Sorry I’m late, gosh! So much has happened during October, it’s been a whirlwind. Because of that I have got very behind in my emails. Hundreds seem to be appearing as fast as I check them…. Ever felt that way?
Now before you dart off to check out another blog on your list of- must check, here is what has been happening down here.
Before I start though I do want to say that my heart goes out to all those along the Eastern Coast of America, now left having to face the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, especially all my lovely writing buddies. It is especially at times like these when I know I wish we could extend a warm hand of comfort through the screen in front of us. God Bless and take care.
Now what has been happening here?
Firstly,I have been talking writing, and visiting a local library with a fellow 12x12er, it’s the best. Swapping ideas, thoughts, giving encouragement and choosing books for research and reviews. It’s so great with a writing buddy.
With one round of critiques under my belt and so much great feedback. I can’t believe I have missed out on so much. I have been given great advice and tips. I am collating them into a list to refer to.
I posted off one manuscript to a competition and while it’s nerve-racking I am realistic of its outcome. As one 12×12’er said to me, the joy is in knowing you got it out there… Yay!
I also sent another off to Rate Your Story and wait for that outcome. Yep I have been a busy bee, and pleased with my progress so far.
I also received two lovely blog awards from a sweet friend, Darlene. The first Award is the Lovely Blog Award and the other is called The Super Sweet Award. Both I have now attached to the bottom of my blog. The first requires you to tell seven things about yourself ..umm, okay
- My favourite Indian food is Butter Chicken, 2. I cut and colour my own hair, 3. I love to travel, 4. Favourite colour is pink, 5. I won Silver and Bronze badges in Gymnastics as a kid, 6. Love entertaining and cooking for people when they visit, 7. Sang in a church Operetta two years in a row. Thank goodness it was a large group and no one could hear me…lol.
Now, for the second award you have to answer the sweet questions. But since Darlene and I have very similar tastes you can go and check out her blog for that, and the rules for obtaining these awards. Yeah, she said she was a cheat, but I’m a bigger cheat..lol.
I would love to pass these awards on to; Susanna Hill, Julie Zoch, Hannah Holt, Carrie Finison, Vivian Kirkfield and Donna Martin. Check out their lovely blogs full of fun, inspiration and great tips and you will see why I follow them. Ladies, please feel free to pass these awards on only if you wish.
Speaking of Awards, you might remember I was going to an awards 
evening as my Shop got through to the finalists of the Top Shop Excellence Awards for our city. Well I managed to pour myself into a new gown and along with a couple of my staff and my bosses we had a marvellous evening. Talk about elegant gowns, delicious food, flowing champagne and great entertainment, topped off by receiving our Finalist Certificate. No, we didn’t win, but it was certainly a night to remember. Thought you would like see a pic of me and a couple of my staff.
So October was certainly eventful. November is already proving to be just as much to. Already round two critiques have gone out. Work has got busier. Went to a Chinese/Taiwanese Festival at a local school this past weekend and a SCBWI meeting is due this month. Not to mention a young nephew is flying in to spend a few days with me near the end of the month. Whew! All go down here!
As I type this, I am watching fireworks going off outside my dining room window. We are celebrating Guy Fawkes in New Zealand. A tradition that has been going on for many years originally commemorating some guy who tried to set fire to the Parliament Buildings in London back in 1605, known as the failed Gunpowder plot.
Here’s hoping your November will be as fruitful, creative and eventful for you and bring forth many great writing ideas, as I am hoping it will for me. All the best and for those on the East Coast of America, stay safe and warm.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Oh my, oh my, what a busy, productive month. Congrats on your two blog awards and especially for being among the Top Shop Excellence Awards finalists…. I know that will be much to do with your excellent management, Diane!
I am impressed with you putting yourself out there with these manuscripts. Go girl! Here’s to a great November!
aww, thankyou very much Joanna. So nice to get lovely encouragement. I surprised myself… lol. Thanks Joanna.
You are busy, busy, busy besides the awards all over the place. It people like you that help me stay busy, busy, busy!!!!! Thanks for the gush of wind.
LOL…. Thankyou Mona. Yep it sure is a busy time. I like it though.
You’ve been busy. Love the photo and congratulations on being a top finalist. Great to be able to met with a 12×12 group near you. You are so fortunate to have such creative input. A silver and bronze in gymnastics — I didn’t know that about you. Cool!
Thankyou Pat. Yes I was a gymnast for a few years in my teens and loved it. I know I am fortunate to have found some writing buddies and I owe Julie and the 12×12 group for that. Thanks for your lovely comment.
Congratulations on your awards Diane! And thank you for the kind words and for passing the ‘award baton’! Floored and fattered! We are fans of the movie V for Vendetta, but I don’t know more about how Guy Falkes Day is celebrated – any books you could recommend?
Thankyou Julie 🙂 Your very welcome for the awards. 🙂 There is a childrens book Guy Fawkes (life of) by Emma Lynch. Another children’s one by Christine Moorecroft called Guy Fawkes(famous People).
Thanks Diane, I’ll start my search!
Oops – flattered!
🙂
You look fantastic, Diane. Congrats on all counts. And best wishes with your submissions.
Thankyou very much Catherine. (now I’m blushing…lol)
Wow, you have been busy! You look fabulous in that picture, btw. Congrats on the awards. You deserve it. I’m honored that you would think of me. Thanks so much, Diane.
aww… your very welcome Hannah. Thankyou for your encouragement and lovely comment.
Congrats! And that is lots of busyness! I’m glad you have manuscripts out. That’s such a big step. It takes lots of research and thought. Good luck!
Thankyou Penny for your encouragement. Much appreciated.
Wow, what a busy month. I also am having a hard time realizing that it is November…and we’re a week into it, already. Thank you so much for the blog awards! I will have to think about who to pass them along to…
Good for you for getting your work out there in October! Hopefully it will be a productive November, too.
Thankyou Carrie. Your very welcome for the awards Here’s hoping November is productive for you too.