The Current Mrs Smith

Festive Greetings

2011-12-22T03:04:00.000-08:00

My laptop may be pining for attention at the moment but, with the imminent festive season but days away, I have other duties to which I need attend. At the moment our house is bursting with a batch of 13 year olds whose excitement level rises with every Christmas song that’s blasting out from a small black box onto which Spousey has loaded thousands of tunes apparently. Our pets are matching the spirit by sporting an array of guises. Homemade, of course. I’m particularly pleased with Female Feline’s angel wings, even if they do enhance her expanding waistline. Her brother has yet to notice his tinsel collar since he snored throughout the fitting and Puppy only has to learn to ignore his halo attachment for the dressing up to be complete.

Yet I haven’t totally neglected my literary calling. The other day I conducted an interview with the charming David Burrowes MP about juggling his faith and career, my latest Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle and A Write Life! blogs are duly posted and Chipping Norton Literary Festival has confirmed a date for my humour writing workshop: Sunday 22 April, 10.30am at The Old Mill Cafe.

On the Chiltern Writers front I was delighted to welcome international best selling romantic comedy author Carole Matthews to our recent meeting. Carole judged this year’s Short Story Competition and generously donated both her time and prizes to the astonishingly talented winners.

Yesterday Offspring and I popped to the capital for a light luncheon with My Islington Friend followed by The Lady Christmas Carol Concert held at The Actors' Church just around the corner from their Bedford Street HQ. It was a most delightful service at the end of which my daughter was all agog at meeting the fragrant Perdita Weeks who will soon be gracing our television screens in various epics.

Now, I’d love to continue but I simply must dash. The Felines are scaling my spruce, Puppy is paying undue attention to my baubles and there’s a pitch waiting to be honed.

So that just leaves me to wish you all a Most Merry Christmas and the jolliest New Year.

Country Living

2011-11-16T01:07:00.000-08:00

As my blog followers are aware, it is rare for me not to spend the morning either honing a feature, refining a pitch or writing up an interview. But then how tedious life would be without exceptions.
Today, for instance, I indulged in a welcome break from my laptop and decamped to a sunny corner of the drawing room with a pot of Earl Grey and a homemade scone. Not that this was simply a culinary break in my routine. Rather, Country Living magazine, a timeless classic that has garnished the shelves of quality newsagents for some considerable years, includes my 5 page feature, Farm from Afar, in its December edition and I took the opportunity to peruse the whole issue. If you are keen to support local farmers without risking any manicure repercussions, it is in your interest to purchase a copy of this gloriously colourful journal.
Now I realise we are still in the thick of autumn but, for those of you who like to plan ahead, the organisers of the Thame Arts and Literature Festival, at which first two events I have appeared, have asked me to return in October next year to run a further workshop. I have, of course, accepted and further details will be notified nearer the time.
On the teaching front, my Regular Writing attendees are blossoming beautifully. They are simply full of innovative ideas and publishable prose but just need a little more prompting in the latter direction. I am most grateful to one of my learners who posted on Twitter about my rare gifts of inspiration and generosity. How humbling!
While mentioning Twitter my fan base has now reached 200 and I trust those tweetettes amongst you appreciate my writing tips and humorous asides.
You are also, no doubt, taking time from your busy schedules to enjoy my blogs. Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle posts fortnightly for Hampshire Life while My Islington Friend(www.london.greatbritishlife.co.uk) and A Write Life! (www.hertfordshire.greatbritishlife.co.uk) feature monthly.
Now, what else? Ah, yes. As part of my many recent duties I have been delighted to undertake some research for the charmingly fragrant children’s author Nicholas Halliday. Also, I will be running another Writing for Magazines course in early 2012and have decided to do a little more copywriting. The thrill of such diversity leaves me quite giddy with creativity . . .

