Honest, I don't want to sound smug, as so often this author life is just struggling with stories, and so on - but AGAIN this week, I'm just beaming away!

First of all, I had fun doing a bit of light researching at Beamish Open Air Industrial Museum today. And I also enjoyed travelling on the same Beamish Tram & Waggonway as a bunch of very cheerful children, and "Sir", and several brave helpers. They had come to Beamish from Lukes Lane Primary School at Hebburn, Tyne & Wear. So a really BIG HELLO to all of you, and I hope you enjoyed the trip!

And second? I arrived home to find an advance copy of my next book - The Tale of White Winter Hollow - on the mat! The editors and art teams have done a wonderful job. HERE'S A BIG BEAMY SMILE! : ) from me.

So what will tomorrow bring?  ¶ 7:53 PM

Today's a rather happy day. On and off, over quite a few years, I have been working on a particular story - the kind of manuscript that won't quite let you go, even when you are despairing about it.
About two months ago, I suddenly saw how to "do" the thing. I started again, and went for the strong story thread, ignoring all my long descriptions and acres of research. On I scribbled. Last week, I finished the manuscript, and sent it off to my agent, who is not one of the gushing sort.
Today I get an email telling me she loves it. Even if it gets no further - and it may not - for now I am happy, happy, happy! Maybe I should join in the eating of mooncakes today to celebrate my own good fortune?
A thought. As mooncakes may not around in this part of Yorkshire, it may end up being an Eccles cake from Betty's instead.(Happy mooncake festival, everyone.)
  ¶ 10:50 AM

My first visit "Author Visit" of the new school year yesterday. This meant a bit of early rising to load the car and get over to the bright & cheerful Rokeby Park Primary School in Anlaby,near Kingston-Upon-Hull. Thanks to everyone for a happy time!

(And thanks also to whoever got this blog back on the screeen.)  ¶ 9:06 AM

Hello again, dear imaginary reader. Sorry about the month's gap in my blogalogging. I was not off an exotic holiday, (unless you count a lunch of fish & chips at Whitby's Magpie Cafe) but a mix of problems with the blogging system, and some writing busyness.

A few weeks back, I woke in the night - and realised that if I started re-writing a story that had research overload problems from my memory of what I'd wanted to say, rather than the weight of (possibly) wonderful prose, I might be in with a chance. So I have been head down at it, brain filled with it, eyes glued to the computer screen - and the new plan may have worked. Tonight the manuscript was in the 7.30pm post to my agent.

You may never hear of this mysterious story again, but just now I am feeling a tiny bit smug. Not 'cos of big belief in my skills, but just because I reached the finishing line with this story at last. I got my spoon and egg to the finshing tape.What's it about? If I get smiles from my agent, I will tell you. If not, it will be more chocolate. Munch sob munch!

  ¶ 7:28 PM