Hello my loves. How are you all? I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last checked in with you here. To be honest, I haven't been particularly active on any of my social media platforms, so please don't feel singled out.
I haven't been neglecting you on purpose, but working on a first draft often means I go a bit quiet online. With two to write every year you can imagine the pressure and between you and me, I'm not finding this one a particularly easy write. I know it will all come good in the end and that when I go back to the beginning and read it through, I'll be happier than I expected to be, but for now, I'm in the thick of it and it's heavy going.
I don't even think it's much to do with the book. The characters, plot and setting are fabulous, so it's definitely more about me. Being confined to barracks isn't easy, is it? I've played strictly by the rules, living #lockdown life even when restrictions were a relaxed a little and I'm beginning to crave a dose of normality.
Keeping in touch with people is helping. I'd started to miss catch ups with RNA chums and friends via Zoom because I didn't really have anything to say, but that didn't help at all and so I'm back. Gabbling away about nothing in particular and feeling far better for it. If you're struggling too, please do whatever you can to keep those communication channels open. I promise it will be worth the effort and you'll feel better for it.
One thing I haven't neglected is my daily exercise. It's literally 25 mins around the village and out into the garden to look at Green Things Growing, which you know I'm extremely passionate about. I've even had the pleasure of talking about EMBRACING WINTER in WOMAN AND HOME magazine this month, which was an absolute highlight!
If you've been hunkered down since Christmas, then why not give it a go.
Here's my prescription -
A phone call to a friend or family member + half an hour outside = a boost in mental health
Give it a go and let me know in the comments box below how you feel!
So, aside from bossing you all about and writing flat out, what else have I been up to that you might be interested in? The most exciting highlights have been my DD turning 21 last weekend and waking to so much snow the garden looked like Narnia. It only lasted a day, which made it even more special. It's a real comfort to still have her at home and I can't imagine she'll be back at Uni before April now.
I have fab book news too. SUMMER AT SKYLARK FARM is heading to FRANCE! I'm over the moon and totally in love with the cover. The orange parts are going to be orange / gold foils. What do you think? I love that it's so bright and cheerful and features a Skylark! Some of the books are already available in Italy and Germany so a French addition is most welcome.
Well my loves, I better go and introduce myself to the washing machine. Those Sunday chores certainly won't do themselves, will they? Thank you for taking the time to pop by and don't forget - make that call and take some time to wrap up and get outside.
Until next time, with love,
H x
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