I thought it high time I joined a writers’ group again. I belonged to one years ago and found it helpful and supportive, and then I drifted away (physically and emotionally). Now I’m ready to join again. I’ve been to two meetings so far, and they’re a friendly bunch with some very good writers among them. It’s fun too, and non-threatening, and they were encouraging and supportive.

I read a short story at each meeting, and we also did a 10 minute speedwriting exercise, which is always fun to do. I think I’m going to enjoy the group and the other writers there.

I still haven’t heard anything about the children’s book I sent out at the end of August, so thought it high time I contacted the publisher. Now waiting to hear.

I’m taking a lead from Mark Twain and Elizabeth Wharton and writing in bed! I used to do this a few years ago and it worked well for me then, and so should work for me again now. Wake up early, grab a coffee and write for an hour or so before breakfast, before the phone starts ringing, before the errands, and before all the other distractions start. I might write more later, but at least by breakfast I’ve done something.

A lot has happened since my last post, but unfortunately not much of it good. Firstly, my father had a minor stroke and I’ve taken over the role of my mother’s carer. I found it difficult to guarantee meeting deadlines, or to put in the hours required, so I’ve given up my major editing contract. I’ll still be able to do my private editing, and it will also free up some time for writing. I’m in a ‘clearing the decks’ mode now.

I still haven’t heard from the publisher, but waiting for months is pretty standard these days.

We had interstate visitors last week, which was great, but it meant I got very little done. I’m up to the end of Act 1 in the re-write anyway, so it’s coming along. I’ve also had a chance to start on my second poetry book, as it’s something that’s been sitting there half-done for a long time now. I need to write many more poems of course, but once I start writing poetry it is something I really love to do.

Another distraction has been editing work, but that’s okay too as I need the gold dust. It still seems odd to me to be sitting here in South Australia editing a document for someone in Turkey, and even though I’ve never actually met him, he seems like an old friend. After that it was editing a document for someone in Japan!

I’m also studying and finally got up to date last night with Edgar Allan Poe. His stories are great because they stimulate the imagination – so much is suggested, and so little actually said. I will write some reviews. No – that’s yet another distraction. I must get back to my play!