It is, isn’t it? I mean, we had a week of gorgeous sunshine and one far-too-hot day last week, so it MUST be summer, despite what the grey clouds and chilly 14 degrees are saying today… First things first: I bought a new pair of dungarees, with pencils on. Aren’t they brilliant? I’ve been wearing … More Summer is here!
Yesterday was unusually varied, so here’s a little peek into what being a full-time author can involve… … More A Day In The Life…
I can’t be the only one wondering who I am after the year we’ve had. My job basically disappeared overnight: schools closed to visitors, publishers slowed right down, and my writing time was instead taken up with homeschooling my kids. Things are readjusting themselves again and there are signs that things will pick up, but … More Who Am I?
I look back at my last post in early March and laugh ironically. I was all ready to get going on new projects, buzzing with writing ideas, get back on track…and then lockdown happened. Since then, my kids have been at home with me and like everyone else I’ve had to find new ways to … More Having a Lovely Day
I haven’t written my blog for ages, and there’s a big reason for that: I’ve been considering giving up writing. From the outside, I’m an extremely successful children’s author: I’ve published over 40 books; I’ve won awards; children across the country (and in other countries!) read and study my books in lessons and produce amazing … More Hello, I’m back!
I bin around again! From 12th-15th November I was up in beautiful Newcastle, scurrying from school to school as part of the Northern Children’s Book Festival. Then last week I visited the wonderful Discovery Academy, a special school in Nuneaton, before driving on to Shrewsbury to speak at their Bookfest conference: Unlocking the Power of … More North! West! South(ish)! and vote please
I’ve been putting off writing this new post because it feels a bit like starting 2019 with a downer, even though I see it as a Positive Decision. Thing is, I’ve given myself permission not to try to write a new children’s novel this year. The past couple of years have been tough going, personally … More New year, new direction, painting and Guernsey
I’ve been terribly slack…but then, you see, I haven’t actually been writing! I KNOW. Shock, horror, etc. Thing is, I got a bit tired out, and my creative drive dwindled, and there’s no point forcing yourself to do something that doesn’t come smoothly if you just need a bit of a rest. So instead, I … More Autumn update!
It’s autumn! What happened?! I had a lovely summer, not writing a book! That feels really strange and alarming to write, but it has been SO nice having proper time off this summer. Last year I was struggling to start Jelly, and the year before I was doing a complete rewrite of Electrigirl and the … More Summer round-up!
I’ve been Doing Lots over the past few months. And the trouble with Doing Lots is that sometimes you get Very Tired. I am currently very tired – to the extent that a daily nap has had to become part of my routine – I know!! Me, the whirlwind of activity and…zzz. Recently *adopts fake … More Creek and Sofa – when you have to REST
Jo Cotterill 