Hello!
It's been a funny old month, with both highs (literally!) and lows. So, where to start?
Well, last time I wrote, Adrian, our youngest son Thomas and I were about to head up to the Lake District for a week of walking, the highlight of which was to be climbing England's highest peak, Scafell Pike.
Unfortunately I started feeling rough soon after we arrived. It transpired that, after dodging Covid for over two years, I had finally succumbed to the virus.
Luckily we were staying in a remote cottage with only walks in the wilds of Cumbria planned.
Not so lucky was the fact that I managed to infect Adrian and two days later he went down with Covid, too.
Thomas, fortunately, managed to dodge our germs, despite the eight-hour drive there and back. The immune system is strong with this one.
We decided to attempt to climb Scafell Pike and its slightly lower neighbour, Scafell. Probably not the wisest decision, but we agreed to take it slowly and turn back if we felt we couldn't make it.
We reached the summit of Scafell, which at 3,163ft is the second tallest peak in England, but the hike to Scafell Pike proved a walk too far and we abandoned our mission.
We were gutted, but it's a good excuse to make a return journey to the beautiful Lake District sooner rather than later...
Here are some highlights of our trip:
Although I wasn't as ill with Covid as some, it's taken a good three weeks to get my energy levels back, and I'm only just beginning to feel like my normal bouncy self.
I started running again this week after a break of about a month. I say running, more of a walk/run until I build up some fitness again. But at least it's better than nothing!
Luckily we were both feeling better in time for Adrian's 50th birthday, which is just as well, as I had planned a little biking adventure for him.
We cycled from our home in Faversham to Broadstairs along the coastal path. After staying the night in a hotel right on the seafront, we cycled home again. It was great fun and I think he enjoyed it!
In book news, I am steaming ahead with Book #5 and I have just reached the 48,000-word mark, so it's all downhill from now. At least, that's what I'm hoping!
I am deep in the middle build of the story, plotting progressive complications for my poor characters, while they head inexorably towards the climax and denouement.
Fired up after attending SPS Live, the biggest indie author conference in Europe, last month, I have set myself the (for me) ambitious goal to finish the first draft of the book by August 19.
To do that, I need to hit 10,000 words a week. Wish me luck!
If you are looking for something to read in the meantime, Kindle bestselling author Miranda Rijks has a new psychological thriller out this week.
The Insomniac has been receiving rave reviews from book bloggers, and it's next on my To Be Read list.
When journalist and chronic insomniac Daisy is asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic she thinks it's the answer to her prayers.
At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect, but as the past starts to catch up with Daisy, she realises it's the most terrifying place she’s ever been…
The book is only 99p/99c to download at the moment. HERE"S THE LINK if you want to check it out.
That's all from me for now. Here's hoping that by the next time I write I'll have finished the first draft of the new book!
Amanda