A Brace of Blogs

2011-10-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

Forgive my lack of preamble but I can delay not in sharing my literary latest. Two more blogs of the humorous variety are now in situ. In Hertfordshire Life A Write Life! relates my time as a freelance writer in which the lure of my laptop juggles with the demands of domesticity. While for Hampshire Life I have introduced one of my favourite alter egos – Lady Margaret Gosworthy-Pringle – who neither believes in keeping her opinions to herself, not venturing from her private quarters without pearls.

In an entirely different publishing vein, my winter copy of Prayer for Today magazine has just popped through the letterbox and my 3 page spread – The Power of Speech – is, if I say so myself, rather inspiring. I, ahem, just have to remember to take my own advice.

As indicated on my webby, I have been involved with the Thame Arts and Literature Festival where last weekend I filled my humour writing workshop learners with equal dollops of information and inspiration and now I can look forward to hearing of the publishing successes they will undoubtedly achieve.

Yet I have also been aware of other editorial demands. One of my favourite magazines, Cotswold Life, was recently in need of some reader input for their letters page. So I mobilised my keyboard and obliged with the result featured in the October issue.

Despite my writing commitments please be assured I have still found time for the occasional social commitment recently. Indeed, the Chiltern Writers’ Literary Dinner was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with the chocolate loving Carole Matthews sharing her thoughts about the current state of the book industry between courses. And last week I was thrilled to see Sandra Hunt in the one woman show Fanny Craddock – The Life and Loves of a Kitchen Devil.

Which reminds me, I need to start writing a review for the village magazine. Please excuse me . . .

The Current Mrs Smith

2011-09-20T03:35:00.001-07:00

I have discovered what it is to be the recipient of unconditional love. And from a handsome chap, too, being reasonably compliant despite devoting a disproportionate amount of time tending his manhood. But what more could one expect from a Puppy?

And just the other morning, after Puppy Training Class, I was persuading the hound back into my oversized vehicle that defies my attempts at parking skills when I spotted an amiable woman peering into said automobile. Upon approach I realised that she was perusing some advertising attached to my rear windscreen. "Oh!" she exclaimed, "So you're The Current Mrs Smith." I confirmed her find. Turns out she had familiarised herself with my persona via a course flyer at a nearby bookshop. In response to her query of concern I explained that I do indeed hope to retain the title of The Current Mrs Smith for an indefinite period of time and that I rather enjoy the titter or two it sparks in the public's mind.

Now please do not be overly concerned at the amount of time I am devoting to Puppy. I am, I assure you, still a full-on writer. And, just to prove my point, Great British life are in receipt of my latest My Islington Friend blog and I have been commissioned to interview the Revd Duncan Green who is a key member in the organisation of next year's Olympic Games.

And what else? Well I enjoyed business and banter over luncheon last week with local children's author Nicholas Halliday, am keeping atop my Chiltern Writers duties, do continually gather details of local goings on for the Village News section of The Bucks Herald and my Regular Writing group is coming on a treat. Oh, and I nearly forgot. It is with an excess of excitement that I can confirm my presence at next year's Chipping Norton Literary Festival where I will be running a Humour Writing Workshop.

Now I really must crack on with chasing an editor or two before Puppy awakes . . .

Launches

2011-08-18T07:24:00.001-07:00

I have been privileged to attend a couple of book launches recently, both equally enjoyable yet infinitely varied. The first took place in the upstairs room of a local free range pub whose relaxed atmosphere provided a flawless juncture to mix with fellow writers and journalists over a glass or two of Chardonnay. Here, Random House novelist Kate Lace unveiled Gypsy Wedding, a signed copy of which now adorns my bedside table. I am currently enjoying the tome each evening whilst relaxing under my 5 tog.

The following week I headed for a neighbouring county where BBC Radio Oxford presenter Bill Heine introduced his latest volume. Such is Bill's influence with the community constabulary that a whole area was cordoned off allowing for a summer street party where I mingled with agents and writers and swapped business cards with abandon.

