UK Amazon Kindle Forum discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
General Chat - anything Goes
>
Pop in for a chat!
How do? Shopping this morning, flower arranging this afternoon and in between, a bit of rapid reviewing and a snatched lunch. Hey ho! Must get around to updating my latest 'just finished' books. It'll have to be tomorrow.
I hope not, Kath.I'm about, just stupid busy.
Five more months, then we're outa here!
Kath wrote: "Hello? Has everyone died?"Actually had three days in exotic Garstang at a fascinating rural conference ;-)
But it does mean I'm now trying to get caught up
Just the UK that's dying Kath...Morning all. Gales again yesterday and more forecast for most of the weekend. The flat downstairs sold on the first day on the market even at the price it was being marketed at. Clearly someone with a deal more money than sense
Morning. Had my first shift out of training on Monday night and now enjoying the rest of my annual leave. Off to meet some friends for lunch today and do some housework at some point. Hope everyone has a good Friday and a brilliant weekend.
Oh, not everyone, then.Friday, nothing in the diary for the next three days, so hoping to get to the end of these edits. Then - go through it all again!
Worst night sleep of the week, so feel dreadful today. Even Lucy got fed up of me last night and kept fussing to leave the room! Had a second quote, more expensive but he didn’t seem to think they would write it off, although apparently if they felt it was two new doors, that would be £2k which is more than the value of the car. She decided we’d have to go through insurance, she contacted hers last night, but mine were closed, so I contacted mine before I came to work, she checked something and said it seemed fixable but if I want to use my own garage I’d have to pay £200! Spoke to the first bloke on the way in and initially he was all ‘that can be included in the claim’, but when I said she’d started the process, he said it would have to be between me and them, but I can’t understand how he can manage a claim on my behalf if neither of the people involved have spoken to their insurance company? No wonder I have a headache! Had a spooky moment last night, had lost one of my gloves on Mon, assumed it was at the garage although they didn’t have it. Had really heavy wind last night, opened the door at about 8.30 to prove to Lucy it wasn’t nice, and found my glove in front of my car! No idea where it has been since Mon and how in heavy wind it stopped where it was! Doing cheap shop, Aldi and the retail park after work, can’t say I want to, but at least it’s out of the way and I can chill in the morning. Am hoping that Costa have the new Ruby Hot Choc in store, think I need a treat! Seen posts on Facebook warning about fireworks going off at 11pm to mark Brexit. Had an ex colleague pop in this morning, her cat died before Christmas, she brought her leftover food and litter for me. Not sure if mine will use it or if it will go to the charity. Out of there for good Patti? Any options for after there? I did wonder if you’d been ‘away’ Jim. Enjoy your annual leave Claire.
Glad you found your glove, Desley.Still here, but having to deal with my new ride (the Airwheel S8) dying when I hit a curb. Apparently the board must be fried. I got all kinds of protection when I bought it - just having to figure out how to use it and whether it will work. And having to drag myself around with the walker again is NO fun.
On the good side, I've been invited to speak at a book club - any suggestions?
I've always found that when speaking, what works best for me is a very short bit of autobiography, a little bit on the topic they've asked me to talk about, and then a long session of questions and answers because that way you get to cover what the audience want to talk about
Ach the house is shaking with the wind again.My talks have lots and lots of images, which act as my prompts (nothing worse than someone just reading from their notes). Plus the lights are out so if people want to snooze discreetly then they can :D
Can't say I slept all that much better and was disturbed by the fireworks at 11. Had a rather expensive shopping trip, as I didn't restrict myself, need to find a happy medium! Did get a ruby hot choc though, gorgeous! Luckily the cleaner came yesterday so not much housework to do, having my hair cut this pm and then going to a friends for a curry as my bro is over. Ooh, how exciting Alicia, when I've been to talks in Jersey, I found the parts where they were talking about how they got into writing and some of the experiences along the way really interesting. Good luck sorting out your new ride
A few years back I gave my in Bloom talk at the local day centre which has a number of clients with dementia. Most of them were loving looking at my photographs of our (very beautiful) home town, but one of the old dears asked at regular intervals throughout "When will she be finished?", à la Catherine Tate's "Nan".
Morning! I thought she was going to ask if she could go there, Rosie!
Editing again today. I'm hoping to get through this draft - then off I go again!
Yep, crazy busy, too. Glad you had a lovely memory meal, Desley. Enjoy your time with your brother. I always remember when we first met in the island and you were saying to your brother that maybe you were being a bit mad going to meet 3 strangers, having met one of them in an online group, and your brother told you it would be fine, because "It's Jersey."
Today I am going to ignore my massive to-do list and just write - all day. Husband has gone to meet friends for coffee, then to visit another friend to do something with a laptop we have that isn't working. So it's just me, and the cats, for hours. Need to get my head down and not get distracted!
