There’s a money spider crawling over my laptop screen as I type: I hope this is a sign of something good, as I was just going to tell you about another book I was considering working on! Perhaps I’m clutching at straws, eh? Maybe the spider’s just building a WEB-site, ha-ha! Sorry, my sense of humour is terrible when I’m tired.

I was looking through some old computer disks to find an old story I was working on about four years ago, to show my cousin, Catherine. I’d written the bones of the story to enter into a competition for a screen play featuring Gateshead. It goes without saying that I didn’t win. I remember the entry form well, as there was a question about previous writing experience. My answer was a four-letter word (not that one): “NONE”! Anyway, I really loved the story, which was a humorous modern day fairytale, and suddenly I began to get a bit excited about writing again. Maybe it was the story, or maybe it was the fact I’m stuck indoors, resting, before going to a friend’s wedding reception at the weekend, but I finally feel like writing again. I’m going to run it by Catherine, as I value her opinion, but I think I might do something with it…

There’s a good chance anything else I write won’t get published, but I write for fun, and to occupy my mind, so I won’t be too upset. I’ve done more than I ever dreamed possible in getting Karma finished, so I’m pretty happy - it’s an achievement. As is getting to that wedding reception on Sunday. And doing some washing up. You get the picture - some things are big and some are small, but they’re all achievements!

And finally, tomorrow is the first of May and the launch of Modern Women’s Fiction website. As I told you a few days ago, they have generously included me as their Spotlight Author for May. Can I point out that the owner of the site, Jennifer, flattered me beyond belief in her interview, so I won’t blame you if you don’t think she’s referring to me in the article! See the site here: http://modernwomensfiction.com/ It has great potential, and I’ve already joined their forum, as I’m always up for a chat/debate, when I get the chance. It caters to all types of fiction written by, and aimed at, women. Enjoy!

Was surprised and delighted to receive a message from a lady called Elly, who runs a support group for ME/CFS sufferers near Washington, in the USA! She has kindly posted a link on her site to my own website, and has listed my book too (I love that my book has been listed as COMEDY - yay)! Paige has now travelled further than I have - Dubai AND the United States of America - I’ve only been as far as France…on two day-trips!

Find Elly’s site here: http://www.geocities.com/cfsnova/index.html

I also had an email from my publishers. I think they want me to be a bit more…positive…about the book. Maybe they’re worried that any negativity from me will impact sales? Just want to clarify that I couldn’t be more positive about the book - I just get frustrated that things don’t happen as I’d hoped they would, and that I don’t have enough energy to get things done. I don’t believe that lack of stockists and reviews are a testament to the quality of the story, as I’ve had enough praise to know that people like Paige & Co - I just find it hard to understand why shops, particularly local ones, don’t want the book on the shelves. It isn’t negativity, just ignorance of the book-selling business - I’ve never lied about my lack of knowledge, and will continued to be honest about my trials and tribulations in this blog.

I’m hoping to get a few more things tweaked on the website soon - the lovely Marie is sorting this out for me. I’ve had some good feedback about the website being easy to read and navigate, and this is all down to my wonderful web designer. Thanks, Marie!

Here we go again! That comment about Emily and Canada is back, and is obscuring the window where I type (so excuse any mistakes, please)! Still, the Blog site is free, so I’m getting what I paid for!!! I can’t use bold, italic, underline or the smilies - how on earth will I express myself? Words???

Thought I’d let you know that I’ve been given the opportunity to be the Spotlight Author for the May launch of a brand new website. How exciting is that? I thought I may have missed this chance, due to only just accessing the web form mail (see previous post) but I got a lovely message from Jennifer, the owner of the site, today. I don’t want to give too much away yet, except to say that I was sent a really interesting email interview - it was harder answering those questions than doing my GCSEs… I’ll be giving the site details soon, and I’m sure it will interest the avid readers among you.

Since I found out about Kindred Spirit magazine taking an interest in my story, I’ve realised it’s already familiar to me: it’s advertised in the window of Isis, one of the shops I like in the Metrocentre. Good to know there’s a stockist nearby! I think I’ve also browsed their website some time ago, whilst doing my Massage Diploma course work (or was it in the search for a massage couch???)

Before I go, just wanted to congratulate Mark, who completed the London Marathon on Sunday, raising hundreds of pounds for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Well done!

SORRY.

Can’t apologise enough to those of you who have been good enough to contact me via the Contact form on my website. I have only just been able to gain access, and feel terrible that you have taken the time to get in touch, and not had a response.

Rest assured, I am rectifying that on another screen as I type.

From now on, feel free to contact me via the feedback form, and you will certainly get a response.

And here’s one final SORRY, just so you know. I am. Very.