What’s New?
Apologies for the short break in communication. I do have a decent excuse, well two actually. An exciting new business venture (more info as soon as I’m allowed) has kept me occupied and also, we moved house!
Working from home is an amazing privilege but if you aren’t careful it can become pretty isolating – not good for inspiration and general happiness. We wanted to walk into town and find people, coffee shops and a bit more life! So, after many months (er, years) of searching we finally managed the move and now live in Moreton-in-Marsh, a beautiful Cotswolds village. My writing room is set up and business-as-usual is resuming slowly.
Cool Fact 1 – The Bell Inn (one of our local pubs) is widely recognised as the inspiration for “The Prancing Pony” at Bree in “The Lord of the Rings”. One, entire wall is a map of Middle-earth! They do a good selection of local ales too. Bonus.
Downstream Book 3 Update
Joe’s new adventure is shaping up well. Book 3 features travel into the past and the future, a dash of India and a sprinkling of the Wild West. Joe’s parents are back and yes, there’s more Alexia. Oh, and we see the unwelcome return of Solanine. Trust me, the seemingly mad events of book 2 will make sense as Joe learns he is part of a much bigger plan, one that requires him to dig deep and decide on the kind of person he wants to be. I’m enjoying myself again and the writing is beginning to flow. The wait will not be so long this time.
I’m also working on the outline for a new urban fantasy paranormal romance series. (New genre?) Anyway, been plugging away at it for yonks, and really think it’s going to work. My plan is to make a start this year. We will see, but the concept makes me smile every time I think about it, which has to be a good thing, right?
Watched – Film
Finally got around to Bohemian Rhapsody. The critics reviews were mixed. I loved it. Okay, the pacing was odd in places, it leaned too heavily on biopic tropes and factually it was all over the place. Did the band sell their van to pay for studio time? No. Was the Live Aid performance a reunion? Nope again. Etc. But…
Did it capture the Magic of Queen? YES! Rami Malek did an awesome job of embodying Freddie in all his flamboyant glory. Mr Fahrenheit was a legend, taken way too soon.
Cool Fact 2 – I met Brian May once. He was promoting his new book about Diableries, which are making an appearance in a future Downstream book. Fascinating stuff. https://www.diableries.co.uk/
Watching – TV
Call my Agent (Netflix)
You know that thing with a good book or series, when you just don’t want it to end so you kind of slow down? Yeah, I’m doing that with ‘Call my Agent.’ Nearly finished, and it’s all kicking off at ASK Agency. Well-written and entertaining although, Season 4 is yet to be renewed by Netflix. If they don’t, I’m going to… I don’t know… strike or something.
Fleabag – (BBC iPlayer, might be on Amazon)
Episode 1 hooked me completely. Interesting technique of breaking in and out of the wall during scenes. Good, honest dialogue combined with cringe-worthy, truthful observation of life. Starts out with comedy and evolves into a subtle, bittersweet portrayal of a modern young woman coming apart at the seams. Here’s hoping they maintain the quality. WARNING: Strong language, sex, drugs and… well, you get the picture. Not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. Enjoy!
Reading
Finishing up The Outsider by The King (awesome) and, off the back of attending his Master Class on writing, am digging into Neil Gaiman’s back catalogue. Such a great man and a brilliant writer. He is an inspiration in so many ways but the main lesson learned is that he follows his heart NOT the market. Neil writes what interests him and believes in his personal vision and voice. I’ve had some truly horrible reviews and emails that suggest I do us all a favour and never write again, but they are burned away by the amazing feedback and letters I receive – along with the feeling of ‘rightness’ that comes when writing from the gut.
Oh, and just got ‘The Order of Time’ by Carlo Rovell. Bound to get some tips on time travel there! Like Brian Cox, Carlo manages to make really complicated Physics fun – and understandable – for a dumbo like me.
Alfie Update
Cyndi Lauper may have ‘drove all night.’ Alfie just howled. New House stress, along with separation anxiety – My son is lambing at the moment and not here to entertain the baby. Anyway, lots of treats, three new beds (including a special wicker throne in the lounge) and a car-load of blankies seems to have done the trick. Spoiling him? How dare you…
Finally, thanks again for all your emails. I know I take my time to respond (I sometimes wish time travel was actually real) but I do read them all and they mean a lot. Keep ’em coming as they say.
Speak soon,
Nick
