The obligatory new year's resolutions post

Happy New Year, everyone!

Things are just getting back to normal after a very busy December. Writing-wise, I got very little done last month, but I’m trying not to beat myself up too much about it, as I knew in advance that would happen. I had two major proofreading projects to complete and two lengthy family visits to contend with, so there simply weren’t enough hours in the day to write and still get a full night’s sleep. I envy people who seem to be able to write into the night without it affecting them; losing sleep makes me ill and miserable—not a good state for facing Christmas! However, yesterday I finally waved off my brother and his family (all of whom will be missed, I hasten to add!) and today I’ve written just over 1000 words. I’m starting 2016 as I mean to go on—writing at least 1k per day.

I’m not one for making a great long list of new year’s resolutions, but I have made one other resolution, and that’s to get out for a walk or bike ride every day. Sometimes when I’ve got a tight deadline I bury myself in my work and don’t go anywhere until I’ve completed my set target for the day. But that can be counter-productive, as exercising improves my concentration and helps me achieve more when I get back to my desk. So this year I’m going to get out in the fresh air every day, even if it’s just to walk the mile to the shops and back. Aside from the exercise, I hope being out in the middle of the beautiful Shropshire countryside will give me plenty of inspiration.

Has anyone else made any resolutions?

New Writers' Scheme

Happy New Year to one and all! I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year.

I had a lovely time up in Yorkshire with my Mum, brother, SIL and one-year-old niece, although I seriously hope my niece will have outgrown In the Night Garden by the time I see her next. I still can't get the Iggle Piggle song out of my head.

I don't normally go in for new year's resolutions, but I did make one this year. I was determined to get a place on the RNA New Writers' Scheme after missing out last year and the year before. Both times I was unable to get to a computer on the first couple of days of the new year and when I did I found the scheme was already full. So this year I was prepared. I wrote the application email out the day before, saved it as a draft and then set an alarm for five minutes before applications opened. Once the alarm had gone off, I sat with my mouse hovering over 'Send', counting down the seconds until I could click. If you think that makes me sound rather desperate, then you'd be right.

But all my preparations paid off - I got an email first thing this morning saying I'd been allocated a place. I'm thrilled! It's such a great opportunity. So I suppose my next resolution must be to make the most of it.

Well, I can't hang around, blogging all day. I've got a novel to hone :-)