I'm only happy when I'm...

...Writing

I cannot believe it was the last day of 2016 when I last wrote a blog post. We only have ten days left of January 2017. It's been a whirlwind start of the year for us but a very happy one.

I did not get Arts Council funding I applied for to help me to continue to develop my career. I was disappointed but not surprised. It was a tall order applying but if you don't ask…the answer is always no. Anything worth having, is worth fighting for and as I've spent my whole life fighting, I'll keep going. Nothing will stop me from achieving my aims.

In the first two weeks of January, I had to complete three Master's papers, two presentations and two exams! I can only say it was blooming tough – first understatement of the year! There were days when I wanted to quit – I felt overwhelmed and out of my depth, totally out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, I have amazingly supportive and strong children who drove me and encouraged me to keep going. I love our mutual support… and how they are not afraid to say it how it is! 

I did it. I got it all done and on time. I now have to wait for the results but received a distinction (75%+) for one presentation. Bring on semester 2 – nothing worth having is easy to come by. One thing I did realise when I was knee deep in books and research notes was, how much I love reading, researching and writing. It does not matter whether it is academic writing, this blog or fiction, I know I was born to do this. I am truly inspired and at my happiest writing. I think it’s a combination of the new knowledge and seeing the transformation of a blank page into a decent piece of work. I hope this makes sense and I don't sound like a total crank… partial I can live with!

Since my last presentation on the 16th (four days ago,), I have sorted the house out, cleared the outstanding jobs on my "To Do" list, continued with my screenwriting and caught up on some movie watching. I can highly recommend Anthropoid – Cillian Murphy is as outstanding as ever. 

I hope I've shown the boys, hard work pays off and never give up even if you want to! Keep the goal and aims always in sight.

Streetwise

The agonising wait to hear whether this will make it into production goes on. The feedback has been amazing and I think it is an accomplished piece of work for my first script… but then I would say that… although twelve months ago, I would not have had the confidence of self- belief to say it! 





Beyond the Past




Have you had the chance to read it yet? Would you like to review it for me?

Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0 




Beyond the Lies

I'm about a page and a half from completing the re-write. I've learned to do things my way! I won't be pressured into writing something I don't believe in.

The Nanny

This means so much to me. For over twenty years, I've been fascinated with the struggles in Ireland ever since reading about the Guildford Four and Birmingham Six. Watch this space…

…Researching 

You may have gathered I have an active imagination and an active mind. I love research – starting with an idea and seeing how far it can be taken. During one of my Master's papers, I was reading Hansard (official transcripts for the Houses of Parliament) to research failed IT projects within the National Health Service. I came across a debate relating to tax charges and the Wesleyan church dating back to the 1600s. How cool is that? I know…I'm a geek and easily distracted but it's amazing where knowledge can take you.



…My Family

I never imagined my life to be as it is today. In all honesty, despite the financial struggle, life is much better than I imagined and anticipated. The boys are happy, grounded and don't buy into the 'designer', 'materialistic' world. I worry they are missing out but they remind me every day their lives are good – happy, healthy and peaceful. What more do you really need?

Today… the television is OFF in protest at a bigoted, ignorant man being inaugurated as the US President. We must NEVER, EVER accept racism, misogyny and lies. Only time will tell the extent of the latter but I could never support someone who attacks a fellow human being because they are black, Mexican, gay, disabled, transgender or a woman! We are ALL human beings of equal standing. 


I will continue to fight for equality and against injustice. Love trumps hate!!

On that note… I am off to write. Enjoy your weekend and please, radiate LOVE and HOPE.

Much love