Harry Bowling Novel Prize

Day in lieu today, as this afternoon I have to go up to London to (a) meet my agent (http://www.sff.net/people/john-jarrold/about.html) - phew, at last! - and (b) attend the Harry Bowling Novel Prize (http://www.harrybowlingprize.net) to see if "Maloney's Law" can do more than its usual "shortlist only" showing. To be honest, I'm not holding out much hope, if past experience is anything to go by. And, needless to say, I'm shitting bricks although I know I should be saying what a fun evening it will be and how useful it will be to my career in that people will get to know my name and what I look like. And might therefore remember me when they come to look at their precious future publications lists. Hmm. Some hope. Still shitting bricks though ... And I'm wired up about meeting John Jarrold too - as I hate going to meet people when I don't know what they look like. And I hate having to walk into strange pubs to meet them. Hey ho. Will have to take a calming pill or two fairly soon.

This morning was nice though - Jane Hide came for tea and chat, and we did a good old catch-up. Lovely to see her again. Now the children are both either at or nearly at school, she's going to be doing some product selling for a beauty firm (http://www.nutrimetics.co.uk). Looks like good stuff, Jane - so go for it!

Managed to get about 500 words of "The Gifting" done before I started to worry about which train to catch. So have stopped now, as I can't concentrate. Am also dreading having to do an extra day at work tomorrow, when I've been having such a crap week. Groan. How I hate it when my routine is messed up.

Have just finished Sue Miller's "The World Below". Not one of her best offerings, I think, but still worthwhile reading. Rather too meandering for me, and I lost the point very early on. An interesting writer though, and I've enjoyed some of her others.

Today's three nice things:

1. Jane's visit
2. Meeting my agent
3. Going to a post London literary do - that'll show 'em!

Anne Brooke
http://www.annebrooke.com
http://www.goldenford.co.uk