So - this my first attempt at making a blog EVER.  I've been thinking of setting one up for quite some time, and did ask my son a couple of weeks ago if he would help me, but he's gone to watch the football so I'm quite proud of the fact that I've done it all by myself!  Of course over the coming weeks it will need to be tweaked decoratively but hey, I've made a start!

I'm sat at the table drinking my favourite fruit tea (blackcurrant) and looking with disgust at the streaks on my living room window.  It's a huge window and does need a clean, but my mum always told me not to clean a window when the sun was shining (more streaks apparently) so that's my excuse for not doing that today.

What I really should be doing is polishing my first three chapters of the wip so it's ready to submit to Kate Walker in early February.  In mid March I'm due to attend her writing retreat at Weetwood Hall in Leeds and I can't wait.  I've already done her introductory writing course last year at the same venue which was utterly fantastic.  I met so many lovely people and came away with loads of hints and tips and lots of advice from Kate.  If you ever get the chance to go on one of Kate's courses, then you will definitely benefit - I know I did!

On social media at the moment there is also a Mills and Boon competition where one needs to submit an 800 first chapter plus 1000 word synopsis in order to win a publishing contract.  One of my Twitter friends has just had this happen to her through another writing competition (eek!) so that's inspired me to have a go.  Massive congratulations Lynne Shelby - can't wait to read your first book.

I'm also due to submit another contribution to Heidi-Jo Swain's blog in mid February, so all of these things are swirling around my head.  Heidi-Jo is another of my Facebook/Twitter friends who's had a lot of success this year.  Well done Heidi, it's all thoroughly well- deserved!

I've just renewed my membership of the RNA NWS, which is the  marvellous scheme for new writers run by the Romantic Novelists' Association.    I'm determined to be much more organised this year and  not submit my typescript at the very last minute.  This is my third year on the scheme and hopefully by now I'm getting much better, and learning the craft of writing.

So - what to do first?