Annette V Hart's Blog: The ramblings of Annette Hart, page 7

Lacking inspirational fire...

I really want to get on with my writing but the 'oomph' to get me going is missing. I think it's because everything is static at the moment with my other books that I am feeling down about my writing. I need a few good sales or a few good comments, letting me know I'm on the right track, to get my enthusiasm up.

An unexpectedly emotional find...

I was researching some family history about the sinking of HMS Laurentic in 1940 and in the process came across some sketches and a painting by the artist John Worsley who also served on the Laurentic. I suddenly found a lump in my throat thinking that maybe one of those seamen he captured in pencil was my great, great uncle who died that night.

Thanks Disney, another money opportunity gone...

Now I've discovered what Disney's latest film (Brave) is about, I know they won't want the film rights for my books! Our settings (medieval style) are too similar. Never mind, Mum thinks it would actually make a good TV series; come on ITV, I'm your answer to Merlin!

Nearing my birthday, getting older...

It's nearly my birthday and, as I think about getting older, I kept thinking of that saying 'a lady never reveals her age and a gentleman never asks'. I was also reminded of the exchange about age between Lizzie and the elderly Countess in Pride and Prejudice; it was great how she got one up on the miserable old lady without being overtly rude!

Insomnia...

Urgh! I feel yucky and will certainly not be writing much today. I only had just over an hours sleep last night. I got into one of those vicious circles of worrying about not sleeping so getting more tense. And you know you're doomed when you start to hear the dawn chorus! All my concentration is on entertaining my daughter who is off school today but with as little brain power as possible. That's reserved for a minimal amount of driving - in the rain. This incessant downpour is just adding to my gloom!

A double-edged sword...

My children wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons again. I'm pleased I introduced the game to them but it is a double-edged sword. I love the way they get involved in their characters or enjoy drawing the maps but I always have to be Dungeon Master and design some of the maps! And I'm not the best DM: I have to keep looking things up which slows things down!

Starting a new story, a new direction...

I am really excited about the new story I have started although it is a very different style and genre. I have finally entered the world of romantic, WWII fiction, something I have been intending to do for some time.

However, I am enjoying reading Jurassic Park at the moment so I am constantly flipping between reading and writing (and bribing the children to vaccuum and put the washing on!).

An interesting day out...

We took the children down to Winchester for the day, planning to visit the ruined Wolvsey Palace and the Great Hall with the Round Table. But we also stopped by the cathedral and I'm glad we did. It was intriguing seeing the juxtaposition of modern art against the medieval background. I loved Antony Gormley's statue in the damp and spooky crypt. Sadly, I couldn't really enthuse the children with awe at the beautiful caskets holding the bones of ancient Kings. They, too, were more interested in the modern sculptures and materials. The cathedral seems to embrass the tactile and the new: they had a twisted, iron-worked table for votive candles and a corner chapel with chunky, smooth and bright benches.

Cover & Giveaway...

Hooray, my book "Love and Restitution" is published and I am busy trying to promote it online. I have started a giveaway on Goodreads and am making sure the cover image and blurb is everywhere. I'm really pleased with the cover so I hope it draws attention to my book.

Love and Restitution

Hooray! A publication date!...

It looks like my book "Love and Restitution", Athlandia#3, will be published on 10th May. It's already available for pre-order from Amazon! It's exciting and I can't wait for that box of my copies!