Yo.
The weather is the main focus here in England. It’s humid, then cold, then wet, then dry. So, so exciting. And, occasionally it’s beginning to feel wintery, so us Brits are discussing whether to ‘put the heating on’. And, saying stupid things like, ‘Oooooh I’m not really ready for Christmas yet…’
Personal Update
Downstream Book 2 is going great. 15,000 words in the bag. Joe has discovered surprising things about his life in the present and also a door in his house that leads to…. well, you will have to wait and see : ) Maybe I will release a few chapters to you lovely people… What do you think?
I know the writing isn’t perfect – far from it – but the words are flowing and the chapters are filling up. It is just the best feeling in the world to be writing again. Editing might take longer this time – I’m a bit rusty – but all is good in the author hood.
Films I’ve watched
For the sake of Joe and Alexia’s relationship, I’m going through a dedicated rom-com phase. What can I say? I’m a softie at heart. Notting Hill – An oldie, but one I missed at the time and such a fun film. Julia Roberts exploring what it really means to be famous, while trying to find genuine love. Almost impossible, I suspect. How can you be THAT famous and be sure someone is being honest with you? Anyway, I was reminded why Hugh Grant kept landing loveable bumbling-herbert roles and also how much I rate Julia Roberts. She has definitely got ‘it’. I think she will go on to do quite well ; )
In terms of what I learned about romance in fiction? You need plenty of scenes where one side is keen but the other isn’t sure. Will they, won’t they? Repeat x 3. Lots of ‘crush’ moments when it feels like there is no chance…
And that’s love, isn’t it? Being crushed and therefore compelled to act by the idea of NOT being with the ‘one’.
Streaming
Sneaky Pete. Such a great series. A well-trodden premise (Guy returns after 20 years and cons family into thinking he is a relative). Okay, it has been done to death, yet this feels fresh, funny, nicely awkward and a master-class on how the right actor can make or break a show. I remember Giovanni Ribisi as Phoebe’s brother in Friends and thinking then that he was awesome! Now, he is Sneaky Pete and nailing it. Highly recommended and ideal viewing for me, what with Joe returning to a life he doesn’t know and having to blag it.
F is for family. Season 2. Darker and still funny. Ray Donovan. Genius.
Reading
Getting into Matt Haig’s new one. How to stop time. Very different in tone to The Humans, but really strong in theme and the writing is tender, well-observed and thoughtful. Nice job Mr Haig, you have me hooked, again!
Culture
Birthday: London, West End – Book of Mormon. I am soooo sorry… and don’t want to open a can of worms about religion here but I’m going to say it.. It is seriously funny and extremely well put together. {You may not know it, but there is lineage all the way to Frozen from here}. It’s a classic hero’s journey with ‘wrong’ humour, clever songs (amazing lyrics) and genius choreography. The South Park guys are funny, but they cleverly brought in experts to create a musical – and it works. Seriously, a little bit of wee came out when I watched it… Perhaps it’s my age…
What I’ve learned this week
I have introduced the five-minute journal into my life – Thanks must go to Tim Ferris for this one. The concept? You spend 5 minutes in the morning just getting things out of your brain. e.g. What you are grateful for, hope to achieve, desire, could do better etc. Literally 5 minutes, but I’m amazed how it clears my mind. Just getting the crap out of my brain and onto paper (so to speak) helped me hit 2,000 words the other day and it felt good. I plan to continue and will report back.
Later.
