A Postcard from Hiati

The weather is lovely!


I have been quiet a little longer than planned. But the experiment has proven that, in the case of this novice novelist, less time online results in an increased production of fiction.

In other words, the writing is going really, really well. At the moment, I’m busy with further ‘tweaks’ of the novel I now realise will never be ‘finished’ until it is a) published, or b) shelved.

I’m not quite sure when I will return to more regular blogging, but I’ve just signed up to Twitter! And because any funny, cool, cute, or even vaguely acceptable plays on Mary are already taken ... I am using my real, full name. (I feel so brave!)

In reading news:

A novel I had been meaning to read for ages but only recently got round to is A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. It completely blew me away! It is the story of a ghost who falls in love, possessing a living body in order to be with her lover. It is unique, and beautifully written.

Continuing the spectral theme...

I am just over halfway through Katie Alender’s debut novel, Bad Girls Don’t Die. It is a gripping YA thriller, and yes, I did have to sleep with the light on after one particularly creepy moment. Katie has a gift for characterisation, and the protagonist’s scary little sister is especially well drawn.

Until the next time...

What first appeared as blog block has turned out to be something else. I suspected only a virus in my brain’s blogging mechanism and expected it soon to pass. But for the past week a debate has raged between my brain’s blogging nodes and the newly awakened single-minded centre. I’m not sure if I always had this, lying dormant, or whether it is recently grown.

Anyway, the single-minded centre has beaten the blogging nodes into submission. They did not go down without a fight, counter-attacking the single-minded centre; alas to no avail.

I have been pushed into a fully-focused-on-fiction phase. Which means I am taking a hiatus. I won’t stop reading the blogs I follow, and several more besides, but probably won’t post again for some time.

Unless something amazing happens, of course, or the blogging nodes acquire fabulous new weapons, fight back and win. :)

Blog Block

Tara Donovan, “Untitled” (Styrofoam Cups, Hot Glue) 

The title tells all. But for those two words to be a real title, a post must be written in this space. Therefore, I elaborate: I am stuck.

I know that simply isn’t good enough. However, as this post is a struggle, I am resisting the urge to delete any words; including “I am stuck”.

Having placed “I am stuck” within quotes makes me happy to have chosen those words. They express exactly how I feel.

Blog post ideas usually pop into my mind quite readily. I then write something, find an amusing or interesting picture, and... hey presto! But, since early last week, my mind seems to have chosen to spend time elsewhere. Where exactly that is, though, I'm not quite certain.

I promise next time to write a proper post. Perhaps once my mind returns from its adventure (or relaxing vacation?)... ;)

Message in a Bottle

My two-week blog break turned into a three-week blog break, and now... that three-week blog break looks set to become a prolonged hiatus. I am so entangled in the imaginary worlds of both fashion and fiction it seems I will be imprisoned here for some time. Things could be worse. Much worse. I am not incarcerated in a cold, dark cell. My sentence is not indefinite. The guards are kind; they even allow me a little time online! Occasionally. And one day ... I’ll be free!! :)

Streethorsing

Tbilisi, Georgia by Martha Camarillo

I'm taking a two-week blog break. I have a design deadline approaching and want, if possible, to maintain some writing momentum (not to be confused with momentous writing ;)) amidst the craziness of completing the project.

Back in December!

Until then...

Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club Documentary
by Martha Camarillo



“In the heart of downtown Philadelphia, among abandoned buildings and impoverished neighborhoods where drugs and unemployment pervade, is a place called Fletcher Street. A block that upon first glance looks just like all the others, that is, until you see the horses and hear their hoof beats…"

Hip-Hip, Hooray!

Overnight at Thistletonthwaite Castle is one year old today!


Which means... I have been blogging for a year.

And... (here comes a cliché) what a wonderful year it’s been!

When I first started this blog, I felt a little bit self-conscious and shy. But now, as I sit here looking out at a pink and hyacinth sky, I wonder why, oh why?

With blogging, as with most things in life, it is best to relax and be yourself. Some write about rules for blogging, what you should and should not do. But I think the beauty of blogs is that each is as individual as its owner. And, like owning a dog, we closely resemble our blogs or vice-versa. ;)

I had a phase when I felt guilty about blogging taking time away from writing. Then, I had a phase when I found it difficult to post regularly because of my work and wondered if I could keep on blogging. I am now through those phases -- and don’t imagine I will ever stop writing a blog.

Mainly because ... I have met many wonderful people with equally wonderful blogs!

Thank you for reading mine. :)

A Quiet Place

I feel slightly ridiculous and a little bit embarrassed. But. It was only after announcing my temporary retirement that I found I needed a change, not a rest.

Yes, I now have a tumblelog (or tlog), A Quiet Place. It is quite different and more personal than this blog -- and you are welcome to visit!

After spending some time at my new blog (or tlog), I imagine I will move back and forth between A Quiet Place and Overnight at Thistletonthwaite Castle.

(It’s the Gypsy blood; I can’t stay in one place! ;) )

This Is Not Goodbye

I have a tendency to over-extend myself because there is so much I want to do. If only there was a microchip implant that meant one could read a book, write a letter, watch a film, and take a relaxing walk along a river, all at the same time!

Unfortunately, there isn’t -- and time constraints rule.

I’ve had to re-evaluate my use of the 24-hour restriction placed on each and every day. I have to prioritise my time, and it’s tough when some of the fun stuff has to slip away. Yes, this is a longwinded way of telling you that I'm temporarily retiring from blogging. And I will miss it ... greatly.

But this phase won’t last forever. And I will still be around, and can’t imagine I would ever stop reading my favourite blogs (and several more besides). Especially as I now have an iPhone 3G, so the Internet is always with me! (Gosh, I love technology.) :)

À bientôt!

Blog Break

This blog is on hiatus for two or three weeks.

I’m working on a design project that has turned tricky (naughty thing). There’s a mountain to climb. I don’t mind the challenge, but need lots of energy to reach the top. Once I’ve stuck a flag in the summit, I’ll be back...


In writing news: How I love submitting short stories! (Though I’ve sent out only two, thus far.) It’s so gloriously different than querying a novel. I’m hooked! :)

Until Further Notice…

I’m taking a break from blogging.

Whether this is temporary or permanent, I don’t yet know.

Thank you to everyone who read this blog. And thank you to everyone who left a comment.

But... I might be back before too long! ☺