Happy Advent! I’ve been very lax in updating my blog, for which I can only apologise. I tend to use social media more and I need to stop relying on that so much. As a reminder, I’m on Threads and Bluesky, having deleted my X account on the 6th after that result. A friend of mine quit this week, saying it’s become a bin fire, so I don’t regret the decision to get the heck out.
What I’ve been writing
My November goal was 30K on Grand Theft Starship. I got to 11K before I was derailed in the best way.
Back in September, I sent the first 5K and a synopsis of A Certain Darkness to Northdox Press. Halfway through November, they requested the full. After squealing like a stuck pig, I remembered I was a third of the way through changing to first person and I needed to finish that before I sent it in. Cue what I called a “oh my god, I’ve a full request edit”. That’s gone back, plus a second agent query, and I’m back to waiting.
And writing, eventually. I’ve had Lenore and Volker in my head for most of the year, so it’s odd to sit down and not work on their story. Volker is very, very loud, lmao. Still, I do need to move on and I’ve Alden and Maddy waiting for me.
What I’ve been reading
What I’ve been watching
Strictly! My favourites are Chris and Dianne, then Sarah and Vito. But Chris leaves me breathless every week. The way he moves across the floor is frankly gorgeous.
I also enjoyed The Moonflower Murders, though I don’t think it was as good as The Magpie Murders. In a similar vein, the new spin-off from Death in Paradise – Return to Paradise – has started. This isn’t as grounded in the original show as Beyond Paradise, which is a shame, but I’m treating it as its own thing.
Last weekend, I rewatched the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials. Damn, they are good! Definitely better back-to-back as you catch the threads running through them.
Health problems
As I mentioned on social media, I’ve had a bit of a health scare this month. I’ve on-going lower pain that’s leaving my GP scratching her head as test after test came back negative. Until they didn’t. I’d a stool sample with high infection markers and a blood test showing a high white cell count. I’ve a family history of cancer and she decided to fast-track me, mostly to be on the safe side.
Thankfully, I do not have cancer. I didn’t realise how worried I was until I felt utter relief at hearing those words. I do have issues with my gallbladder that needs further investigation, and my arthritis has spread to my spine. This wasn’t a surprise, really. My lower back has been degenerating for a while. It means keeping a closer eye on certain symptoms that indicate a collapse, and probably surgery in the not-too-distant future. Another discussion with my GP, I guess.
Everything else!
November/December is a busy time for my choir and we’ve had several performances already. Our big one – at Manchester Cathedral – is on the 8th December. There are so many of us now that we’re having to do two performances! How cool is that?
Sing Space has several venues across the country, so if you love to sing and musical theatre, why don’t you find out if there’s one close to you? There are no auditions, just go as you are! It’s the most fun and my confidence has soared since starting.
That’s it for November – see you at the end of December!
