Of rain and writing

Today we have been blessed with a good old downpour of rain.

Today I had lunch with Julie, and as the rain started we had to move our table inside the restaurant, then when we finished , make a run for it- me back to the car, Julie back to her flat. On my way back from Julie's in Cubelles I felt trapped as the water rose in the drains -even raising some manhole covers about a foot above their settings - and closed the underpasses under the train line, but eventually found one I could get through and got home safe and fairly dry.  Since then it has been raining on and off, pouring and showers. We love it - the cats on the other hand don't and they took shelter on their jungle-gym.

Books update:

• Magia del Camino - Victoria is working like a trouper on the translation and hopes to finish sometime in December. We are then thinking of having a Spanish book-launch.  I love the way my words read as translated by Victoria, and know it'll be a great read (if you speak Spanish of course).

• Das Winner - I spoke to Michael today who is just over a third of the way through translating Winner. Luckily he's really enjoying the task as we ll as the story. HE hasn't read past the parts as he translates them and is looking forward to finding out the rest of the story. He's also got his mum to read what he has translated (Michael is originally from Germany) and she too is enjoying the story and wants more... Michael's also pointed out a few tips in a possible edit (second edition) of Winner, which I am currently working on.

•  Take Two - I had a quick chat from Janey today who has been reading Take Two, having rushed and bought her copy as soon as it went on general sale- she reported that she has already been in tears, and is loving the follow up to Winner.

• The Key -I must ashamedly admit that work on the new project has currently stalled.  I've been so busy editing and promoting the other books and setting up the HoT website (still under construction!), as well as settling back into my school timetable etc etc, but intend to get back to it this week. I've also been let down by a second possible illustrator, so if you can draw and fancy seeing your work in my kids book(s) let me know...

Sunday at its best

This morning I had a relaxing walk with Cuddy and Xali. I took my new camera to see what came up for me to snap, and have put together this offering. 

And then messed about on the PC - I am pleased to say the translation of 'The Magic of the Camino' into Spanish is coming along nicely, thank to Victoria - just 10 chapters to go, and the work Victoria has put in is excellent and much appreciated.

And whilst on the subject of books - Yesterday (after a full day of teaching) I finished the final edit of 'Take Two' and it has now been released on general sale: I just need to come up with an effective method of marketing for the novels. Without the niche market that 'The Magic' has it is proving much more difficult to push the sales forward.

Later on this morning I decided I would throw together a coffee cake. (more info on my other blog page). which I have just enjoyed with a nice cuppa. What more can one need on a Sunday afternoon than a good book to read, a slice of cake and a cuppa?

So how did you spend your weekend?

Entertaining, and writing...

SO... October has hit the calendar, where did the Summer go, and more to the point where did the last nine months go? They do say that time flies when you're having fun, so I guess that has something to do with it, cos boy do we have fun.
The end of September was jam-packed with entertaining. Marion (Aka Hatty) and Rosie were in town for their first ever VnG visit so we were busy doing touristy things, as well as catching up on the years in between when we hadn't seen each other. It was great to note that although we've all aged we've hardly changed, and as for growing up - forget it -not on my agenda!!
We ran around sightseeing, ate amply, drank and laughed late into the night... isn't that just what entertaining friends is about.

 And on a literary note: I've spent a lot of the last couple of days finishing off the final proof/edit of Take Two. I've been through the book with a fine tooth comb, and have started updating the PC copy- next step to finish the updating of the on-line file and reload onto Lulu.com - then it'll be open for general sale... watch this space for further news....

Arrival

Today we've been out shopping for new clothes for our upcoming holiday, and then when we got back on the doorstep was the first copy of my latest novel: 'Take Two'. So not only was the shopping trip great fun and so rewarding there was a super 'prize' on the mat when we got home.

 

So now there are three published books in the House of TulStig collection. Life is wonderful and truly surprising - I never, ever thought that I would publish one book let alone three, and I'm still in the process of writing another. 

Now my job is to give it a final proof- work has already started on that, before releasing it for sale.  If I have time before we  go away at the weekend I will do it, but if not it will be joining me on-board the Costa Favolosa for a little light work whilst we cruise the Adriatic. Tony had suggested I leave it until we get back and have a complete break, but I know that there are some of you out there waiting to find out the fate of the characters in Winner. The Diva in me is saying 'Oh but my public require it'!!! 

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And today's photo challenge prompt - BLACK AND WHITE 

                    So who of you could have guessed:

Vinci- and he really is upside down - he takes up this position when he wants a tummy tickle, which is quite often.

DUNNIT !!

A quick update this evening.

I have just finished the uploads necessary to complete my second novel -'Take Two'.

The book follows the story of some of the characters who we first met in 'Winner' -I say we as it was also in this book that the characters introduced themselves to me, one by one.

I have loved the writing process again, and am happy, more than happy, with the finished product.

I am now waiting for the proof copy of the book to arrive (hopefully within 7 days) and once I've proofed it I shall make it available for general sale on www.lulu.com just like the others.