And just now I'm enjoying an almost perfect afternoon: persistent precipitation outside and a plethora of pets indoors. We have, you see, acquired a Puppy. No, he wasn't my choice. Yes, Spousey and Offspring persuaded me. And, yes, the Felines are unimpressed, particularly with the Canine's lack of toilet skills. Still, an unusually high number of visitors are daily seeking to meet the cream coloured bundle though, what with workmen reinventing my kitchen and school holiday Mummy duties, my writing schedule is somewhat compromised at the moment. Indeed, more than once I have been obliged to stimulate my creative glands late into the evening. Though I confess that champagne aids the imagination. In fact, I should just check if the fridge needs restocking . . .

Summer Delights

2011-07-21T02:51:00.000-07:00

Far be it from me to boast but recently I have yet again sampled the delights of The Continent. Only last week my whole family flew to a quiet spot in northern Mallorca where, amid thirty degree temperatures and an unnecessary amount of humidity, we defied wilting by reclining in the shade sipping cool local wine. And though I appreciate the modicum of suntan I gained, I am now rather enjoying the cool, cloudy, cumulus conditions of our native summer.

At the moment mummy duties take precedence, of course, though my literary duties are never neglected. I have another feature in Prayer for Today and Writing Magazine 's August edition includes my double page spread on opinion writing.

And I am overjoyed to share with you the news that I will be holding a humour writing workshop at this year's Thame Arts and Literature Festival. Do follow the TAL link on my webby for The Ins & Outs, Ups & Downs and Nuts & Bolts of Humour Writing. However, should the Saturday date clash with any prior appointments, perhaps you could contact Farncombe Estate where I will be appearing next year with two weekend courses: Writing for Magazines and Humour Writing. And they say the Olympics will be the highlight of 2012 . . .

Editorial Accomplishments

2011-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Having just fired off another blog to the ever grateful Great British Life I thought I'd take this opportunity to revisit my own website, tended and nurtured by the captivatingly faithful Nick Halliday (HallidayBooks.com) who never fails to tend my whims between his author and illustrator duties.

I'm sure you recall my recent editorial undertaking at Country Living magazine? What a breathtakingly stimulating fortnight I experienced and I'm thrilled to tell you that the Features Editor accepted two of my pieces whilst I was in situ and has since commissioned a hefty article for their January 2012 issue.

Yet no sooner had I departed NatMags HQ than I headed for Southern Spain for my annual sojourn to the mountainside home of a dear friend and soulmate. We shared conversation, laughter and a bountiful supply of wine though I also managed a spot of sunbathing and a few hours at my laptop. Amazing how much easier it is to write without the distraction of domesticity.

Since returning I have interviewed the enthusiastic photographer Jane Ambler (PhotographMyDog.com) and will begin writing the article just as soon as I've posted this post. My Regular Writing group is now working to deadlines and I have more articles hitting the newsagents' shelves shortly. But please excuse me, I have editors to contact, pitches to chase and ideas to brainstorm . . .

Commuting to the Capital

2011-05-15T07:06:00.001-07:00

At the risk of surprising many of you, I have this last week forsaken my rustic study for a commute to the capital. As I'm sure you can imagine, leaving my precious village each day has been somewhat challenging, particularly at such a ridiculously early hour of the morning, yet the unparalleled opportunity to work with Country Living magazine cannot be ignored, overlooked or bypassed. And my role at National Magazines HQ? Well, under the tutelage of the knowledgeable and charming Features Editor I have embarked upon a phenomenal amount of research, attended editorial meetings and been commissioned to create several features. On the downside, I confess commuting and heels are not natural bedfellows but what is pain and discomfort compared with flat shoes? Exactly.

Despite my hectic schedule other duties have remained in the forefront of my creative regime. On Monday evening I began the first of my monthly Regular Writing sessions. My learners vied for eagerness and I was overjoyed to send them home bursting with imaginative enthusiasm and ready to submit their opinion pieces to local editors.

I have also been commissioned to write another feature for Writing Magazine while Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds has confirmed the running of two of my weekend writing courses in 2012.

My placement at the glossy magazine's empire continues next week while my regular meeting with my fragrant colleague at The Lady is scheduled for the following Monday.

