The travel nerves are setting in, now they are no longer numbed by the prospect of seeing James Martin. I don’t do travelling, as I’m always worried I’ll be ill and let people down. I only travel if it’s to see/do something I’ll never see in my own region ie I went to Manchester to see Linkin Park (in 2003) and Steve Coogan at various venues (many moons ago). This time it’s a sporting event. Budget is also a factor: I need to make sure I’ll be comfortable and occupied if I am confined to my room. I got a fabulous deal on a 5* hotel, with free massage, room upgrade and breakfast in bed (too good to be true? I hope not). I got cheap rail tickets by subscribing to a rail website, have Tesco Deals vouchers to pay for meals (Slug and Lettuce have a nice, varied menu…but not sure ‘The Slug Breakfast’ sounds appetising…), have vouchers for 2 for 1 entry into various attractions and a Buy One, Get One free voucher for Wagamama. I was hoping not to spend anything…except I’m terrified of the Tube, so it looks like my meagre budget will disappear in taxi fares. No shopping in Covent Garden for me!

I’m hoping my trip to London will give me some inspiration for a hotel-based scene I’m thinking about for…well, for nothing, really, as it’s all in my head at the moment. It’s really hard to think about writing, as I’m a little sad that Karma hasn’t been more successful. That said, I’ve had more good reviews from readers, but wonder how much more I can do to get it to a wider audience - I guess that’s the benefit of having an agent. Someone I know on another forum has had a book released recently and, because her publisher is one of the biggies, it’s in every Waterstones from here to London…and beyond, probably! I still can’t even get the Metrocentre store to do me the courtesy of responding to an email! Actually, it looks a good read, and I’m thinking of getting it for my trip - I’ll report back once I’ve read it. That reminds me of a family holiday one year: we always used to get magazines to look at while we were travelling (probably to stop my sister and I from fighting). My mam also bought loads of things to read on the journey…before she remembered that she was driving!

In lots of ways. Firstly, I was hoping to finally see James Martin in the flesh, and couldn’t believe my luck when I saw he was scheduled to appear at an event just outside my hotel in London, this weekend coming. Then, less than a week before I go, I read that he is no longer expected to attend. I missed every one of his book-signings, as I wasn’t well enough to travel, so I guess I’m not destined to see him in person. It would be funny if there were a post on James Martin’s website that said, “Thank goodness I’m not going to that event in London, so I won’t run into that strange woman that mentioned me in her Blog! Scuppered her again, mwah-ha-ha (evil laugh)!”

Secondly, you may remember that I mentioned Kindred Spirit magazine had expressed an interest in doing an interview (earlier in the year). I love holistic therapy, so was quite excited about this - as I’d heard nothing from them, I decided to take a chance and contact them personally (rather than through the publisher). I got an email back to say that they had wanted to do an interview, but they’d heard nothing back, so went ahead without me. They are doing a huge article on ME/CFS, so it would have been a great opportunity for me…obviously, it wasn’t meant to be, but I was very disappointed. As you know, I’ve found it almost impossible to get any exposure for the book, so I’m kicking myself that we missed out (or I would kick myself but, with my luck, I’d probably miss!)

I haven’t had a response from the letters I sent to WHSmith and Tesco yet, but it’s early days. I also haven’t got a new digital camera or the photos from the Borders signing yet, so I haven’t updated the gallery (although I have updated my Facebook gallery…still addicted!)

I apologise for the miserable post, but I’ve still got cold and a mouth infection, so I’m feeling sorry for myself…and worried that I won’t have recovered in time for my trip (the first holiday-type-thing I’ve had in years)!!!

I wasn’t intending to post today, and this isn’t book-related, but I read something rather sad this afternoon: ME North East, which has helped many sufferers of ME/CFS and related conditions in the North East, is having a funding crisis. This makes me sad and a bit cross, as this condition is so misunderstood that it’s vital to have people who DO understand to turn to. Not for the first time, I wish that I was a hugely successful writer (or that I could win the lottery, if I’m wishing for things) so that I could help out financially. It’s such a shame that charities like this (and many other very deserving causes) are forced to beg for money to continue their work…

…is read their books and take responsibility for the errors. They don’t rely on copy editors, proof-readers or friends. So, any errors contained within the book are my fault and my fault only. Why do I say this, considering it’s not like me to admit that I’ve done something wrong? Well, I had an email from an author (I won’t give her name, but she is what I would class as a ‘proper’ author) gently reprimanding me for not checking my own work, and telling me that authors are responsible for their own out-put. So, not only can I not string a sentence together in real life, I can’t do it in writing, either!!! Let’s add this lesson to the many things that I’ve learned during the past few months.

Back to what I was originally going to post when I got up this morning (well, mid-morning): the book club (last of the Karma-related activites in my diary). I was quite nervous by 7.25pm, and I needn’t have been - everyone was really friendly. I did have something prepared, but they were happy just to ask questions, so I was glad to go with the flow. It was like chatting amongst friends, and I enjoyed it, once I got over my nerves. I hope I didn’t disappoint them. I’d love be part of a group like that, but my CFS means that I’m very unreliable, and I’d feel so guilty if I couldn’t attend a meeting - that’s what I love about the internet: it gives me the freedom to be me, without the restrictions I have in my every day life.