Annette V Hart's Blog: The ramblings of Annette Hart, page 15

Competition promo and a bit of excitement...

I'm buzzing today having just spoken to my youngest son's class about writing and now I've been organising a competition promo for my current book with the teen girls' magazine Mizz. It'll be great to finally get some advertising - even if I've had to organise it myself!

Meanwhile, our 8 month old kitten has suddenly progressed from catching worms and spiders to mice! I had a shock the other night when a little furry face appeared under the sofa. I wasn't sure who was responsible for the tiny visitor until Misty ran in yesterday with her mouth very full, growling because she didn't want to give up her prize! I think a new collar with a loud bell is in order - I don't want her catching the baby blue tits when they start arriving like her big sister!

A dreadful Mother's Day weekend (thanks Ofsted et al)...

We spent Mother's Day visiting our parents and explaining why we probably will be moving.

Since Rob's school failed their Ofsted inspection at the beginning of the year under the new Ofsted procedures (going from good to failing in 3 years!), the County Council are gunning for Rob. Momentarilly they were supportive and then they started covering their backs. They said they would give him the year to turn things around but it's beocme apparent that they want him out - whatever the SATs results.

And now a few parents have started a vicious letter writing campaign to the Council, attacking the school, the Governors, some ataff and my husband in particular. Privately other parents have been very supportive but County are just hearing from the vocal few.

Even if he kept his job, neither he nor I want to stay here. I feel I don't know who I can be friends with, who I can trust.

Ironically, Rob had been planning to move on this year but now what's happened has made it very difficult for him to get a job, especially one of a comparable level. If only my writing career had taken off better, we could safely say 'sod them'! I don't like the way education has become just about politics and statistics so I don't really want to carry on teaching - but it's what I'm trained for. Any ideas anyone?

Pride...

Not about my books! I'm feeling very proud of my youngest daughter right now. All my children struggled a little when starting to read at school for one reason or another. Maybe it's genetic - I had to have extra lessons when I first learnt too! I thought Jenny might have difficulties because she's had speech problems but she seems to be taking off beautifully. Everyday she comes home talking about the sounds and words she's learnt. And now she's taking real enjoyment in the rather mundane, phonetic school readers. All credit to herself and her teachers and a joy to encourage at home!

Sigh...

So much has happened since I last wrote before Christmas. We had a great, family-orientated holiday and I had just got the house straight when the snow hit! Following lots of freshly baked bread and cosy, warm fires (and the odd, cake baking spurt by my daughter), I've just got the house straight for a second time. My son's birthday party survived the bad weather (main roads clear) but my author visit to a school in London didn't (the useless trains).

I've had my first library loan payment. Although it was very small, I was pleased as I think only my local library has a copy! Anyone know how to get into more libraries?

Action...

Publishing happens in such fits and starts... I was very busy in September creating illustrations for my next book, (#2 in the Athlandia series called "Escape and Betrayal"). Then extra busy when the first lot of pictures got lost in the post during the strike - I have no idea if they ever ev entually arrived or are still floating about somewhere in England. Now, after a quiet period when I've been thinking about other stories, my edited manuscript has appeared on my doorstep. I'll have to tune back into this set of characters. Time to get busy... (But I might still squeeze in reading "A Christmas Carol"!)

Crashing...

Our computer crashed and has been in the repair shop for a week; a disaster for my daughter who was in the process of making her party invites. We now had to do it without the use of internet pictures but with a bit of ingenuity we managed (after a few upsets!) to create something she was happy with.

Now we're back on line with lots of emails to catch up with!

You would think it would make an easy week to either read or write but for some reason that didn't happen. But I have come up with one knew story idea to play with for a more grown-up fantasy so it wasn't all wasted time.

I have also kept up with my own (mediocre) exercise routine in order to lose some of my tummy. I've had 4 ceasars so I blame the children for the shot muscles (that and the cake, beer, cheese, etc...) As well as some fast walking which I find helps my ideas, I've dug out my old copy of "Callanetics". The effort is killing me... but I will persevere!

A long walk...

I have just enjoyed a hike across Norbury Park accompanying my son's class on a fied trip. The rain held off, there was lots to see and talk about (including an 800+ year old yew tree) in the company of a ranger (sadly not Strider). I am now going to curl up with a steaming hot coffee, a chocolate biscuits and a couple of my new books.

Busy not writing!

With the children and hubbie at home this week, and plenty of house work and activities, I've had no time or been too tired for writing. I always feel a bit restless, that 'there's something I should be doing' feeling, when I'm not writing.

I've also felt a bit anxious and edgy after reading some of the threads on writing groups. There's no way I have followed 'the rules of writing' so avidly; will there be something wrong with my books as a result?

A great night out...

Thanks to my sister, I had a great night out at the O2 yesterday watching Spandau Ballet. They looked and sounded good and I enjoyed singing and dancing along (sort of). I had forgotten quite how much I used to listen to them. I didn't even mind getting wet on the way home. Sadly my tapes are worn and I probably have nothing to play them on! A great trip down memory lane...

Loving Emma...

I'm really enjoying the current BBC production of Emma. I love the way they've pulled out and highlighted the humour of the book.
But I'm also frustrated. Having posted my carefully created illustrations, they are now stuck somewhere in the mail following the strike. Aaaaaah!!!