Honestly, there's barely time to fuss the felines at the moment.

The Classics

2011-04-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

I confess the challenges of modern technology have intruded into much of my working time of late yet, finally, I am able to confirm that The Lady Ambassadors are now actively engaged on Facebook and showing a daily presence on Twitter. I offer my gratitude to writers and editors, too numerous to mention, who assisted me over a plethora of technical hurdles. Thankfully my colleagues at The Lady's offices just off The Strand are appreciative of my efforts.

Meanwhile, I have not neglected my freelance duties. April's Lincolnshire Life, featuring my double page interview with Colin Dexter, has recently plopped onto my doormat while Great British Life includes my monthly blog, My Islington Friend, which takes a look at two soulmates, one basking in the calm of the countryside, the other bustling in the busyness of the capital, juggling parental priorities.

Oh, and did I mention that I have also branched out into copywriting? Not intentionally, I admit, though I'm enjoying it immensely. Also, last week's Chiltern Writers AGM was well attended and I noted smiles all round during my Chair's address.

Now I'd like to reveal more but I really must dash. There are pitches to pitch, editors to chase and courses to organise. And all before descaling a couple of sea bass. That's if the Felines haven't got to it first . . .

Ambassadorial Duties

2011-03-11T02:41:00.000-08:00

Amid gathering deadlines and pitches aplenty I have found time this week to journey to the capital's Bedford Street for a meeting at The Lady's headquarters. On a glorious spring day the classic facade was suffused in sunshine though I was forced to negotiate various roadworks in order to locate the main entrance.

Nevertheless, I relished the opportunity of meeting with the fragrant Susan Wade Weeks who has, ahem, entrusted me with responsibility for The Lady Ambassadors' Facebook and Twitter outlets.

Yet I do not neglect my other literary duties. Copy has been filed with several editors and I will shortly be planning another writing course, scheduled for some time after Easter. Dates will be posted on my Webby as soon as I have consulted my moleskin with leather inlay diary.

Peaks and Summits

2011-02-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

I simply must share with you the enthusiasm radiating from The Lady Ambassadors at last week's gathering. The Institute of Directors proved to be an admirable meeting place and the staff provided tea and cakes of impeccable standard. Everyone imparted ideas aplenty, all of which were noted by the Editor and her adoring team.

And now I have been asked to attend a further meeting. My HB's are already sharpened in anticipation.

However, before then I am heading for the peaks and summits of Switzerland where I will frequent numerous purveyors of cakes and hot chocolate while indulging my writing habit, leaving my family to locate pistes which match their disparate downhill skills. Namely, our "I was born to ski" daughter who effortlessly yet gracefully glides down glaciers, and my spouse whose lack of coordination is matched only by his determination not to be beaten by a 13 year old.

Ah, the joys of family vacances.

Literary Schedule

2011-02-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

I simply must share with you particulars of my productive start to this glorious year.

First of all, the Editor of that delightfully eclectic journal, The Chap, for whom I have written a number of articles under a variety of pseudonyms over the last couple of years, commissioned a lengthy article about the legendary racing driver extraordinaire, Helle Nice. I am today putting the finishing touches to my tome.

In addition, my next My Islington Friend blog will shortly be posted on Great British Life's website (just as soon as the Editor gets to grips with some new technology, apparently).

As Chair of Chiltern Writers I have this week launched our 2011 Poetry Competition to be judged by the wonderful-with-words Steve Thorp.

And, just to prove how eclectic my talents and contacts are, I have married (not, I hesitate to add, in any legal sense) performance poet Paul Eccentric with the imminent Oxford Jazz Festival.

Oh, I could go on. Indeed, I will.

Plans are afoot for me to be running a workshop or two at this summer's Speen Festival and I have enjoyed a belated festive lunch with the charming children's author, Nick Halliday.

Finally, I eagerly await my forthcoming meeting with Rachel Johnson, Editor of The Lady, and a number of her staff. Now, perhaps I should mobilise my pearls . . .

