Diary
This is my online diary where I publish updates on my writing life.
26/08/08 : Summer 2008
Where I've stayed: Had a lovely summer and have been to my favourite country Austria twice, first with Jack on a press trip with Inghams, then with Crossy and Jack for a travel feature. Was good to see those mountains and marmots (very cute beaver-type creatures) that live up high.
What I've been doing: Enjoying myself on holiday, days out with Jack and compiling some memories of old boys and girls from Jack's school. Was chuffed to find people in their 80s who travelled to school on a pony and cart.
What I'm reading: Having never read a Jodi Picoult book before, I'm starting with My Sister's Keeper, which will have me completely addicted, I'm told.
Social event: The Ainderby School summer dance was a riotous night out, with dancing on tables, lots of wine and I got flowers for my sterling efforts with their publicity (I wrote about five paragraphs).
29/05/08 : May 2008
Where I've stayed: Quiet month really with just one night away in Newcastle where we stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Gosforth Park, after the North East Press Awards ceremony. Made an amazing discovery in the gym at the Marriott - I can run on a treadmill with a hangover and feel prefectly well, but I can't stand still without feeling woozy.
What I've been doing: I was a guest speaker for the NSPCC's annual fund-raising lunch at Solberge Hall in North Yorkshire. We covered journalism, being brought up by an alcoholic parent, and my book - and the event raised £1,158.80 for the Northallerton area NSPCC.
What I'm reading: Joy of joys, Harriet Evans' Going Home arrived so I've been sloping off to bed early with Harriet for a chapter or two.
Who's made my day: My in-laws Ann (aka Granny Annie) and David for their sterling three-night babysitting service so I could live it up and lie in over Bank Holiday.
Social event of the month: Definitely the North-East Press Awards ceremony at the Civic Centre in Newcastle. Kevin Maguire, political editor of the Daily Mirror, was the guest speaker and very entertaining he was too. Sat next to fellow judge Banksy (David Banks), a former editor of the Mirror, who was very entertaining and not half as scary as I thought he'd be. Best course was the dessert for, after a whole week of cutting down to get into my awards frock, I lost a staggering four OUNCES!
Jack's quote of the month: "Mum, don't sing, you're never going to win X Factor and you're doing my head in." Charming. Whatever the kids say, keep up the singing in June.
29/05/08 : April 2008
Where I've stayed: I've had the most fantastic Girls' Night In at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Chelsea Harbour with my friend Rachel, and if there are any women out there looking for a special pampering night, look no further. We had a suite with a to-die-for view of London, treatments, dinner and breakfast in our suite, and a bumper goodie hatbox of beauty products. We emerged from our room to walk off a few calories and then top up again with lunch in the restaurant.
What I've been doing: Went to Julia Armstrong's book launch. Julia has written her autobiography, Running to Learn, and tells the story of her athletic career, her eating disorders, her four marriages and coming to terms with her past. She's now a coach and relationships counsellor.
What I'm reading: Well, I've read Julia's book above, as well as an empowering book, 21 Ways & 21 Days, by a psychotherapist called Tricia Woolfrey.
Who's made my day: All those fab little kids who came along (all 40 of them) and celebrated Jack's 8th birthday aboard an inflatable crocodile in the swimming pool. And their parents for not taking legal action when their children were booted off unceremoniously by the birthday boy high on life.
Social event of the month: The Slimming World Greatest Loser 2008 ceremony was a glittering affair, with some inspirational weight losses. One man lost 23st!
Jack's quote of the month: On the subject of his 8th birthday: Mum, when I'm 18, will you be 100?
On the subject of age, hope you're wearing yours better than I obviously am. Happy May.