That mind gone blank moment

That’s me  today.

I had an idea for today’s blog. It was (I thought at the time—approx 2.15 am—) a good one. 

I had it all planned out. In my mind that is, sadly not here.

Because of course, when I woke up, I’d forgotten the lot.

Argh

That, once I’d stopped trying to remember what it was that I’d forgotten, made me smile, albeit wryly.

How many times have I—or you I imagine— thought of something, during the night, only to have forgotten what it was when you’ve woken up again. You know you did have an idea but not what it was.

So very frustrating.

And, what about thinking you need to do something, going to do it, can’t remember what it was and having to go back to where it was you thought of it, to then—sometimes—remember it again.

Unfortunately, I can’t go back two nights etcetera for the idea I had for this blog.

Hey ho.

My apologies for this non blog, blog. I’ll try to better next time.

Back to the wip. My heroine is about to get very annoyed and be extremely firm over her future.. In the best possible way.

Happy reading,

Love, Raven xxx

A wee trip down memory lane can be good for you?

 I’ve added the question mark because I have heard some heated argument over that statement.

Some agree it’s good to look back. Others are vehemently opposed to the idea, saying to look forward is the only way to go.

Me?

Well I would say I’m sitting on the fence, except that makes me think I sound as if I don’t have anny ideas on what is for my best, and it’s not like that.

For me, anyway, I think it’s best to do both, with a chunk of think about the now thrown in. 

I was looking through some old photos of places we’ve been to over the years, in various Novembers as well as other times.

Oh the happy memories.

Equally I’m enjoying the now, relishing in the fact that my knew knee is doing its job, our home is lovely and we have lots of great things, I hope, coming our way.

And giving thanks for what we have.

 

And on that note, I’ll head back to my WIP, a short story about a giraffe called Harold for a gorgeous 3 year old, and say, happy reading, take care, love Raven xxx

Myriad? How? Reckoned? What?

 Favourite words and how not to use them!

Except argh.

That is always useable.

 

It’s one of life’s mysteries, or should that be amusements, that some words can be…interpreted differently. In several ways!. Not always in a polite one.

You see, I, and I suspect many other writers have favourite words. Words we use unconsciously—, or indeed on purpose, lots of tinges. Often too many times in a short number of words. 

That might sound find to me, as I read the stuff over, either in my mind, or out loud.

However, it sounds very repetitive to someone who is reading it, who is shall we stay, one step away from the writing.

The number of times, when the great and sorely missed Doris O’Connor read my story after it was finished she’d laugh and say Raven, you’re myriading again. (I had a time where it seemed to creep in everywhere. A lot.) 

As an aside, her favourite thing was to split words that were actually one word. Caretaker was probably the one she split the most. Yes, it can be two words, but it wasn’t where she’d used it.

So one of the things I have to do when I read over is she k for certain things.

As I call it, de-ing, de-ly, de-how, why, what, and so.

A myriad times!

In other words…de-clutter.

Then I send it off to my editor who no doubt shakes her head and highlight all of the above I’ve forgotten.

Happy reading,

And if it’s mine please try not to wince too often,

Love Raven xxx

A shout out to Author Rachel Lake

 Why? Because she is not only a great author, but a very supportive friend. 

Sadly not one I’ve not been fortunate enough to meet face to face, but one day…fingers crossed.

When I’ve needed advice Rachel is one of the people I turn to and trust. 

She is a fabulous and prolific writer. I mean that in a good way. Her books are not repetitive or churned out. They are researched, and well thought out. I decided that before we even got a chance to ‘converse’. I love all her books under her various pen names. Darcey Boleyn, Cathy Lake, Rachel Griffiths, and Megan Attley.

Please check her books out. I have too many favourites to pick one. (and I don’t want to upset the rest 😉)

Ok, I really love the Rachel Griffiths Sunflower Street series.

And, I can share some covers.

There's lots more so why not pop over to Amazon and check them out?

Plus there's her website of course, which is

 https://rachelgriffithsauthor.com 

Yes okay this is a blog post about one of my favourite authors. There will be more in this thread.

(the midweek shout out)

Happy reading,

love Raven xxx

To cardi or not to cardi

 Frumpy or fashionable?

No not me, though which I am is debatable. 

I'm talking about the old favourite—or most hated garment—the cardigan.

Affectionately known as a cardi, or a woolly. 

Which are around in a variety lengths, materials and heat level, and for all ages.

As a child, I hated those home made ones. Knitted by my mum, aunty or grandmother. in the most scratchy wool known to man or beast. Usually three sizes too big 'so you can grow into it'.

Now though?

I'm a cardi convert. What's nicer, on a cold evening to wrap a big chunky cardigan around you?

Or to put a thin cotton one in your bag, just in cse you might need it later.

They don't need to be scratchy, or three sizes too big anymore. They can be as big—or small—as I fancy. And of course in a variety of weights and colours, and go with anthing be it jeans or a posh frock. (Until recently I had a photo of a very elegant evening cardi I have. Which of course I've lent to a friend. I can't find the photo or take another picture. Just imagine thin, black, 3/4 sleeves and with bugle beads around the bottom!)

I hate having to get rid of one. Even if it does have a hole under the arm, only four out of seven buttons andis misshapen. It does for warmth not elegance when I'm in the house or picking veg from the garden.

It's good to think, 'ah new cardigan time',and panic when no shop seems to have any in!

Then, phew. Winter stock and some are thin!

I've restocked!

Have a great week, 

and remember I have a mid-week shout out on Wednesday

love Raven xxx

Pics courtesy of pinterest