The Year Anew

2011-01-04T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ah, it is thrilling to once again be seated at my trusty laptop. Be in no doubt about the enthusiasm with which I greet our annual, seasonally festive activities. However, with our last houseguests finally departed, my overworked Range is taking a well earned break while my imagination is simply bursting with creativity.

There are workshops to organise, articles to write and ideas to pitch. Not to mention the odd fee to chase.

Readers, may I wish you the jolliest of years filled with a profusion of pleasures?

Festive Retailing

2010-12-13T14:12:00.001-08:00

Just back from a retail shopping trip to Belgium's only interesting city, Bruges. I confess for three days I overindulged in hot chocolate and Flemish specialities as my husband insisted on spending his hard earned salary on myself and our grateful offspring. No, I may not have needed another handbag. Or blouse. Not to mention woollen skirt. But then I've never been driven by need or necessity. And my purchases were bargains. At least I believe they were though I tend to leave the Euro-Sterling exchange issue to my husband.

Once home and checking my awaiting emails over a glass of rose, I note some pleasing comments from the learners of my second Writing for Magazines Course which finished last week. How rewarding that those eager writers are now finding their way in the heady world of freelance journalism.

Oh, and did you know that I now Tweet? Indeed, my ability and willingness to take on new technology is limitless. For I am also permanently available to editors via my latest hand held, fruit based technology. At least I will be shortly. Once my daughter has programmed it for me, to be precise.

Socialising

2010-11-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

I so love this time of year. It brings not only my favourite array of hues but also an enviable number of social events. Only last weekend my husband insisted we fly to Stockholm for a black tie birthday bash. And, oh, how stylish those Swedes are! From our base in a hotel which boasted more stars than I can recall and overlooked the Royal Palace, we indulged ourselves among the more select strata of retail establishments. Nor should I be shy to admit how much I felt at home in such company.

And shortly we will be gracing the London Hilton for an annual charity ball for which I have felt compelled to purchase a new outfit. Its rich, bronze tones befits the season.

But do not be aghast. For I have not neglected my literary duties. My current Writing for Magazines course is proving to be tip top fun as my proteges eagerly listen and learn. And I am already planning my next Humour Writing Workshop. January may traditionally be a dull month but I promise to bring a touch of merriment to all who enrol.

Angel

2010-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am excited to report yet more thrilling news. Angel magazine, one of Archant's premier titles and a popular choice amongst North London's somewhat eclectic readers, is running a blog by my dear self.

My Islington Friend is, indeed, based upon a close acquaintance of mine whose attitude to her life, career and family (in that order, please note) are, how shall we say, somewhat more hit and miss than my own. Still, I am grateful for her chaotic existence since it serves to fuel my imagination, not to mention my livelihood.

And that reminds me, I should perhaps inform her that she is forthwith the subject of a regular online feature . . .

Variety

2010-09-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

What a wealth of variety has filled my schedule these past weeks. Articles about shoe polish, press releases for the Jersey Film Festival and advice to a Best Man all agog about his forthcoming speech.

And then, of course, there are my delightful Writing for Magazine learners oozing enthusiasm yet borderline aghast at putting pen to paper. They are yet to realise their amazing creativity though I so enjoy my weekly task of coaxing their imaginations.

This morning I took great pleasure in interviewing the ever smiling Colin Dexter who quizzed me about poetry, bluebells and the first 4 minute mile before I'd even activated my laptop. He may be a touch frail physically but his mind, memory and knowledge were tip top.

And how charmingly delightful too was his dear wife. I so enjoyed our chat among the anemones.

Literary Blessings

2010-09-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

The summer months have been a heady haze of socialising, providing an unrivalled opportunity to associate with a wonderfully diverse mix of published characters.

For instance, only recently I was a guest at a gathering hosted by the captivatingly gifted Paul Eccentric, a performance poet whose hectic schedule, I'm humbled to admit, doesn't preclude him from following my column (A Write Week) in the Tring and Berkhamsted Gazette.

