I went out for a walk yesterday afternoon. There’s a very beautiful magnolia tree three houses down. I love magnolia. When I was young, there was a magnolia tree in next door’s garden. I used to collect the fallen petals and sew them into fairy skirts for my dolls.
It’s been a slow day today. I’m tired and, having finished the first draft of a new book recently, am in that slightly in-between-projects stage. So I dug out a manuscript I finished in November last year and re-read it. It needs a re-write, but I’m fond of it (it’s what one of my writer … More A ‘wafty’ story on a window seat
Yesterday I met up with Lucy Coats, Susie Day and MG Harris – author friends who all live locally. Considering how much we authors like to chat and eat cake, you’d be surprised how rarely we manage to meet up. I think each of us has a certain amount of guilt about taking time away … More The importance of pudding and friends
What a beautiful weekend! We spent Sunday at Hampton Court Palace (where I was RECOGNISED! A real celebrity moment 🙂 hello to the girl from Didcot who was walking alongside and spotted me!) and I couldn’t believe it was possible to walk around without a jumper on. I hope you had a good weekend and … More Sunshine and crocuses
I like the sound of Rest and Recuperation. It feels as though it’s been a difficult couple of weeks – lots going on and illnesses galore too – not just me but the rest of the family. So I am VERY much looking forward to a couple of days with some other crazy writer people: … More Some R and R…
Happy Valentine’s Day! I’ve been thinking about love a lot recently. I started writing a romantic novel before Christmas (for adults) though it’s been put aside while I re-work a story I’ve had on the go for ages. And just a few days ago, I dug out my musical compositions from my teenage years. Gosh, … More From The Heart…
I had a lovely Christmas and New Year with family and friends. In fact, I felt extremely lucky, as I know that due to the weather, many people were without electricity and heating over Christmas. Not to mention the homeless and those without family and good friends. I felt surrounded by affection and humour, which … More Happy New Year!
I found this note yesterday: I have NO IDEA what any of it might mean! I’m wondering if it’s a series of set-ups for photographs, or a short story scene breakdown. It’s definitely my handwriting, but it means nothing to me now! The note must be several years old, I should think. Any creative suggestions? … More What does this mean?
Last week, it being half term, I took my daughter to see the new comic strip outside the Story Museum in Oxford. The Museum isn’t properly open yet (we keep our fingers crossed that it will be next year!) but artist Neill Cameron has done some fantastic artwork to explain what’s happening and what the … More Cartoons at the Oxford Story Museum!
I went to see the doctor yesterday, who took pity on me and gave me some penicillin for my frankly revolting throat. As I came out of the surgery, I realised I wanted something very particular to eat, and it wasn’t in my house. (Actually, two particular things: edemame bean salad, and jam doughnuts.) So … More Comfort shopping – what do you buy?
Jo Cotterill 