Annette V Hart's Blog: The ramblings of Annette Hart, page 14

Drafting...

Having reread and scribbled additions and changes in several coloured pens all over my current draft of Athlandia book #3, tonight I made a good start at rewritting it on the computer. After putting up with noisey children (still the holidays), deciphering almost illegible writing and several forays into the dictionary, I'm taking a well earned break. My head aches after a lovely dinner and several glasses of wine at my in-laws!

Summer...

My cousin's wedding was simple and elegant - a gorgeous day - and the weather was good despite another dodgy summer. My holiday photos are full of pictures of the children looking either cold, wet or miserable (sometimes all three). I have a great shot of Sidmouth beach in Folk Week sporting a marvellous selection of greys. When will we ever have a sunny August again?

I came back from a week in Devon to discover that my second book's publication date has been put back until September so I am optamistically working on book three.

Back in the doldrums...

Returned from holiday (a fantastic family wedding but a so-so holiday with ropey weather), to find that the publication of my second book has been delayed until September. I am twiddling my thumbs while I wait to see - and sign off - the front cover. I know that the best thing I can do is settle down to some writing, maybe working on the current draft of book 3 or my rewriting of another story I've started in order to make it an adult fantasy novel. It's time to squirrel myself away from the rest of the family and get on with some work!

So excited...

I'm so excited... but not about my next book! Not only am I off on holiday shortly but I am also going to a family wedding. It's been ages since we've had a big do so my eldest daughter and I are getting thoroughly ready with our hair, outfits and accessories. It should be smart but fun (and a chance to catch up with family). I do promise to take some writing with me and particularly to take my note book. I have found the West Country a good source of descriptive inspiration in the past.

Well done, PM Cameron!

I think the Prime Minister is in desperate need of some history lessons. I can not believe that in the year which commemorates the 70th Anniversary of Dunkirk, The Battle of Britain and The Blitz Cameron could make such a blunder as to suggest that we were a junior partner in the war to the US in 1940. Perhaps he also needs to learn the significance of Pearl Harbour in 1941 for Britain, i.e. the US officially joining the war.

Definitely in the doldrums...

I'm definitely in the doldrums as far as my writing is concerned and therefore I'm still very cross with myself. I've tried doing everything I can to kick start some enthusiasm; I can only assume it's tiredness and that a rest and a good family holiday will sort me out. I'll be seeing lots of relatives so I'm sure their interest and encouragement will also help.

And getting a finalised publishing date for my second book would also help!

Cross with myself...

I know it's been hot and close here recently but I've struggled to get on with some new writing. I have a story I've started and I go for walks to stimulate ideas but then I get busy with more mundane chores and write nothing. And when I have been free, I find silly jobs to do or get sidetracked by somebody else's book. Why am I prevaricating?

Anticipation...

With everything in the air at home, (husband's job on the line), I am looking forward to some good news and am eagerly awaiting both the cover of my next book and a publishing date. I am expecting the latter to be in August but the former can happen any day. I hope the illustrator added the changes I wanted and it is always exciting to see both your name and title in print. It all feels very out of my hands...

All shopped out...

Never mind 'Sex and the City', I've spent 2 days trying on about 15 dresses - several twice - before finally choosing one I am happy to wear to my cousin's wedding. And now I have to find some shoes...

I know lots of women love shopping for clothes but I don't! I end up muddle-headed and dispondent; I think it's the cruelly harsh lighting and full length mirrors that show up every stretch mark and lump. Surfice it to say, I am not the smallest woman on the planet. Finding nice - and not frumpy - clothes that fit/suit my figure seems excrutiatingly hard!

I would much rather shop for food and my children.

Party time...

...but not for me! My youngest daughter's 5th birthday, and first birthday with school friends, is going to be a traditional affair: lots of young girls dressed as princesses, enormous amounts of pink and plenty of old-fashioned party games. I suspect the cats (and possibly my boys!) will stay hidden for the duration. My mum is making the cake and instead of putting a Disney princess on it, she is making a dress for a doll in the style of my lead character! (Although the only red-headed doll we can find is the rather brash Ariel!)