A choice

I have been working so hard recently that I have hardly seen the inside of my own house for what feels like months. The fire burns brightly in the new wood-burning stove but the most I often see is the smoke rising from the chimney as I go past, busy working all the hours possible in the run up to Christmas.

Which is why I am so grateful to have the next few days to myself. I am thinking about the next novel but it is not certain what I will be writing. I have several ideas brewing, which is a nice position for a writer to be in, but at the same time it means I have to make a decision that I am not used to.

Do I write the second novel in the 'Orb of Arawaan' series? Do I complete the 'Stars' saga with 'Alone in the Stars'? Do I write one of the other science-fiction or horror stories I have been mulling over for the last year or so? Oh it's a lovely feeling to have so many options but my goodness, this is not a decision that can be taken lightly. Whichever I choose, I will be working on the story for months into the future. Will I like what I produce and want to continue with it? Will the story turn out to be a monster that I just cannot wrestle into something readable? Only time will tell.

In the mean time, here is another short visit to my train shed for you to enjoy. :)

A funny old saying

Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat. That's the old saying, not a commentary on the current bird obesity epidemic that is sweeping the nation. Is there really a problem with geese getting fat? It's winter, shouldn't they be flying south to sunnier climates? I don't know.

In the run-up to Christmas, I have some time off from the hectic signing schedule. I'm thinking about how best to start the next novel but I've yet to put finger to keyboard and start tapping it out. When I do, you will all be the first to know how it is going. Well, you'll be first if you don't count Zoë, who I bounce ideas off every now and again. We use one-another as a sounding board. It's incredibly useful when you're writing to have someone you can do that with. Anyway, when I start writing, I will let you know how it is going.

Since there is no writing or signing news for the moment, I'll leave you with a look at my lovely hobby. Here's another visit to the train room. Enjoy!

Derby signing today

Today is the Derby Waterstones signing. I'm just about to set off.

Be there or be neither trianguler nor pentangular, but the thingy between them!

Ooops

Bad things to find in a mouthful of cornflakes number 34: your own filling.

Please treat me gently at tomorrow's signing in Derby Waterstones, as I have bad toothache now; especially whenever I eat anything hot or cold.

Jenny on trains - and on video!

For the last couple of months, I have been a busy, busy bee but that does not mean I have no time to spend on my hobbies. As you may already be aware, I am a massive model railway enthusiast with a particular interest in the 1970s and 1980s British Rail era.

For many years I spent my writing time surrounded by a small model railway because the sound of the trains running is very relaxing. I wanted to recreate that experience in my new home, so I have begun building a new, and somewhat more ambitious, model railway in my new office.

Zoë is helping me to chronicle my endeavours on my YouTube channel in the form of short videos about model railways and the building thereof. The first episode went live on 13 October and you can see it below.



In other news, I have spoken to my publisher and they have agreed to extend the November special offer on my books into December, so the time has never been better to pick up a copy of my latest novels. You can get both for just £10 direct from the All Mouse Media website.

Special Offer

My publisher, All Mouse Media, is currently running a special offer on my latest novels. You can buy Bringing Home the Stars and Twinkle Little Star together for just £10, with free postage. If you add the name to dedicate them to in the "special instructions", I'll even sign both books for you!

Just click below to order the books.

Signing in Manchester

The signing tour continues - it is unstoppable! Today I am signing books in the Manchester Arndale branch of Waterstones. It's a store I haven't been to before and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be there from 1-4pm today. If you're in the area, come and say hi!