Pocket Novels, bodies and groups

 Hi all! I hope this finds you well and happy. Not quite sure where the great weather went but I guess we can make the most of the long evenings regardless. I don't want it to get to June 21st as it then starts going the other way😟.

At present, I'm still waiting for my insoles as they hadn't arrived at the podiatrist's practice on my appointment date. The appointment has been postponed, therefore, for two weeks, as that's when he'll be there next. At least it is before my cruise, although I was hoping for more than a couple of days for my feet and legs to get used to them. Hey ho. It is what it is. At least I'll get them at some point. I am totally living in my Oofas right now. They are 'recovery' sliders that are shaped to give relief to your feet in all the right places. Amazing! If I'm ever famous, I will one hundred per cent be happy to promote them lol. They are the only thing I can wear without any pain so I am dreading the weather getting cold. My toes will fall off😬.

Writing-wise, I have written a couple of short stories since my last blog and sent the second one off this morning. (Weekends? What are they?) I am almost 19,000 words into my next pocket novel and, thanks to Sue and Stephen Pursey, think I may have the bones of an idea for another one based on Sue's family history. It will need alterations, of course, and imagination, plus a different ending, but Sue has a fascinating story to tell about her mother. It was so kind of her to share it with me. Thank you, Sue.

I don't think I have a story out at the moment, although I know that I do sometimes miss one or two. Christine Hollis kindly told me about a group for Pocket Novel writers on FB, which I have now joined. They are wonderful people, more than willing to share all their knowledge. I joined in a zoom call and it was great to 'meet' a few of the members. I have now joined the ACLS, which I obviously should have known about years ago. I'm hoping the result will be a few loan payments regarding my novel in libraries which I've never done anything about. I'm also going to join the Society of Authors and quite possibly the SWWJ (Society of Women Writers and Journalists). I'm tempted by The Romantic Novelists Association too, so I am going to have to make a choice because they all cost and I will be spending more than I earn at this rate! lol

To sign off, another success story, this time from one of my wonderful, generous OU friends Glenda Youde:

Glenda went on to complete a PhD and the book below is the result. She is an expert on art history and focused her dissertation on Elizabeth Eleanor Rossetti. 'Lizzie Siddal' was the model in John Everett Millais' painting Ophelia, but she herself was an important pre-Raphaelite artist herself. Of course, at that time, she wasn't recognised for her vital contribution to the movement, working in a predominantly male environment. 

For anyone interested, it's available on Amazon.