This week has been a whirlwind of work (scrambling to deliver manuscripts before the break) and socialising (scrambling into dresses whipped back from the dry cleaners). On Tuesday evening I caught the train to Herne Hill for a get-together with London members of the Scattered Authors Society. The extremely kind Jennie Walters hosted the evening and I met some great people. Over sausages and mince pies we chatted about websites - the modern author's obsession. Agents - every author's obsession. And even viral marketing. I'm still not entirely clear what viral marketing is, but it sounds impressive. I must say a special hello to Lynne Benton, who has been so kind to me since I joined the SAS. Hello, Lynne!
Later in the week, I went to Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons (pictured above) courtesy of my employer, Working Partners, for our work Christmas do. It was a gorgeous day. Very cold, the sky very blue. As we started our meal the snow arrived outside those mullioned windows and it couldn't have been more perfect. Thank you, WP.
Last night I finally had a night in and made saltdough decorations for the Christmas tree, following this guide. This was lots of fun, but hmmm.... I'm no Martha Stewart. They look nothing like the decorations in the instructions' pictures. I also remembered I can't draw or doodle to save my life. I ended up putting the initial of each Christmas Day guest on some of the clumsy, wobbly, flaky items in the hope that will be enough to make people grin when they arrive on the day.
But where's the writing gone? Today will have to be devoted to a final editorial task, one last manuscript whipped off to the writer. Then I can finally breath, switch off the remote access to the office and turn to my own work. At last. Just as soon as I've bought all the presents...
I am going to write as much as I can, as determinedly as I can before Christmas Eve announces that there's No Time Left. My agent and I have already agreed that I'm not to deliver a rushed third draft before Christmas, so if I need to take more of the break to finesse, I shan't worry too much.
I'm approaching the end of a frenetic year. It's been exciting and challenging and I've learnt a lot. I've definitely made loads of new friends and feel much more connected with my writing world than I did previously. I have this lovely blog and an agent who is just my cup of tea. But next year I intend to be more forgiving on myself, to have space in my life for relaxing. I need more head room because in 2010 I'll want to start thinking about a new novel. I already have a strong single image in my head; I just need to find the story that goes with it. Exciting times.
Before I go, a knitting update. Here's all the knitting I've been doing and am still doing in the run-up to Christmas. I'm fairly (!) confident my family don't read this blog, so I don't think I'm spoiling any surprises. Can you spot the hidden skull and cross bones?
What will you be doing in 2010?
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