Away Time

Apart from a restful week in Norfolk, the summer holidays passed in a blur of re-writing 'The Queer Cure'.

My job was to focus and simplify. My aim was to finish by mid-August, as I'd boasted to the agents and editors I'd met at the Summer Reception held in London by New Writing North.

I finished the latest draft at the beginning of September. Sent it to an agent. Got rejected.

I knew it wasn't ready, but had to get over the psychological hurdle of sending it out and being rejected.

Since that submission, I've been having 'away time' from 'The Queer Cure', to restore some perspective. I know that there's at least one more draft to go and then I'm finished with it, no matter what its fate.

The new term has been manic - as always. Really enjoying teaching pure Philosophy again after a break of a few years.

Half-term begins tomorrow evening. I have the luxury of 'away time' on private land on a hillside overlooking Ilkley. I plan to visit Haworth and, using the wonders of my iPod Touch, read at least some of 'Wuthering Heights' in the place where it was conceived.

I'm obsessed by the book as well as the Kate Bush song!!! My last published story 'Emily Bronte Unbound' reflects that obsession.

I need some inspiration to dive back into the world I've created in 'The Queer Cure' and make it more vivid, more alive.

Let's hope Emily's spirit takes pity on me!

Thanks for your patience.