Happy Saturday-ing.
Yes, i remember that too! Enjoy your writing day. Very wild here
Alicia wrote: "Glad you found your glove, Desley.Still here, but having to deal with my new ride (the Airwheel S8) dying when I hit a curb. Apparently the board must be fried. I got all kinds of protection when..."
I'd second what Jim said. A long time ago in the 1980s, David Putnum's son went to the school where my Dad taught. He came and did a careers talk. Apparently he just stood up and said,
'I am guessing most of you have a rough idea who I am, so I think the best way to do this might be if you asked me questions ...'
Obviously nobody's got a blind clue who I am, so I do a quick bit about why and what I write and then I ask the audience if there's anything they'd particularly like to know. It usually takes off after that. ;-)
Cheers
MTM
Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote: "Ach the house is shaking with the wind again.My talks have lots and lots of images, which act as my prompts (nothing worse than someone just reading from their notes). Plus the lights are out so ..."
I tend to avoid images, mainly because I don't really have photos and no computer/laptop/projector to display them
Mind you an event secretary asked me 'what technology I wanted' and I replied "It's nice if the lights work so people can spot me at the front" :-)
I’ve just been in a funny mood. I think it’s reaction to daughter’s illness and now all the adrenaline has gone it’s just a grind dealing with the day to day problems. I’m taking little lad to school every morning so having to get up and out early. She had a real cock up of ENT appointment. The consultant was running so late that the hearing test staff went home and she’s didn’t get tested but the consultant saw her and sent her for blood/water and and another MRI. She had an appointment at 3,30 but they got home just before midnight. Good thing her dad took her and waited with her or it could have got complicated. No meningitis remaining thank goodness. She’s still deaf and dizzy though. I’ve got lots of daffodils out in the garden. They do cheer me up.
Jim wrote: "Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote: "Ach the house is shaking with the wind again.My talks have lots and lots of images, which act as my prompts (nothing worse than someone just reading fro..."
I have all the photographic kit but I’ve never managed one of these things where connecting my stuff to the venue’s has gone according to plan. These days I just give them a free bookmark.
Cheers
MTM
Lynne (Tigger's Mum) wrote: "I’ve just been in a funny mood. I think it’s reaction to daughter’s illness and now all the adrenaline has gone it’s just a grind dealing with the day to day problems. I’m taking little lad to scho..."Bless her, there may be scar tissue, so recovery may be a long road.
I can understand that, the kind of bleargh after all that high energy alert. Hope it all gets back to normal soon.
Cheers
MTM
Jim wrote: "I've always found that when speaking, what works best for me is a very short bit of autobiography, a little bit on the topic they've asked me to talk about, and then a long session of questions and..."I'll bear that in mind (and keep it short). I asked about a topic, though, and my friend told me it's the book club's first time having an author, so I plan to have a number of things available - short excerpt ready to read, a few questions I'd love to ask of live readers, ad few possible questions I can answer - and see where we go.
And prearrange a signal for 'Cut!' with Sheila.
Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote: "My talks have lots and lots of images, which act as my prompts (nothing worse than someone just reading from their notes). Plus the lights are out so ..."We'll be in Sheila's apartment - small living room - I'll have to not encourage napping.
M.T. wrote: "I do a quick bit about why and what I write and then I ask the audience if there's anything they'd particularly like to know. ..."Just want to be prepared if that is answered by blank faces because no one has questions!
I think these readers will all have read PC, from something Sheila said, but I'll ask her, to be sure.
Also, how much time I should plan on occupying. If they're discussing another book club offering. Etc.
Lynne (Tigger's Mum) wrote: "I’ve just been in a funny mood. I think it’s reaction to daughter’s illness and now all the adrenaline has gone it’s just a grind dealing with the day to day problems. I’m taking little lad to scho..."Sounds like she had a very long day. Glad the meningitis is gone - what a scare.
Give yourself time to recover: I think stress for offspring is actually worse than for myself. I hate feeling so helpless.
Alicia wrote: "I'll bear that in mind (and keep it short). I asked about a topic, though, and my friend told me it's the book club's first time having an author, so I plan to have a number of things available - short excerpt ready to read, a few questions I'd love to ask of live readers, ad few possible questions I can answer - and see where we go.And prearrange a signal for 'Cut!' with Sheila.
.."
That seems a sensible level of preparation. Especially the Cut signal
Actually if people (numerous people not just one) keep asking questions, it's a good sign
Had a lovely evening, and the right amount of alcohol to get some deep sleep. We nipped into lidl as my bro needed something, and I did nearly buy a TV! Not looking forward to today though, we have my nieces christening today, haven't been in the same room as my mum or sis for 4 years. The only thing I'm looking forward to today is going to bed with my new mattress protector and quilt. Sounds a good plan Alicia, hope it goes well for you. I'm not surprised you have been in a funny mood with what you've been through Lynne, glad the MRI showed no sign of meningitis, but sorry she got so messed about on the day and still has some lingering effects.
