I'm still here!

Hi folks

Many apologies for my long absence from this blog - I've been really busy with all sorts of 'real life' things and a couple of visits to the hospital - nothing too serious but it all takes time and I've sadly neglected the blog.

Anyway, I'd like to wish you a very belaed  Happy New Year.

Just a couple of pictures - a nearby Stately Home in the winter sunshine

and this one is my dog Choccy enjoying the snow, which only lasted a few days but was fun while we had it.

I haven't been idle with my writing though, I've been busy trying to finish my current Work In Progress which is a ghost story set in Wales. I've been sadly neglecting it but am now about half way through. For more information - watch this space!

I'm also excited that the third book in the Destiny Trilogy, Beloved Enemy is being narrated and will soon be available, along with the other two as an audio book. I've already had some of the finished files and they sound great.

As well as this, you might have noticed a subtle change in the background of this blog. I hope you like it - I thought it would be nice to have a change but I didn't want it to be too drastic, so it's not too different to the old one.

Hopefully 'normal service' will now be resumed and I'll be featuring some great Science Fiction/Romance books and authors in the current year, starting on Wednesday this week.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Half way through the year...

I can't believe it's June already! Time for barbecues and lazing (I mean writing) in the sun. Long, cold drinks and ice cream, suntops and shades...hols on a moment though - this might be true for my friends in the US, but over here in the UK, after an unseasonably warm sprint,  it's distinctly chilly! In fact we had to have the heating on this evening.  I have lots of little plants I'm bringing on in my coldframe outside, but it's hardly been the weather for planting. I think the plants are actually big enough to survive, it's just me that didn't fancy spending time on my knees on the damp grass beneath a glowering grey sky. Ah well, they've forecast warmer weather for next week.  Let's hope they're righ!.

Over at Author Shout the latest in the Destiny Trilogy 'Beloved Enemy' (as if you needed reminding of the title, LOL, is one of the entrants for their Cover Wars contest If you have a moment to pop over and vote for it, I'd be eternally grateful -  I think Rae Monet did a fantastic job and gave me just what I wanted.

http://authorshout.com/cover-wars/

Have a great week, everyone,

Monday's Musings

In memory of those murdered in France over the weekend

I can't write today without reference to the terrible events in Paris last Friday night. My heart goes out to the relatives of the innocent people who lost their lives, to those wounded, and those who will remain traumatized by what happened there for years to come. I have been humbled and heartened by what I have seen and heard from the survivors, on the various TV and radio broadcasts. They will not allow this  evil act of terrorism to subdue them, the terrorists will not be allowed to win. They won't hide away but will show solidarity and defiance, and the spirit that lives in their beautiful city will rise from the aftermath of this despicable crime like a Phoenix from the ashes.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, people of Paris.


On a lighter note, I am still a couple of thousand words behind in my novel for NaNo but I'm hoping to catch up this week now I know where the story is going!  If you are also doing National Novel Writing Month, feel free to add me as a 'buddy' I'm WelshDragonLady

Have I any hints for NaNo?  Yes, just one. (or maybe two) Keep writing - and make sure that pesky 'inner editor' is kept locked up out of harm's way.  She can always be released when November is over and the novel is finished, and you can set her to work making sense of the jumble that is the first draft.  The priority for NaNo is just GET THOSE WORDS WRITTEN

So I'd better take my own advice and get back to work!