Annette V Hart's Blog: The ramblings of Annette Hart, page 16

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!!!

Sunny, autumnal Sunday

I picked up one of my 'to read' books but it is still so warm for October that we all went for a walk in Norbury Park. The sun was out but it was so peaceful and we only met the occasional dog walker. We picked lots of blackberries, elderberries and sloes to return home after a picnic of juice and biscuits with purple fingers and a few scratches to turn our bounty into wine. The children want to return next weekend so lets hope the weather is as good...

Shopping

I went to the supermarket to do our weekly shop and came away with clothes and books. I can't believe how cheap they can sell these books. How can the authors make any money from them?
I knew I shouldn't have taken my daughter with me...

Library visit...

A quick visit yesterday to our small but sweet local library. It's in the same building as the registry office so sometimes we sit and watch the wedding parties having photos taken in the garden.
I came out loaded with books but, sadly, once again the majority were for my children. I have to make instant choices too! By the time my youngest has chosen her books, she just wants to leave. I dream of one day spending ages browsing along the shelves...

Hello, to all out there...

Having published my first book this year, I have been dying to get in touch with people who have (and those who haven't) read my book. So if anyone wants a chat with a new author...
This week I'm happy and sad. I'm happy because the publication of my second book (a sequel to the first) is well under way and I have just sent off some illustrations. But I'm sad because we've just said goodbye to my brother who has returned home with his young family to the other side of the world. It always reminds me of that Elton John song.