A happy 2026 to all my readers!

Setting sun mid-winter in Lillington, Leamington Spa

I have three projects on the go. 1. Writing the 4th draft on the novel, Kaleidoscope; 2. Submitting my completed novel, to potential agents and or publishers; 3. Write a blog.

Like many others I took a break during the approach to Christmas, Christmas itself and the period between. I took the opportunity to go for walks, to read both poetry and prose and to think. Nothing planned – nothing linked either to current projects or future ones. Rest and relaxation. Not rushing on to the next thing. Enjoying an empty diary.

We started our walk at this point in Lapworth along the Stratford canal

We chatted to an elderly lady and her dog. She asked me if her hearing aid was inserted correctly. The request didn’t come entirely out of the blue, I’d told her I needed hearing aids, but even so I could only offer the  reassurance that they appeared to be set correctly and she could hear.

Stratford Canal on a quiet morning

At Ryton Pools on New Years Day I met a man who warned me the car parking behind me, might run into me  if I didn’t move. He was elderly – 82 – he told me. The sort of chit-chat you get with people who enjoy sharing something about their lives – wherever they are – in a pub, café or simply walking. He informed me his goal was to reach 90. Without warning he flung himself to the ground, placed his hands flat on the cold, frosty grass, kicked his legs in the air and performed an impressive hand stand.

I enjoy these and other chance encounters probably more than when I’m in writing mode. An approach to carry with me into the new year perhaps.

Reading: Dream Count – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie I finished reading this in preparation for Helen Cross’ Make Your Novel Great. (I don’t think she’s joking.) The Rose and The Yew Tree – A Mary Westacott Novel by Agatha Christie –a gentle-paced read with well-drawn characters. The Land in Winter – Andrew Miller – just started reading it – the cover blurb promises an intriguing read. In the interest of improving my French I’m part way through Le Meutre De Roger Ackroyde. I hadn’t realised I’d seen it on television but it’s interesting, though I find her prejudices annoying.