And in just a few days' time I will have the privilege to interview the legendary Colin Dexter, crime writer extraordinarie and charmingly correct gentleman of the old school variety.

Ah, the literary blessings of inhabiting The Chilterns.

The Wireless

2010-07-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

I'm freshly returned from one of our greatest cities having been a guest of the British Broadcasting Corporation. How fascinating to have infiltrated the bowels of such an established institution. Indeed I am grateful for their insight in allowing me to be interviewed on the wireless by Louisa Hannan. As you would expect, she was delightness personified, so much so that my morning listening will henceforth be divided between Radio 4 and Radio Oxford. Well, it will if only I can figure out how to retune my Roberts. Perhaps I should call the Director General and ask him . . .

Autumn

2010-07-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

We may be in the throes of an astonishingly warm summer but a writer is always planning ahead and forging onwards. And so, whilst I am daily enjoying the sun's rays prior to luncheon and early evening drinks on the parterre, my mind is in autumnal mode. For in just a few weeks' time my Writing for Magazines course will begin. Six weeks of unfettered guiding, teaching and motivating a select band of students. Oh, the topics we will cover, the stimulation we will share, the talent I will nurture.

I can barely wait!

Full and further details are included on the relevant page of my webby.

Sunshine and Priorities

2010-06-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

What fun the Thame Arts and Literature Festival turned out to be: superbly organised, well attended and boasting an abundance of authors. Personally, I was thrilled that a number of fledgling writers saw fit to grace the somewhat humid conditions of the Thame Museum to benefit from my talk about freelance writing. My attendees were eagerness personified, scribbling notes, asking pertinent questions and networking at the end of the session.

But back to this week. My column for The Tring and Berkhamsted Gazette awaits my attention and I must prepare a humour writing workshop for a forthcoming Chiltern Writers' meeting. Yet I also have a piano lesson, school Sports Day and a Committee meeting, not to mention this glorious weather and Wimbledon to distract me. Hmm, I sense my priorities might easily be compromised over the next few days . . .

Sunshine and Columns

2010-06-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have departed the ample bosom of my beloved family to spend a few days of sundrenched tranquility with a friend who fulfils the fundamental duties of soulmate and white wine companion. My laptop is poised under a pale parasol, the pool just a few enticing steps away with the mountainous region of Southern Spain providing a magnificent milieu. Not that my excursion entirely revolves around female frivolity for, whilst on The Continent, I intend making substantial progress with my book.

Meanwhile I am thrilled to report that readers of The Tring and Berkhamsted Gazette will henceforth benefit from my weekly column (A Write Week!) which the talented editor, clearly a man of unquestionably fine taste, has simply begged me to contribute.

But back to my book. I'm just going to marinate under the sun's rays while planning a few chapter headings . . .

Workshop

2010-05-17T00:31:00.000-07:00

What an agreeably talented group of writers attended my workshop on Saturday making the afternoon a heady mix of eager activity and industrious effort. It was a pleasure taking them all under my wing and teasing out morsels of mirth. Such a pity I can recall so little of those 3 hours, though hardly surprising given the medley of medication that was gushing through my tubes at the time. Nevertheless, I am now sufficiently returned to the real world to focus on chasing editors and planning my July workshop (From Pen to Publication), not to mention whipping up a Victoria Sponge and marinating my golden chanterelles . . .

Freelance Workshop Extraordinaire

2010-04-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

What joy! Another workshop in the making. How I adore sharing the fruits of my labours with fellow writers. Once again this will be held in the heart of The Chilterns, the dear village of Wendover playing host to an afternoon buzzing with creativity. Delay not in entering the date in your precious diaries: Saturday 3rd July, 2-5pm. Excellent value at £45. It is frighteningly simple to reserve your place via this unparalleled website, exclusively designed and lovingly tended by children's author Nick Halliday. Of course, I would be only too happy to undertake such tasks myself yet my precious time is taken up with a healthy balance of domesticity and writing. Not to mention teaching, piano forte, baking souffles . . .