Glad the meningitis has gone, Lynne. It's a real grind, though, dealing with a kid on a daily basis when you think you've got that part of your life over and done with.Just reporting on a beta read - then I'll either edit or paint, depending on how tired I am!
Hope all goes well, Desley. Alicia, that sounds like a great plan for the event.I am off out for lunch today. It's the reconvened event from September 2018 when my mother-in-law fell down the stairs as we were about to leave for her 80th birthday party. This is a thank-you lunch to her best friends who were so kind to her at the time. I will need to get my people-ing head on.
Well, I survived! A couple of digs, the first of which my brother stepped in at, and said after that he thought I was going to leave! Me and my brother went for lunch afterwards rather than go back to their house, so that was nice. My neighbour did convince me to go back to Lidl and get the TV (plus some stuff she needed!). Just a couple of bits to do, then chilling for a bit, not sure when the new TV will get out of the box, when I bought the front room one last year I think that took 3 days. Just started raining.
Glad you got through the day, Desley. Had a lovely lunch. Mind you. the restaurant was really cold.
I thought I'd crash about a bit, rattle a few pans and try and wake everybody up without ostentatiously waking everybody up :-)Rise and shine, it's a beautiful day, or at least not raining ;-)
Lovely here too, Jim, but rather fresh, you might say. Still, for early February, it's grand.
Yeah, some beautiful blue sky here as well. First day back in at my desk after a week off trying to shake a bug that's been hanging around far too long and resting my leg, which turned out to be a torn quad tendon. Should be a lot more tired than I am, after staying up to watch the Super Bowl. I've a nasty feeling that's going to sneak up on me later.
Not sure whether it was the new bedding, or the stressful things ending, but slept so well that I was really stiff when I got up. New quilt isn’t as bouncy as the old one was, so a bit disappointed. Need to get some petrol after work and Avon lady is coming. Glad you have found out what you have done to your leg Ben, how long is the recovery for that? No blue sky here, we've just had hail.
Flew into London today. Brrrr chilly and drizzly. Got out in time as think it is now foggy in Jersey. Back home tomorrow.
Kath wrote: "Lovely here too, Jim, but rather fresh, you might say. Still, for early February, it's grand."it is isn't it.
Still light outside at 5pm!
Yes I am much appreciating the extra daylight.Not so much the permagale.
blustery here, but not a galeMind you on the west coast we're probably more demanding when it comes to gales. If you can stand up, it's not too bad :-)
I could hardly walk up the brae today... Supposed to be worse tomorrow
It's worse here, distinctly blustery when I took the ashes out this morning!
Back to rubbish sleep last night, was disturbed this morning by the sound of bins being blown over. Had a random bit of thunder and lighting last night, then a load of hail that turned the car white. We actually have blue skies today though.
Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Back to rubbish sleep last night, was disturbed this morning by the sound of bins being blown over. Had a random bit of thunder and lighting last night, then a load of hail that turned the car whit..."I read that too fast and read that a load of something turned your hair white :-)
How do? Went with Himself as he had a dental hygienist visit - opposite the park. So we had a walk in the park then a fish and chip lunch. Walked some of that off afterwards so here I am - late!Back to edits.
Very windy today and cold too. My gym assessment was cancelled, which was a bummer but a friend I haven't seen for ages blew in for coffee which was ace. Also the paperbacks of Nothing to See Here arrived and I went for a walk and finished proofing the second audio book and sent the things I picked up to Gareth. He is very smart and very talented and I am suffering, from a slight attack of imposter syndrome. Book two is, frankly, fabulous. He's tweaked couple more of the characters so they sound exactly the same in the book as they do in my head, which is ... er yeh ... insane.Cheers
MTM
After all the doom and gloom of yesterday's weather forecasts it was a fabulous day here. Spent the afternoon gardening without a coat. I think I'm just not going to bother looking at forecasts any more!
Popping in for a quick catch up and wave!
Patti (baconater) wrote: "Popping in for a quick catch up and wave!"waves back :-)
Rosemary (grooving with the Picts) wrote: "After all the doom and gloom of yesterday's weather forecasts it was a fabulous day here. Spent the afternoon gardening without a coat. I think I'm just not going to bother looking at forecasts any..."It was indeed a beautiful day :-)
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
UK Amazon Kindle Forum
Books mentioned in this topic
Can I Come HOME Now?: A True Story of Childhood Trauma (other topics)Mrs Boots (other topics)
A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael (other topics)
A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael (other topics)
Look What the Cat Brought In (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jasper Fforde (other topics)Dawn Elissa (other topics)
Quiet on here this week