I keep waffling on about Joseph Bridgeman Book 2, how it will be out this summer… blah de blah…
A few of you emailed me recently and in your kind, considerate way (that’s not sarcasm, I mean it, you guys are awesome) pointed out, that it’s been a long time since Book 1.
In fact, some of you admitted that you couldn’t really remember what happened.
Hmmmm. I TOTALLY understand. There have been a lot of books under the bridge since then.
Anyway, it gave me an idea…
Over the next few months I’m going to select a few key chapters from book 1 and do a kind of ‘behind the scenes’ look at the writing process. (something I have thought about doing for a while).
The Unexpected Gift of Joseph Bridgeman explores what it would actually be like for an average person to travel back in time and alter the entire course of their life. I’m looking forward to delving back in. It should be a fun way to refresh memories and ensure everyone is up to speed for the release of book 2 later this year.
Personal Update
Right now, I’m going all out to finish Book 2. I am on the final straight… 10,000 (ish) words to go in the first draft. After that, I’m afraid it’s a long (but important) process of Beta feedback (I have Ninjas, their identities are top-secret), editing and various stages of revision but, still – Draft 1 done will be cause for celebration in the Jones house…
Corks at the ready…
Gutted.
I was using Flixster (an app) to track all of my ‘watched’ and ‘to watch’ films. I logged in, and they had wiped the lot. I almost started swearing, but then remembered, the app was free, and all my data was on their turf. Data? Facebook? Perhaps we’ll leave that there…
So, from Memory….
Streaming
Queer Eye: I read a (serious) review that described this show as essential viewing, especially considering the state of the world is in at the moment. I remember frowning at that review, wondering how a show about five gay guys, giving people, their houses and lives a quick makeover could be described as essential? Good T.V. yes.. but important? Really? Turns out yes.
Each presenter has their own skills and each victim has sizeable but fixable problems. What’s surprising about the show is how it really exposes the importance of communication, caring, compassion and love. Seriously, watch season one and try not to cry with sheer, life-affirming happiness – tougher than not licking your lips after a doughnut. You’re welcome.
Godless: I love a good Western, and this one has a nice twist. This isn’t a spoiler but all the men in town (well, nearly all) have died in a mining accident. So, the whole place is run by women. Obviously, there’s a bunch of bad men heading their way and a mysterious outlaw poised and ready to help. Beautifully shot, well-acted, sharp editing, good script and score. Tick x 5. Also, I love seeing Jeff Daniels play a bad guy. He will always be dumb (or is it dumber?) to me, but he’s riveting every second he’s on the screen. Enjoy.
Films
I heard great things about Ladybird, they weren’t wrong. A beautiful, thoughtful, surprisingly funny coming-of-age story. Again, the script is bang on, filled with realism, genuine compassion and excellent family arguments (tougher to write than you think). The lead and her best friend work brilliantly and I left the cinema feeling nostalgic, melancholy, uplifted and sad. A friend of mine went home and hugged their daughter, telling them that they love them. That’s what good art can do, change the world for the better.
To watch
Anything Guillermo del Toro makes is worth consideration, So, ‘The shape of water’ is on the list. Also, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, ‘Game Night’ (looks dark and funny, my kind of thing). ‘The Phantom Thread’, because, you know, it’s Daniel Day-Lewis. And many, many more I can’t remember now. Grrrrrr Flixster.. Grrrrrr.
Cool thing this month
I haven’t mentioned it before, but this month’s prize goes to dictation. Screw you carpal tunnel. Dragon has changed my life man… changed my life.
Alfie Update
He has taken to howling at 6 am, every day. I go and see him and he’s covered up, warm, absolutely fine but crying… sorrowful and extremely loud. *sigh. He makes me tired, so instead of a photo of him this month (it goes to his head I think), I thought I would share the antidote to life with Alfie….
I’ve been working on my latte art. What do you think? To be fair, I get plenty of practice…
Feels like spring has finally arrived here in the UK, daffodils and birdsong and people actually smiling occasionally (it can be a rare thing, at least where I live.)
So, until next time, keep smiling, it helps the world go around (not literally, but it does help things along I reckon).
Nick
P.s. My new process of planning, writing, dictating and scheduling means that new releases will be more frequent going forward. I promise. I have loads of new stuff coming this year and next : )
