Congratulations to Manya, an incredible writer (what a book - buy it!) teacher and mentor. So so chuffed for her.

First episode of latest White Lotus. The openings of every series are like the best first page of a novel. No Jennifer Coolidge though this time, and she’s been my fave.

Image of two books - All the colours of the dark and Tom Lake.

Whilst I haven’t been writing a lot (over last month), I have been reading and these two have been my favourites. I’ve never read Ann Patchett before, but after ‘Tom Lake’ I’ll be reading everything by her this year… And ‘All the Colours…’ by Chris Whitaker is just such an epic and compelling read!

Oh the song too…that was such a goosebump of a scene. I had the soundtrack and it was one of my most played in my first year at uni. Good memories!

I’ve been really quiet here for a while (and other social platforms too) because writerly/writing self-doubt made its periodical appearance. Back on it again now/given self a boot!

Me and husband wearing Christmas jumpers. Mine has Jessica fletcher on, his has drums on

My Jessica Fletcher Christmas Jumper is the best.

It is a thing of total beauty.

Congratulations!

So sorry Laura, hope you can go gentle on yourself at such a difficult time.

It sure sounds like it will! I have a rather large TBR pile so it’ll come just (maybe!) when I’ve finished that! X

Done, some absolutely fabulous sounding books there.

Lovely Scribblers, if we can sell 60 books more this month than average, we'll break even this year! And we really want to break even. So if you or like thought-provoking, quirky and sustainable books, give this a share! www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk

P.s. ebooks/your local bookshop/library=excellent

This…I’m just learning what works for me. Writing a big messy thing in whatever way it comes and loving doing it. I also thrive on fixing big messes…which is handy!

My novel opening/synopsis is on the shortlist - delighted!!

Next year, Murder Squad will be 25 years old. To celebrate this friendship, we’re running a short story competition. There will be prizes and the chance to join us at our birthday party. Details here: murdersquad.co.uk Please spread the word.

I’ve never seen this quote before and I like it. I like it a lot.

Excellent! Just in time to be a side hustle to pay for Christmas!

Haha that is spooky!!

What about ‘Hercule Poirot’s Christmas’ - hat, moustache, festive-adorned stick? Tenuous I know!

Came here to suggest this! But wondered how easy to pull it off!

Yes our fella is mostly happy or asleep these days! He’s taken to barking to demand things though but we’re going with it. He’s 14 too so there’s no harm!

Image of Twitter (x) announcement of novel long listees.

Bit of good news today. The opening chapters and synopsis of novel I started writing in September has made #flash500’s novel comp long list. I am in the soggy middle right now so good timing!!

Ah he’s done pretty well but think it’s at the very limited end now.He walks around banging into things if we don’t leave the lights on.I suspect it’s more like 98%+ but hard to know.Touch of dementia added to it too.Good sense of smell helps him though!But that’s good to know.Makes me feel better!

That’s good going. I felt like this from dismantling some cardboard, which seems less of an achievement somehow…

Lights on not nights. Oh for editing ability!

Haha I’ve literally just posted about having nights on all night for our dog and then saw this. I think (obvs) this is perfectly reasonable to reset his white noise rain!

We have an elderly dog and he has cataracts. He’s pretty much 90%+ blind now but can still see movement and some light etc. So we constantly have the big light on (waaah!) and also have low level lights next to his bed and his water bowl in our room on ALL night. Normal, right?

I was in your shop in the summer. Loved it. Good luck with new novel!

I’ve just left it off for a while and come back and I’m now following all the people I was trying to! So seems to have fixed itself now!