Chair

2010-04-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm overcome with joyfulness and honoured to report that the talented members of Chiltern Writers have elected me as Chair of their esteemed group. What a privilege to be at the helm. Of course, having taken on another role, my time management must henceforth be ever more precise, my diary ever more exact, my creative energies ever more honed. But these are mere trifles. Which brings me to last Sunday. Having run out of sherry, I instead laced jelly with port producing such a flavoursome concoction of 20 year old Tawny, whipped cream and Creme Anglaise that I'm pondering the idea of producing a collection of my bespoke recipes. Perhaps a few household hints could accompany them. The Current Mrs Smith's Book of Household Management has a familiar ring about it . . .

Juggling

2010-03-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, despite the distraction of plumbers, decorators and carpet fitters, my keyboard has been a hotbed of inspiration this week. Nevertheless, and between maternal duties (witnessing my offspring's starring role in a school drama production), I have also organised publicity for my forthcoming Humour Writing workshop whilst mentoring a children's author and tempting commissioning editors with a selection of irresistible ideas. Oh, the balls I have to juggle! Which reminds me, I wonder if my dear husband will be home for supper this evening . . .

Creative Skiing

2010-02-23T03:28:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from the delights of a skiing holiday a la Continent: snow covered peaks, charming classic clothes establishments and surprisingly good wine. Needless to say, although blessed with poise, technique and balance, I remained at ground level, leaving the deceptively simple pastime of sliding down glaciers to my husband (keen but falls over a great deal) and 12 year old (Olympic standard). The many cafes were my day time refuge. Between copious cups of hot chocolate and gateaux extraordinaire (I refused resistance), I wrote several articles and started the book about which I have procrastinated for too long. Indeed, without the distraction of domesticity, I found I was far more creative than usual. Perhaps I could fit in another skiing trip soon . . .

2010-02-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

I'm awash with political correctness and inconsequential bureaucracy which have dominated the last few months. And all for the sake of a tinsy winsy teaching qualification. Nevertheless, I will endeavour to extract a few snippets to inject into my forthcoming workshops whilst recycling my colourful yet boringly repetitive handouts via the wood burning stove. With my certificate just an A* away, I have already purchased a gilt edged frame. It will nestle beautifully on my oak with walnut inlay bureau. Oh, and fear not learners, my courses will focus on creative writing rather than codes or practice, diversity, session plans . . .zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Humour

2010-01-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

Deadlines, workshops, festivals, where is the time to buff my brass, let alone decant the sherry? My ability to juggle domesticity with a freelance writing career never fails to astound me. Indeed, my excellent article on humour writing will shortly appear in Writing Magazine and I am delighted to announce that I will be running a humour writing workshop on Saturday 15 May in The Chilterns. Do click on my computer-address-mail to contact me and reserve your place. It will be such fun! Now do excuse me, my bechamel sauce is reaching critical point . . .

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T01:25:00.000-08:00

Well, apart from a fleeting yet alarming moment when it seemed we would run out of champagne, our Noel celebrations provided family, friends and neighbours with the highlight of their social calendar. Food was aplenty, there were gifts galore and, apart from the felines sniffing out and tearing open their cat nip presents during the Christmas Eve carol singing around the Baby Grande, all went according to my finely honed plan. Now with my husband returned to corporate life and our daughter skipping off to school, I am obliged to oil my Olympia. Articles to write, the great and good awaiting interview, workshops to organise . . .

Christmas

2009-12-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

What joy! A plethora of whiteness swaddles the countryside, the freshly made cranberry sauce is rich and juicy (much like its maker) and my festive order of imported sherry has just arrived. Yet there's still much to do before our numerous guests gather and my husband will be most upset if he is unable to feast on a generous helping of seasonal stuffing. Indeed, I must allow time to create my celebrated home-made crackers. Then there's the tradesmen's gift envelopes to address and . . . oh dear, must dash, the cats are scaling my spruce . . .