Summer Reading and Writing

The recent gorgeous weather here has forced me outside to read and write. Somehow reading and writing outdoors feels more intense, a bit like the way food seems more flavoursome outdoors. 

I've enjoyed making my way through some cracking books as well as working on drafts of new material. I've also enjoyed reading my copy of 'The Haikuist', a new anthology which arrived in the post this week (I've haiku in this, inspired by summer days at the beach).

I often forgo indoor theatre over the summer months, prefering to be outdoors on bright summer evenings. Last night we emerged from a brilliant performance by Theatre3 of 'Anyone for Marriage?' in Bangor's Studio 1A theatre to experience a strange phenomen. The rain had returned after an absence of several weeks. 

The garden definitely needed it, but thankfully it won't dampen my resolve to continue reading outdoors. Despite my TBR pile growing closer to the ceiling, I can never resist looking at the books in our local charity shop when dropping in donations and rarely leave empty handed. You just never know what treasures you're going to pick up and yesterday was no exception. My haul even included a signed copy of a book by writing friend Angeline.

Plenty of great reading material to keep me occupied for a while!

Planning and Writing

It was good to get back to my writing group again yesterday, after what seems like a very long time away. While we were smaller in number, it didn't stop it being a productive session.

Over coffee and chocanana muffins we caught up on news, did some planning for activities over the next while and then got stuck into a couple of writing exercises. 

For some, the summer indicates a break from writing. I'm fortunate to already have had a couple of breaks, so am feeling energised to get back into my writing routine.  

Back home and buzzing,  I took the opportunity to enjoy some al fresco writing. With several deadlines and plans it was good to take time to write, building on the exercises we'd started working on earlier.

Last week at our Belfast SCBWI in person meet up, I was also re-energised, when I caught up with other local writers, hearing their news and plans. It's great being with my tribe!