot wait… ))

My characters ignore my plans…

Thursday 4th January Day 166

My friend is taking us out for the island tour tomorrow so this morning I’ve spent the time writing and trying to get my characters to settle on their character arcs. I never knew it was so hard to make characters do what you want ((You are the author! Put your foot down!)) I try, but they don’t listen or through doing this research I keep coming up with different ideas. ((So, actually it’s more your fault then and you’re just trying to blame your characters!)) I still haven’t decided if I will change the ending!

After spending about five hours working on the book ((also having a power nap!!)) Don’t tell everyone my secrets! We decide to watch Wonka at the cinema as they have an offer on as there is no way we can afford the usual price. If anyone hasn’t seen it then I can highly recommend watching it, it’s a good blend of something new but a nod to the original film with Gene Wilder. Very good, I was surprised how much we enjoyed it.

It was back to the apartment to chill out. I really struggle to write in the evenings now. I used to be able to work until midnight but that’s a rarity nowadays. I find I’m too tired and end up re-writing if I try and I did do loads this morning so figure I’m allowed a night off.
Until tomorrow. x

I decide my book is rubbish!

Wednesday 3rd January Day 165

I had a crap nights sleep as my shoulder was hurting a lot and I’m hoping it’s doesn’t go on for months as it did last time, which led to the funny turn I had in 2022, which ultimately led to selling the house and buying a boat! ((Don’t worry, Peachy is okay now. It only last another 4 or 5 days! You know how dramatic she is!))

Being in an apartment and hooked up to proper internet has made me realise how slow ours is. Here i can download/upload a vlog to Patreon and YouTube with the upload/download speed in 30 minutes! Whereas on the boat it would literally take me all day if we have a bad signal ((That’s boat life for you and living inside a steel tube!)) it certainly is, and just one example of having to apply patience to anything you do when living on a boat.

I’ve decided my book is absolute rubbish which would worry me if I hadn’t come to that conclusion on every book I’ve written. Experience really does help when you reach certain stages when writing a novel. I know very soon I will decide I actually like it and it works well. Just shows, this is my 14th book and I still have doubts. Maybe that helps to make the book better. ((Erm… probably not but you crack on anyway Peachy))

I put my book to one side and finish reading the brilliant Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany. Which is the first book I’ve finished in my 2024 challenge to read 52 books this year, which will also include audio books and re-reads ((Ohhhh contentious!)) for those who aren’t involved in the reading/writing community, there has been debates on whether audio books count towards a goal because you’re not ‘reading’ which is stupid. Listening to a book still requires the commitment to the book, sometimes more, as you have focus when listening to an audio book as it’s easy to be distracted with other things. When reading, you’re generally just doing that. Same with re-reads, some say you cannot count them towards a target but my view is you can because you’ve still taken the time to read it.

I’m currently also re-listening to The Worldship Humility by R.R. Haywood who is one of my favourite authors at the minute. He writes fantastic characters as well as a great story. This is the first book in the series which I’m listening to again as I want to read the rest in the series and wanted to remind myself what happened. ((well we all know about your famous lack of memory!))
Until tomorrow. x

Spa day and book research…

Tuesday 2nd January Day 164

Today it’s up early as I’m meeting a friend at The Royal Yacht hotel which features in the Jersey book I’m writing ((OH no! I’m not having this. You’re meeting your mate because she’s getting you in with a free pass because she uses the gym there! Do not try and pretend this is anything to do with the book!)) Yes it is, Brackets. When you’re a writer everything you do is research. ((nope, not having it!))

I spent a very pleasant few hours swimming in the pool, using the saunas and relaxing with a book. I don’t know if I mentioned that I’ve trapped a nerve in my shoulder again? This happened before I left the boat and carrying a heavy rucksack didn’t help. So, this morning was well needed as well as the baths I’ve had at my friend’s apartment. If you don’t know ((where have you been??)) I live on a narrowboat and don’t have a bath so these have been heavenly with regards to getting the soothing heat on my shoulder. 

In the afternoon I suffer a bit as I don’t think the swimming really helped my shoulder much but never mind, i loved the spa so it was worth the pain. ((Serves you right for lording it up at the spa!)) More painkillers consumed as I crack on with my book. My deadline is fast approaching but I’m happy with my progress. It will help once I’ve spent some time at the locations and the characters have settled with their stories! They keep messing me about!

Until tomorrow.. xx