So if you've been waiting to catch up with Joey and Vick, Gisela, Lucy and some of the other characters your wait will not be much longer. However, be warned not everyone made it to the second book!!

Writing and stuff

This week I have committed to working for the next four days on my writing and related things. I am doing this within a group of other like-minded people. The inspiration being created in the group is motivating and, well, inspirational! 
Even before the commitment started (Today) I got into it all-

• Organising and editing 'Winner' ready for an E-book -TICK
• Setting up a page for House of TulStig' on Facebook.  - TICK

Today I planned

• to edit at least 150 pages of Take Two. I ended up doing over 200 pages -just over 80 or so to go now - TICK
• to do some research into a 'House of TulStig' website.  TICK

I even signed up with a web-hosting company and now have 'Houseoftulstig.com' as a an additional domain to 'TulStig.net' - stepping outside my comfort zone now- and have been trying to set up the site- well outside my comfort zone now - After a few hours of messing around I set it aside before getting too frustrated. I did manage to set up an e-mail address for the site (information@houseoftulstig.com - if you want to give it as test for me?) -As for the rest Ill be approaching it bit by bit, so if you've any tips just let me know....

Feeling kinda pleased with myself for goals reached, but less comfortable about the website -stuff.. Never mind tomorrow's another day.

Food, Take Two and 'Magic'

We’ve been having a relaxing day here in VnG.
After walking Cuddy and Xali a little later than normal and answering e-mails and other messages I did very little until we went off to catch the bus for the seafront and another restaurant adventure.
Today we had lunch in the sunshine in one of the many restaurants on the seafront.

 

Restaurante Cuckoos;  Passeig del Carme, 12 (Paseo marítimo) Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona 08800

 

Some of you may remember it as 'The Blue Room' where we adjourned for drinks after our wedding reception. Since then it has changed hands and attempted to go 'up-market'. 

We were pleased to see Toni, the waiter we know well as he has been working there since we have been living here (8 years and more) who took our order:

 

Mixed salad (no tuna)

Spaghetti Pomodoro for Tony 

Vegetable Lasagne for me

with a plate of chips 

and a bottle of Rioja chilled.

 

We asked for everything at the same time except the wine which we wanted 'tout suite' 

The wine arrived swiftly by the salad, the chips and two plates. We were pleased to see the chips were home-made and chunky. The salad was served with optional balsamic and oil. Nice touches. A few minutes later Tony's spaghetti arrived. But no sign of my lasagne for at least ten minutes. Then when it did arrive the plate was too hot to touch, but the lasagne was cold- Freezer to Microwave methinks! I called one of the waiters over and told him 'OK' he said and whisked it away- no apology or other comment. "I bet it comes back too scalding to eat next" I suggested to Tony and sure enough it did. 

Looking round the terrace I had noticed that the waiters were quite disorganised and at points three were serving one table while another table waited. The owner was working hands-on, but wasn't in control of the whole scene. 

Neither of us had the 'ganas' for desserts but decide to check out the dessert menu anyway. Now one of my 'bugbears' is restaurants that simply offer frozen desserts from a pre-bought menu in plastic tubs- an yes that is what the menu consisted of. There did appear to be a couple of home made dishes, but I was disappointed at the lack of imagination.  Which kind of sums up the meal- Two vegetarian options -both pasta, terrace laid out like a Butlins canteen and deserts pre-bought. 

The whole meal cost just under 35€ - which wouldn't normally have been a bad price, however I was a bit miffed to have been charged 2€ for two rolls that we hadn't ordered and didn't even want. So yes I did bring them home! 

Whatever let's end on a positive. The wine was really good and the company of course, and we did in fact enjoy our lunch out, something that we haven't been doing half enough!!  

 

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This week I've been dead busy with catching up with 'Take Two'. Each afternoon I sat down at the laptop and wrote or edited and am pleased to say that it is now finished. I have yet to re-edit it and add all the other texts 'acknowledgements, dedication etc' but hopefully will get all that done this week. I shall then upload it to the publishers, and hopefully get a proof copy within ten days. I shall check this carefully when it arrives - something I failed to do with 'Winner' and regret missing so many typos etc, eventually releasing it for sale soon-after.  Want a copy? watch this space....

 

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 In the next few days I am going to be announcing a 'The Magic of the Camino' competition. This is because I have now sold over 100 copies. Maybe not what Amazon best-seller list stuff is made of, but so many more than I ever dreamed of. When I set out I had hoped to sell around 50, I am thrilled to have doubled that. Promoting through Facebook and Twitter has clearly helped. My next Goal is to get 100 likes for my 'Magic of the Camino' Page on Facebook -so if you can help me do this I'll be most grateful. Many of the sales have been in the USA and Australia, and quite a few e-books as well as paperbacks.

Check ups, write ups and weekend surprises.

Today we have had our final vets visit for the year's vaccinations with Sprout's visit this morning. Interestingly all the kids have put on weight this year, with Sprout adding the lest, and of course Cuddy the most.

