June is always a special month at Fielding Towers. The good times actually start on May 31st with a visit to the Theatre Royal in Bath to see Thoroughly Modern Milly with a friend. There will be a pre-theatre supper and possibly a glass of something bubbly when we get home because June 1st is my birthday. There have been a lot of those so I’ll gloss over exactly what number I’ll reach this year.
It’s going to be a busy month. Following the ups and downs of moving house, my original buyers – when confronted about their lack of progress – disappeared. Three wasted months, more expense and a considerable amount of teeth gnashing but, with the house back on the market, I had a new offer in a matter of days and, fingers firmly crossed, this time it will be full speed ahead.
The last piece of excess furniture has found its new home, there has been a clear out of clothes that I’ve dieted out of (yay!) but there are still a lot of books to go to charity shops. Oh, and there’s a book to write…
That is hard. So much has happened in the last nine months and I’ve been facing the fear that I may never be able to write again. I’m battling it and when I do actually put fingers to keyboard I’m getting words down. But it’s hard to motivate myself. I just read a piece on the Live Write Thrive blog that suggests it’s my mind protecting me from failure. I have to keep reminding myself that writing is my business, it’s what I do.
I have been thinking about this book for a very long time (anything but actually write it) and that’s going to help me. The hero and heroine have become much clearer in my mind. have had time to grow into their parts. I just need to stop feeling afraid that I can’t do it any more and get the words down.
In mid-June I’m going away with the family to Center Parc – so there will be a lot of walking, swimming, owl experiences, willow weaving and maybe even time for a treat at the spa. I’m hoping it will help to fill the well and tempt the muse out into the sunlight.
And then there’s my trip to the Romance Writers of America 2018 Conference in Denver to celebrate the fact that The Sheikh’s Convenient Princess has been nominated for a RITA®.
I’m so looking forward to meeting old friends and finally hugging all the wonderful people I’ve known in cyber space for years and have become so close. And to meet readers at the Literacy book signing.
I’ve done the paperwork, booked my flight, signed up for the conference , have my hotel reservation. My diary is filling up with dinners, teas, coffees with friends, editors, fellow romance writers.
That’s the easy stuff. I still have to decide what I’m going to wear to my publisher’s party, the Rita Finalists Reception and the Awards night ceremony. Oh, and shift those 7lbs that are stubbornly clinging to my hips after a long, dark, winter.