I have decided on a belated New Year's Resolution: I will make a bigger effort to buy and read at least a couple of books each year by lesser known Goodreads authors. I will make the effort to hunt down books that I really liked the sound of but didn't win a copy in a giveaway.

And, of course, I should review it...

posted by Annette V Hart on January, 19

My 3rd book in the Athlandia series, "Love and Restitution", is finally available now as an e-book, joining the others, (starting on Smashwords but elsewhere soon). It's nice to have them all as a complete set of both paperbacks and e-books.

Smashwords are offering a 10% discount until 06/01/13 using the code PX94T.

posted by Annette V Hart on January, 13

End of November and my house is filled with paper snowflakes, advent candles and calendars, and the odd poinsettia. It must be time to get serious with the Christmas shopping!

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 29

Things are going a bit slow at the moment. I have been busy with work and family, so not able to get out, and I can't afford major advertising. Thank goodness for Goodreads! All I can do is offer giveaways and special offers for Christmas online...

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 27

I haven't written anything over half term! With the children home, we've been just too busy with Hallowe'en, fireworks, day trips to London and the cinema. Fortunately, I found a visit to the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition at the Tate inspirational.

Back to work today - although I have lots of plans for Christmas crafts up my sleeves!

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 23

It has taken some time but finally the muddle with Amazon has been sorted and my paperback pages have re-appeared... in time for the Christmas rush, ha ha!!!

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 26

I can't believe Amazon have still not solved the problem of my disappearing pages! How can my paperback pages go missing and how can it take weeks for them to sort it - even if they have to create new ones? I wonder if this has happened to anyone else - and I hope it doesn't cost me sales, especially in the run up to Christmas!

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 24

A couple of weeks ago, the Amazon pages for 2 of my books (paperback versions) disappeared! Amazon are looking into it but taking along time, even with page addresses, ISBNs, etc. I just get a daily 'touching base' email message! My kindle and Amazon.uk pages are fine (US readers can buy through Amazon.uk, looking for US suppliers). A strange one...

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 18

As I started trying to find traditional and toy Advent calendars, (I do have 4 children to buy for so I start early to spread the cost!), I was reminded of Kipper. I'm definitely an anticipation kind of girl!

'Which is best?' said Kipper to himself. 'Christmas Day? Or Christmas Eve?' He reached the top of Big Hill and stopped. 'Presents? Or expecting presents?'

I am prevaricating like mad again! I have lots of ideas and know where my story is going, how it's structured, but I ma avoiding getting down to write it. I wish I could click my fingers and a first draft, hand written manuscript was in front of me. I always do this, hate this stage, but I must steel myself and get down to work, even if I am only writing a few lines every day.

posted by Annette V Hart on November, 18

Just returned from holiday in the heart of Daphne Du Maurier country (Jamaica Inn). Although our accommodation was ropey (damp caravan with extra earwigs), North Cornwall was wonderful - we had lots to do and see despite the weather! And we managed to fit in 2 cream teas. Got blown around at Tintagel and enjoyed rough waves at the beautiful Crackington Haven.

But I didn't get the writing done that I'd planned!

posted by Annette V Hart on August, 29

I spent a good hour yesterday trawling through hundreds of photos on memory discs to decide which ones to print out. It is of course my own fault: I was only forced into sorting them out because my camera (and my mother's which we had borrowed!) has broken. On the upside, I had so many that I got a really good discount!

posted by Annette V Hart on August, 29

Just got a soaking cheering on the women's road race! As the ouriders appeared the heavens suddenly opened and it poured - and, as soon as the last cyclists in the main group passed by, it stopped! But it was worth it: todays race was much more exciting than yesterdays and all the girls deserved our support. Well done Marianne and Lizzie!

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 29

It's amazing how, having ignored a manuscript for several months, I can re-read it and suddenly see what works, what doesn't and think of good new additions.

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 25

I'm ignoring all the moaners complaing about things going wrong, the expense, disruption, etc, I'm getting excited about the Olympics. I have my timetable and wall planner ready and I know what I want to watch. We're going to be out to see the road races whizz by and we'll be waving our flags. And I'm expecting some tongue-in-cheek, self-deprecating British humour in the opening ceremony. Bring it on!

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 24

Hooray! The holidays have started and the sun has come out. With eager anticipation we are looking forward to the Olympic Games on our doorstep. The children are able to enjoy the garden at long last but, hang on, I still can't get anywhere near the computer to write!

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 24

Today is my youngest daughter's last day at infant school. We're all feeling emotional (and I'm feeling old!). They played an inspirational youtube clip that didn't leave a dry eye in the room!

I tried to create a link but it didn't work so here is a description: Derek Redmond, in the Barcelona Olympic Games 400m final, collapsed with a hamstring injury but he got up and hobbled to the end with the help of his father. They played 'You raise me up' with the clip!

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 19

There is just so much going on with my children at the moment that I don't know what I'm doing from day-to-day. There's certainly no time for writing; I fall asleep in the evening on the sofa!

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 13

I really want to get on with my writing but the 'oomph' to get me going is missing. I think it's because everything is static at the moment with my other books that I am feeling down about my writing. I need a few good sales or a few good comments, letting me know I'm on the right track, to get my enthusiasm up.

posted by Annette V Hart on July, 06

I was researching some family history about the sinking of HMS Laurentic in 1940 and in the process came across some sketches and a painting by the artist John Worsley who also served on the Laurentic. I suddenly found a lump in my throat thinking that maybe one of those seamen he captured in pencil was my great, great uncle who died that night.

posted by Annette V Hart on June, 27

Now I've discovered what Disney's latest film (Brave) is about, I know they won't want the film rights for my books! Our settings (medieval style) are too similar. Never mind, Mum thinks it would actually make a good TV series; come on ITV, I'm your answer to Merlin!

posted by Annette V Hart on June, 19

It's nearly my birthday and, as I think about getting older, I kept thinking of that saying 'a lady never reveals her age and a gentleman never asks'. I was also reminded of the exchange about age between Lizzie and the elderly Countess in Pride and Prejudice; it was great how she got one up on the miserable old lady without being overtly rude!

posted by Annette V Hart on June, 19

Urgh! I feel yucky and will certainly not be writing much today. I only had just over an hours sleep last night. I got into one of those vicious circles of worrying about not sleeping so getting more tense. And you know you're doomed when you start to hear the dawn chorus! All my concentration is on entertaining my daughter who is off school today but with as little brain power as possible. That's reserved for a minimal amount of driving - in the rain. This incessant downpour is just adding to my gloom!

posted by Annette V Hart on June, 11

My children wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons again. I'm pleased I introduced the game to them but it is a double-edged sword. I love the way they get involved in their characters or enjoy drawing the maps but I always have to be Dungeon Master and design some of the maps! And I'm not the best DM: I have to keep looking things up which slows things down!

posted by Annette V Hart on June, 11

I am really excited about the new story I have started although it is a very different style and genre. I have finally entered the world of romantic, WWII fiction, something I have been intending to do for some time.

However, I am enjoying reading Jurassic Park at the moment so I am constantly flipping between reading and writing (and bribing the children to vaccuum and put the washing on!).

posted by Annette V Hart on June, 09