So, what have I been up to in July?

Nearly the end of a glorious month weather wise. Unfortunately, over the last few days the rain seems to have returned, but I am reliably informed (I am the stalker of several different weather sites) that the sun is on its way back to Lancashire. I do hope so. Blues skies are much more preferable to the grey ones we usually get.

The RNA conference seems like a dim and distant memory now, although in reality it's only two weeks since I returned home from Leeds. This year, due to some new medication I'd been put on, I felt rather under the weather for the whole time there, so in a way that spoilt things for me as I missed several of the talks due to feeling so ill, but as ever I did come away with my usual sense of wanting to crack on, and with some very encouraging words from the marvellous Kate Walker that's what I've done. Whilst there I also picked up a copy of her new updated 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance which has always been a great inspiration to me. I forgot to ask Kate to sign it, but she's promised to do this for me the next time we meet - either at the RNA York afternoon tea, or on her next writing course in November at Lilleshall Conference Centre in Shropshire. 

So, as a result of cracking on, my current WIP is now finished, and being read, as I speak, by my very kind sister. She'll be the one to spot any glaringly obvious gaffes, and afterwards, with a few more tweaks, I'll be submitting once again to Mills and Boon. Watch this space for details of my next WIP which I have already started to plan.

This month I also met up with some very dear friends who I used to work with back in the 70's, and our last stop for a delicious cocktail whilst in Manchester was 20 stories in Spinningfields. Pay a visit if you can. The lift to the roof garden whisks you up there in about 10 seconds and the views are so worth it. If you don't have a head for heights, though ... beware ...

My son works in the area, and gets really rather worried when I visit, especially when I threaten to turn up for a visit to his very shiny tower block. Oh, the shame, having your mother turn up with her mates! Ha, ha!

And, I know I've said this before, but I really do intend to blog on a monthly basis now, if not more.

Until next time.

Kim xx

P E R F E C T I O N

I've been trying to think of a word that describes the weekend I've just had. And here it is: Perfection

View from my window on the sixth floor

Was it really only yesterday that I said goodbye to friends, repacked my bulging suitcase and returned back home to Lancashire? 

What am I talking about here? Well, I think you might have guessed. It's the #RNAConf18 held at Leeds Trinity University.

Over the weekend of 13-15 July 2018, when around 250 of us writers descended upon the town of Horsfirth for our yearly RNA conference, it didn't disappoint.

Leeds Trinity - 6 miles from the city of Leeds, two miles from Leeds Bradford Airport - oh, yes, we saw the aircraft - 

surrounded by 40 acres of stunning countryside, is where  the brilliant talks, the one-to-ones with industry professionals and the camaraderie and un-ending support took place and came together. 

#RNAConf18:

Pleasing

Entertaining

Raucous (at times)

Fun

Enjoyable

Crowded

Tiring

Invigorating

Outstanding

Needed 

Yes, #RNAConf18 was very much needed. Thank you to everyone.

Until next time

Kim x

Student accommodation