My Blended Family...

So you can get a handle on who I am, I thought I'd let you know about my family.  I once had a mum and dad plus one sister, sadly now it's just one sister.  I do have cousins, aunts and uncles too - but mainly I'm just in touch with one cousin, and his mum and dad - my aunt and uncle.

Enter new boyfriend, well he entered quite a number of years ago now, so he's 'old boyfriend' now  technically!!  I suppose you could say - he enlarged my world!  I'm now a step-mummy to two lovely boys, his from a previous marriage. 

But here is where it gets complicated,  he has a stepson from his ex-partners first marriage, the boy never knew his real dad, but my partner never officially adopted him, he just calls him dad/son.  So not sure whether he's my stepson too, although I do view him as such.

He's all grown up now with his own girlfriend and two adorable children.  My sort-of-step grandchildren I suppose!

I now also have a sister in law and lovely new neice, who is the apple of my eye - as all the other children in the family are boys, so L is super special being the only girl.

My partner's dad is still alive, and is now married to another stepmum.... I hope you are following this?

Life in 2010 can get complicated for many blended families, as we all jostle for our position in the world, mostly it's a mixture, I can say I'm a sister, friend, colleague, daughter-in-law, stepmum, nanny, girlfriend and many more roles too, and probalby more still to come!

My Open University Course...

A while back I studied on an OU course, for Creative Writing.  I love to write and still (still! ) think I have a novel in me, its just not had time to escape yet.  Anyway, as part of the course I was interviewed about my writing, I'd like to share my answers with you.

         Where is your favourite place to write?

In the bedroom, I have a laptop and if I sit on the bed with a pillow supporting my knees it’s lovely and comfy.  The sun shines into that room in the afternoon, and I live near the canal so if the window is open there is some lovely bird song that wafts in.  Although when the cuckoo starts he can be a bit distracting!

      When and where do you think about fiction you are writing?

Oh gosh, anytime I think.  Even at work, knowing we are so busy, it’s easy to grab a few moments day dreaming while looking out of the window before getting back to the task in hand.

      What do you do if you can't get on with a story? Do you have any techniques for helping you get on with writing your fiction e.g. playing music, going for a walk?

No, I’d just stop and go back to it when I felt like it; I can write loads when in the mood but really have to be in the mood to do it.

     How do you feel about someone commenting about your fiction? Does it make any difference who comments?

I used to be quite precious about my writing but since beginning a job where writing press releases is an everyday task, and editors cutting them is everyday too, then I think I’m less precious!  But as for my own writing, it does depend on who comments, someone else once commented about platitudes from family, and it’s sweet when you get the “Oh that’s lovely!” but constructive criticism is much better.

    How do you know when a story is finished?

Ahh tough question, sometimes I ramble on (as you can tell) and other times it’s finished in a few 100 words, editing is important, as is leaving it for a few days and revisiting.

Like a painting, sometimes you can add too much and ruin a good piece.

Writing the Blog...

Welcome to my blog, I've lots of plans that will all unfold as time progresses.  I've had some professional photos taken today which is all rather exciting, but I don't get the CD until tomorrow.

I've added a daft holding shot just for now, I'm so excited about the new shots though, can't wait until tomorrow!