To be honest, Christmas shopping has taken its toll. I thought I’d be organised and get in before the crowds…unfortunately, the crowds had the same idea!

NaNoWriMo didn’t motivate me at all, although the main character in my current story has been making herself known to me. Her name is Alison (Al to her friends) and she’s in her mid-twenties. What’s unusual about her? Well, she has two shadows: one is evident in light, and the other only lingers in the darkness… I could tell you more, but things have a tendency to change as I write (or depending on how I’m feeling).

I don’t often talk about my counselling thingy, but we did an exercise which was very interesting. Basically, we each had to pick a person who knew us well, and we had to become that person and talk about ourselves as they might have. I bet you had to read that a couple of times to make sense of it (I know I did). It was so difficult, and it made me appreciate how hard it is for a writer to stay true to a character without aspects of their own personality coming through. I found that when I was writing Karma. I would type something that Paige did, then I’d stop myself, realising that it wasn’t what she would do but what I would do, and then hit the backspace button and try again.

Finally, to recall the letter I sent the last time I posted, I didn’t even get an acknowledgment. Why is that particularly disappointing when I’ve already been ignored by WHSmith, Tesco and Waterstones (Metrocentre)? Because it was my publisher who did not respond to me, that’s why.

Ok, strange title, but fans of Ugly Betty may know that ‘quack’ signifies that I’m about to make some excuses… NaNoWriMo? NoNoWriMo, in my case. I promise you, it isn’t because the ideas aren’t there, but I’ve been feeling a bit rough and can’t seem to motivate myself. There are other factors which are affecting my love of writing, and I tackled one of them today, simply by writing a letter. I don’t really want to go into it, but it’s pointless complaining that things don’t seem to be fair, and then sitting back and doing nothing about it. So I have done something (although I may have shot myself in the foot, so to speak). We’ll see.

I got the details about the charity abseil I mentioned a while back. I haven’t filled it in yet, as even the thought of it terrifies me. Once, I went on an outward bound weekend at school (those who know me are now probably laughing their heads off at the mere thought of me doing something active) and I had to go horse-riding. After a few failed attempts, I managed to get on to the horse, Mayvern, and it was SO high off the ground that my fear of heights kicked in. Vertigo on a horse must be a first! So you can probably imagine my anxiety at the prospect of hanging off the Tyne Bridge…plus I have to find £150 in sponsorship, and I’m not sure it’s possible for me to do that. My mam, sister and auntie are supposed to be doing it too, so we can’t all ask the same people (we’d bankrupt our relatives). It’s a dilemma… An 84ft dilemma…

I received the details of the forthcoming event I was telling you about, so thought I’d share them with you.

The event is to promote Gateshead Council’s Short Story Competition 2008, which must begin with the immortal line, “Once upon a time…” The competition is open to all age groups and closes in March 2008. The flyer for the Borders event reads:

Meet local author Holly Harvey who will chat about her novel Karma and how she won a National Writing Competition to become a published author. Get some tips on writing your own story to enter our competition.

The event takes place on Tuesday, 27th November from 6.45pm at Borders, Team Valley Retail Park - places are limited so please telephone the box office on 0191 4338420 to reserve your place.

I find it difficult to believe that people would actually reserve a place to hear me talk, but then again, I still find it difficult to believe that I have a novel in print. I really hope the event is a success, as short stories are a great way to hone one’s writing skills…and if you have the chance to win a prize too, all the better!

You may also notice that I’ve have added a few bits and pieces to The Gallery (although I can’t take credit for Morph). I haven’t drawn for some time, as I tend to just do so if I’m asked for something specific - I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so tend to find drawing stressful rather than calming, these days…

Well, at the end of the first day of NaNoWriMo (1st November), I had just over 1600 words under my belt (participants are told to aim for approx. 1667 per day). I think that total may be static for a few days, as I’m too tired to think, never mind type! My inner critic finds it difficult not to constantly re-evaluate what I have written, but you are not meant to do this during NNWM - you’re just meant to let yourself go. I can’t even type a text message to a friend without re-reading it, and editing it, so what hope do I have of changing my ways within a month? Let’s see, shall we?

I haven’t forgotten about the artwork I promised to put up. To be truthful, I couldn’t be bothered to read the manual for my new camera and, consequently, haven’t got a clue how all of the functions work. I will figure it out. The Gallery (as I’ll call it - like on Take Hart) will be a temporary folder and will replace the London Album. It’s nothing to get excited about, believe me!

Things are going ahead with the Gateshead Libraries/Borders Event and I will let you know more soon - looking forward to it (this time, I have a dress that doesn’t need to be zipped up!)