End of the summer

I noticed a distinct nip in the air when I set out for a run at seven o’clock this morning. Crunchy brown leaves are also scattered across the lawn. Although autumn is approaching, I still have holidays to enjoy including a week with my mum, daughter and grandson in St Agnes, Cornwall. We know the area well because David’s family home was situated nearby in Shortlanesend and we enjoyed many visits to the beaches along the north coast. Once back from there, we’re on standby for another trip, this time to Lisbon to attend a sixtieth birthday party and then we’re catching a train to Porto to start the traditional (inland) camino to Santiago de Compostela. We took the coastal path last year which I wrote about here. I have new walking boots and a backpack which I’m determined to keep light.

The writing of my new novel Conversation Classes is continuing at a steady pace. After a recent writing retreat in Lewes with some lovely author friends, I’ve now set my mind to breaking the back of the first draft. I need another 40,000 words and then the real fun begins. I always love the editing and refining process. I’m also continuing to send out my completed manuscript set on an imagined African island. There are no takers as yet but I’ve had some encouraging feedback including these words from a top agent: I was intrigued by the unique setting and prospect of this story. There’s a great attentiveness to the details of the resort and I think you balance it well with the dialogue to build a realistic sense of setting and character. Fingers crossed someone will bite.

In the meantime, a neighbour is holding a housewarming party this afternoon. The garden is set with tables, music is playing and they’ll be Korean dancers and a barbecue later.

What plans do you have for the last of the summer?