I write this full of cake - a lovely birthday celebration for my once writing teacher and now friend - not that friends can't teach us anything - but we were once formally teacher and pupil and a great teacher she was. As we sat in her garden, a few of us decided to commit to the National Novel Writing Month which begins in November. I have to start the third novel anyway, so perfect to have some company, albeit in other parts of the village... England... the world. 

Writing is a solitary experience but writing friends are invaluable and so too are readers, some of whom I met yesterday when I was doing a book signing in Waterstones, East Grinstead. It was surprisingly good fun. I'd only put myself down for an hour but I could have stayed longer. People who read books are nice! I was joined by some old friends and made some new ones. Thank you to Steve, Susanne, Sue and many others who took time to chat to me. This coming Saturday, I am talking about the writing process at 2pm in Forest Row. For more details, please go to the 'News' page.

I'm on the home straight now with the second novel. After detailed, like-gold-dust feedback from my agent and my editor, I can see what's working and what isn't. Another couple of weeks and I'll be there - bar the copyeditor and proof reader's notes - but by then my job is all but done. 

We dropped off our youngest son at university yesterday - Portsmouth. It was the most incredible day - blue skies and hot sunshine. His room was like an oven but with great views down to the Spinnaker Tower. With the wonders of Facebook, he already 'knew' the people he was sharing the living space with. We left him with a glass of beer in one hand, some pizza in the other and a big smile on his face. (Remember to eat fruit, drink water and get enough sleep. And lectures - try to go to most of them!)

Jenni - thanks for the card! It was great to hear from you. I will write back. x (If you're on Facebook, please look me up.)