This afternoon I got back to 'TAKE TWO'. I had completed the first edit, but today started to add the final couple of chapters and as I was doing so a twist in the plot came up of which I have taken full advantage. I have to say that the writing today was flowing well and exciting for me.

Tomorrow is Tony's 60th birthday and I don't expect to have much time for the writing, nor over the next few days as Andrew and Jane arrive on Thursday and I am planning a busy weekend. The details of which you'll have to await on the publishing of the blog over the next few days.

and just cos I thought R2's pose was amusing here he is in the hammock this evening - Buddha-like

Editing....

Today the editing of 'Take Two' has gone on unabated. I have gone all through the printed off pages and made corrections, changes, additions and even scratched some out, and now I have finished with my red pen and highlighters. 

I now need to update everything on the PC before doing another final proof and edit. Then we'll be all sorted. 

I'm dead happy with the story, especially with the twists that I didn't see coming at first. With no more melt downs in Casa TulStig I can see the first proof copy winging it's way to our letterbox well before the end of August. I know this a little later than originally planned, but hey no better late than never. 

Once that's done I intend to get my kids gang off on an amazing adventure.....

 

Writing and Walking

OK - catering assignment all over and sorted now this week I am concentrating on writing and walking...

This morning I spent a lot of time between the pages of 'Take Two' whilst Tony did a bit of editing and proofing - what a great team we make. By lunchtime I had written over 2200 words, and am more than happy in the way in which the story is progressing. However, there is more to the story than I first though¡, so finishing before I go away could be a bit of a BIG ask. I shall be working away diligently towards that goal, but may have to leave the final few chapters until I return in July.

This afternoon I did a bit of reading in the sunshine, and a bit of Camino research. My flight is an early one - especially after Vueling changed the time (ie. made it even earlier) and I was wondering just how to get to the airport.  I checked the RENFE website for train times, having already found out that the night buses would not get me there on time, and found a train that will get me there in perfect time. It will all mean that I have to be up and out by four o'clock in the morning, but hey ho I'll just have to have a siesta in the hotel when I get there.

Oviedo here I come - well in just over a week...

A right regal day

Today we have spent much of our time perched in front of the television watching the celebrations of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee from London. Despite the wet weather it was a spectacular event, and at times brought tears to my eyes. It is at times like these when I love to be able to say that I am British. 

During the afternoon I also took some time out to write another chapter or so for Take Two.At the moment I'm managing to write between 1500 and 2200 words a day. I did think the end was in sight but there's more to the story than I first thought. 

I also spent a bit of time updating our personal website, which I have to admit I had neglected for a while. No matter it's now right up to date. 

This evening whilst sitting in the garden one of our regular visitors drew our attention again, and that of the cat - we forever have to stop them catching it. We've no idea what it is, so here's a picture to see if anyone can help. It's the size of an insect, but looks like a tiny bird with a huge proboscis which it dips into the flowers to get the nectar.

Throughout the day we had been snacking on bits and pieces so didn't need a big dinner and settled on scrambled eggs on toast, but oh no we had no bread, so I quickly threw some together- an hour later we had our scrambled eggs on toast, with fresh tomato salsa.

Take Two

Life is good, no scratch that -Life is great. The laws of attraction and abundance are working so well in my favour at the moment:

Firstly as the school year comes to end, and with it the monthly dosh it could be a struggle during the summer, apart from my abundant belief that we are always 'loaded'. Just recently I have picked up two new private classes, both are previous students who I just happened on by chance again- but I think we all know that there's no such thing as coincidence. So that'll keep me in 'pin money'. where on earth does that expression come from? Although it does remind me that I need to get some nappy pins for the Camino just in case I want to dry my clothes on my backpack as I walk.

Writing has been flowing well this week too. Today I wrote over 1900 words before the laptop battery warning went off and I had to stop. The book is going well, and I am rushing towards another exciting ending. Do you know what it's like when you're getting to the end of agood book you're reading adn you want to rush to hte end but you don't want it to finish- well that's where I am with my writing at the moment. 

The first mock up of the cover for the book arrived from Alan this morning, and is just what I was looking for. So here goes..... (drumroll please)..... My new book is called ' TAKE TWO' and here's the first design for the cover. I've blocked out part of the story blurb as it contains some 'spoilers' that I'm not sure I want included yet, other wise you can get the idea of where we're going with it.... 

So if you haven't read WINNER yet you'd best get a move on as this will hopefully be available during the summer... watch this space....

and finally I just want to say thanks to the people that have started following me on Twitter too. When I am walking you will be the first to know where I am at and what i am doing. I intend to do brief updates on and off, with a more detailed story on the blog at the end of the day.. of course this is all connectivity permitting. TWENTY days and counting .....

PS -almost forgot to say I've even received the first part of 'Winner' in German -Thank you Michael, and thank you Thomas for helping out with the specialist terminology!