About Me

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Hi, welcome to my blog, I am a writer of short stories, children's and YA novels . An acceptance from People's Friend finally made me a published writer! Yeah, happy days! I have since had stories published in The Weekly News and The Last Laugh anthology. My main love is writing children's/YA novels...I'm now enduring a fruitless search for an agent... I also draw and paint, I like to draw animals (usually my adorable crazy cats!)Occasionally famous people and motorcycles.

Monday 19 December 2011

Sorry for the long break...

I have had a rather long break from writing and the internet! (some broadband issues) I mean to catch up with you all soon!

I've just been having a small panic because the present I ordered for my youngest (budding novelist) hasn't arrived. All she asked for this Christmas was a journal and a scrapbook. I was so proud that she wasn't demanding the usual teen stuff (ipods, wii etc)! Of course I wanted to get her a beautiful journal that she can keep but it hasn't arrived yet. Anyway I have also bought her some other things so she won't be gift-less, and I have come to the conclusion that if it doesn't arrive I shall just explain it has been delayed in the post! She's not the type to throw a tantrum (thankfully) so I should just stop worrying.

Christmas shouldn't be so stressful. I was talking to my eldest (21) about gift giving and how recently it is getting way too commercial, I dislike the television adverts forcing us to feel guilty if we haven't spent hundreds and hundreds of pounds.
We both agreed that the value of the gift is irrelevant , it is the thought that someone has put into it, which of course is absolutely true and yet... Later on I found myself doubting whether my gifts were sufficient. Why do I do that? I'd just been preaching about the true spirit of Christmas and suddenly I'm panicking and wondering whether to order a load of stuff on a credit card and have done with it.

Phew, it's ok. Deep breath. Back to reality. Sensible. I have put a lot of thought into what gifts everybody would like and that's that. They aren't hugely expensive, but it doesn't matter.
I hope you are enjoying the run up to Christmas (it's not always easy is it?).

Writing wise I had done absolutely nothing until last week. I saw an advert for the new 'Borrowers' on BBC this Christmas and it reminded me of a story I'd written years ago that I never finished.
So I have written a full plot, chapter breakdown and am over halfway through and I love it! It's my new favourite. It is a chapter book for 7-9 years and I am looking forward to completing it over Christmas. (There's optimism for you)

So that's something to keep me busy besides worrying about gifts and whether we can survive without brandy, cranberry sauce and a yule log.

I will catch up with you all soon xx

6 comments:

  1. Awww hello there adorable Penandpaints!! I was just about to log off blogger when up pops your post in my dashboard!! Hooorah!

    Oh I just know all your gifts to your family are going to be loved and treasured. I think they know the beautiful thoughts behind each one!!

    I'm so excited to read that you are all fired up with your writing too! Hooorah!! Good luck with this - I say grab your muse and ply her with mulled wine and mince pies for the whole of Christmas until you finish your wip! Yay! LOL!

    For my family - we've all decided to just gather and have a great meal together and to forget the pressie giving. For friends - I've adopted them goats and donkeys and horses! LOL!

    Charlie however, gets a nice christmas box for cats that I stumbled across in my local garden centre! :-)

    Take care
    x

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  2. Christmas is definitely not about money. You are right to focus on more important things, such as thoughtfulness and just enjoying the family-time. All the stress of spending is never worth it and so many of those expensive gifts are five-minute-wonders. And once you start spending a fortune on Christmas, there is an even greater pressure on you the following year to do the same again.

    I really hope you fit in some writing over Christmas. I think it's harder to get back to it if there's a long break. Even just half-an-hour's writing a day will make me feel better, so I shall be trying hard to keep it going too and thinking of you doing the same!
    I hope the journal arrives in time - still a few days to go, so fingers crossed.
    Happy Christmas!

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  3. Gift giving requires a lot of thought. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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  4. Hello pen and paints, glad to hear you're feeling creative and the writing is flowing. Definately the best thing we can give anyone is our time to listen and be there for them when they need us. Your pressies will be fine, and the journal will be a new year treat. Happy Christmas. xx

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  5. Old Kitty
    Thank you for noticing my post before you logged off! I have missed your loveliness!

    Joanna
    Thank you, you're absolutley right.

    Rachna
    Thank you! Happy Christmas to you!

    Susan
    Thank you so much, Happy Christmas!

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  6. I hope the journal arrived in time and hope you all had a lovely and peaceful Christmas.

    Sending you and your lovely family much love for 2012.

    Suzanne XX

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I appreciate all your comments, thank you!