A Return to the Norm

"Hey everybody!"
"Hey, Norm!"

So, after a few weeks of galavanting around the country I'm now unmistakably back home with everything pretty much back to normal. Following a holiday to Dorset and watching two of my favourite bands in the midlands and the north I'm now back in Sussex, where it's all very quiet. It's been a fantastic few weeks, and these were some of the best concerts I've ever been to, but, I have to say, I'm a little excited to get back to writing.

Today was my first day that was really my own since I've been back. I had to work at my other job on Sunday and Monday so today when I woke I was ready to sit down and start a new chapter. I grabbed my pen, paper and my imagination (my imagination often wonders far and yet it's never a great distance away... weird, huh?) and I quite happily started writing. I did a good one thousand words and was happy with my progress. Then life happened. I realised all the errands I had to run. I had housework to do, things to do in town, and a host of other pieces of admin that couldn't really wait. I set to them immediately and emerged smiling at about seven pm. So, all in all, not the best writing day I've ever had, but that all looks set to change tomorrow.

I'm really close to the end of Lay Me Restless now! I can't let the pace slip.

This is a thing. I work in a cafe part-time to subsidise my writing (I'm not J.K Rowling yet) and I always call my cafe-job my other-job. My regular customers who know I'm an author (which is all of them, because, you know, it's a conversation starter...) call my writing-job my proper-job. I'd agree with this, but every so often one of my friends will call my other-job my proper-job. But I spend a lot more time at my writing-job than I do my other-job, so my writing-job seems more proper to me. Not only this, but I've been writing a lot long than I've been working in cafes and approach writing with a lot more passion and dedication than I do my cafe-job (sorry, boss; as much as I love coffee, you need something to read while you're drinking it). So, while some people might argue that my other-job is a lot more proper than my proper-job, they don't understand me properly, otherwise my other more otherworldly job about thing other than things you'd find in a cafe or other food establishment would probably seem as proper to them as it does to me with it being my proper-job and seeming properly proper. If you follow me...

In other news, my band is hard at work practicing for Battle of the Bands next month. I'm really looking forward to it. It's always a great event and this year, with it's new summer date and changed venue to the local park, it looks to be better than ever.

Also, go and see Pearl Jam live. You'll thank me.

Another Holiday!

So, I had a really great time in Dorset. I did so much reading, what more can you ask for? The weather was great and it was fantastic to have so much time to relax. But the holiday isn't quite over yet! Next week I'm travelling pretty much the entire length of country and back again to see two of my favourite bands. I'm seeing Pearl Jam in Leeds, Pixies in Manchester and then Pearl Jam again in Milton Keynes. They both put on fantastic live shows so I can't wait!

Aside from that I'm typically busy. Still writing, chipping away at it as and when I can and making a fair amount of progress with it. My band's practicing for the upcoming Battle of the Bands tournament and I'm practicing my acoustic stuff for the solo competition too. I'm getting everything ready for my book signing in September (stay tuned for more info on that). I'm also setting up a local group in my county for the Fawcett Society. Not to mention a few articles to write for the online magazine I've been writing for. What can I say? I like to keep busy.

Well, I should get on with the above list. I'll post again as soon as I can.

Sam

Holiday! (Celebrate! (It would be so nice...))

Sorry for the late post! Between admin and writing etc, I've only just had time to sit down and write this out.

So, what's new? Well, 'Lay Me Restless' is progressing smoothly; I'm hoping to have the first draft done by the start of August, but, knowing what I'm like with the deadlines I set myself, I'm not holding my breath. Still, even this first draft is reading very well, so hopefully that will cut down on some editing time.

I'm still ironing out the final details for my book signing, but it looks like it should be in August. More details as soon as I have them!

But the main thing is that I'm going on holiday tomorrow with my favourite person in the world! We're going to a small town in Dorset and I'm going to RELAX. I think I've earned it. Between work, admin, promotion, writing, music etc I haven't really stopped this side of New Year, so it'll be nice to just have a little time to let everything settle. Don't misunderstand, I enjoy all of that stuff (enjoy isn't strong enough word for the more artistic sides), but it can be tiring at times. So, for a week I'm going to sit in the sun and read while having a well deserved glass of wine. I'm taking my guitar because music is always necessary and I'll probably end up doing a little writing too, but it will be in the relaxed surroundings of the country.

I'll update any progress upon my return,

Sam

Success!

So, after a couple of weeks off from writing I've had plenty of time to develop ideas and I've pretty much worked out the entirety of the final third of Lay Me Restless. All that's really a mystery to me at the moment is the length of the final sub-plot, which I'm sure I'll work out pretty soon.

I got back to writing today and it's going pretty solidly. I have a really good feeling. No, I'm not going to finish this by my original target date, but I'm going to finish it pretty soon and it's my best work so far. Also, my promotion seems to have worked and I've really raised the profile of both of my previous books, especially 'In the Footsteps of the Behemoth'.

So, in all, a successful few weeks and a few more successful ones ahead.

Sam

The Behemoth

A creature born from the Planet itself, the Behemoth has stunted mankind's progression for a millennium. Its gargantuan size and skin of rock has made it impossible for the human race to overcome by force. Quite why it came into being is much debated. Is it a demon? The wrath of a vengeful god? Or was it born from the Planet as a way to defend itself from the destructive humans? Many have their theories, but, only now that this uneasy alliance hunts the creature, will the truth come to light.

General Grimoire Groan (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Imbued with the gentle but stern wisdom of age, General Groan is a dutiful retainer to Lord Thean and a valuable asset to the Thean House. Though despite his experience, he can often be headstrong and stubborn, sometimes so blinded by his belief in his cause he cannot see the virtues of those who do not further the progress of the Thean House.

                Owing to this, Grimoire can often come across as abrasive, offending those around him with his staunch views. He is a strong believer in justice, doubting any who may have engaged in any activities deemed ‘dishonourable’. But, with so many differing motives in those around him, this may be a characteristic it would be best to be without.

General Distance Valentine (In the Footsteps of the Behemoth)

Approaching thirty, it would be fair to say that General Valentine has risen through the ranks of the Thean House quicker than most would expect, though with his tactical knowledge and skill with a sword, this is understandable. Yet, the pressures of his position seem not to faze him as he takes all obstacles within his stride and maintains a calm demeanour.

                Though this calmness should not lead to any underestimation. Distance believes in this ethics of the Thean House with ferocious veracity, ready to defend his Lord and cause against any attacker. Held in equal loyalty is his friendship with General Groan with whom he displays deep affection, respect and understanding.