Wellies by the back door. Just got back from a damp day at SHIREBROOK VALLEY PARK, where I was storytelling. Lots of (other) interesting activities, including a blacksmith, djembe drumming, hook the plastic ducks out of the water, tie & dye, and even a miniature train ride. Well done, all the organisers!

Thanks to the two librarians who were in charge of my "pitch", and gave me a cup of hot chocolate to drink just when the day got chilly. One of them summed up one of the magic things about such outdoor days that I'd dimly noticed but hadn't put words to: "It feels like camping." Yes! But glad I'm not sleeping out in the open tonight.

I was also given a copy of "Shirebrook - The Forgotten Valley" a book just published by the local history study group, and am looking forward to finding out more about this area of Sheffield - now green grass and trees where there were once pits.

A really pleasant Saturday. What a nice way to escape from the media frenzy about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?  ¶ 6:56 PM

Just to say that I've had some lovely times over the last two weeks, meeting up with old friends. My writing life - except when I'm out doing school visits - is usually me in my room working, with the cat sleeping in an A4 box-lid beside my computer. I don't mind this at all - writers enjoy being alone with their ideas and stories - but sometimes a bit of time out in the real world is just what I want.

On the downside, I have not got any further with updating my website! Aha, the Bird of Guilt returns . . must fly!  ¶ 8:16 PM

Amazed! Have been having trouble getting into blogger lately - and now I've arrived, not sure what to say.

I'm in a bit of a self-absorbed intense place, trying to get back on track with a story, trying to tell myself it will be okay eventually. It is much longer than most stories I've worked on, so after a gap when I've been busy visiting and so on. I was feeling as if I couldn't get the plates spinning again. (There's sections of a second plot that need dropping in at significant places too.)

So my current cunning plan is to have two documents open on screen side by side, so I can continue to work on the manuscript, while write an analytical synopsis in the second window. Let's hope it works!

By the way thanks to all who listened to my stories at RHS HARLOW CARR gardens on Saturday. Next Saturday, I'll be enjoying this summer's sunshine at the launch of SHEFFIELD LIBRARIES "BIG WILD READ" SUMMER READING CHALLENGE at Shirebrook Valley Park, Sheffield.  ¶ 7:31 PM

Quick greetings to ST PAUL'S RAINBOWS - THE LADYBIRDS - in Harrogate, and thank you all for listening to my stories. Have lovely party on Monday, and a happy summer break.  ¶ 2:13 PM