Autumn takes centre stage

I don't know about the rest of you but Autumn has to be my second favourite season, bettered only by the eagerly anticipated arrival of Spring and the promise of rejuvenation, renovation and a little more daylight.

In contrast Autumn is the time to slow down, take a moment to rest and reflect on your achievements and draw a line under the projects you have finished so far. Be a little selfish, take a deep breath before plunging back in with the plotting and planning and allow things to develop unhindered and unhurried.

Personally, I find the best way to tune out is by snuggling under a fleecy blanket with a slab of Galaxy, a good book or magazine and a cuppa to hand.

In my little world the biggest bonus the onset of Autumn offers has to be the extra time that can be given over to reading now the garden doesn't require constant attention. However, us writer types should never have to justify the hours we spend with our nose in a book or e-reader. Reading is research, the conduit for developing skill, understanding the importance of author voice and exploring genre, and of course there is the added bonus that if you can't find the book you want to read then you reach for the keyboard and write it!

As far as not being able to find the novel I want to read is concerned that isn't a problem at the moment. An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson is the perfect novel to pick up whilst snuggled up in the garden enjoying the last of the sunshine before the temperature drops and the fireside beckons. So rather than mourning the passing of the Summer, I urge you all to embrace Autumn and the pleasures it affords us book addicts!