Hello! How’s things? Hope you’re all well. Thought I’d pop in to say hi today and tell you what I’ve been up to recently. By the way, today’s images are of hellebore. I love how pretty they are despite their devilishly sounding name!

Right, so what have I been up to. Well, I entered the world of Tik Tok and put up a couple of videos of me talking on them. Unfortunately, a couple of people have laughed at me doing this, which kinda put me off a bit. But I am determined not to let them get to me. These types of videos seem to be my most popular, so I have to get over my shyness, ignore the people taking the mick and do it again. My Tik Tok name is @danelson70 in case you want to follow me. I’d love you to do that.

This morning, after procrastinating for two weeks, I finally got around to doing the final edits on Greed. The book is due out on July 5, so I really need to just get on with it. I hate editing. I don’t know any author who does. But, I’ve already done three chapters and plan to do some more this afternoon, so it really won’t be as onerous as I think it will be. It’s just me. I can’t get my head around doing it. As far as I’m concerned, the book is done and I should have nothing else to do on it. That’s my wishful thinking head. I know that I do have a little bit more work to do on it. I’m just procrastinating. Sigh. I just have to get on with it, don’t I?

I’ve spent the past couple of weeks happily sorting through my bookshelves and my sewing stuff in the spare bedroom upstairs. I call it my sewing room and it’s full of my sewing and knitting and other craft books. It’s now laid out in such a way I have no excuse not to use it. In fact, I did make myself a necklace over the weekend, so that was good. I’ve cut out this pattern from Etsy to make myself some trousers. Watch this space for more info!

What I’ve been reading…I’ve been reading three books at once:

• Vanity by T Wells Brown – yes, the first book in our series. Although I know the rough storyline, I haven’t read the full book yet. Can I just say something? This is a superb book and I’m not just saying that because th author is a friend. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
• Sara Roethle’s Clockwork Alchemist – it’s a steampunk book about an automaton and a thief in Victorian London. I think it’s a great story and I loved the characters. It’s pretty well written and a good story. However, the ending was disappointing. The two main characters were heading someplace  for a reason, but the story just ended just as they arrived at the building. That was it.  I wanted to know what happened when they met the people of the LN, but we weren’t give that.  Anyway, apart from the abrupt ending, it was a good read.
• Jose Silva’s Mind Control Method – it’s a book about meditation and being more in control of your emotions and thoughts. Very interesting read.

What I’ve been watching. I loved the fourth series of Stranger Things. That last episode was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat. I’ve also been re-watching Burn Notice. I do love a good spy series. This one is excellent and you learn a lot from it.

What else has been happening? Well, my new kettle made a funny fizzing noise. I looked at it and discovered smoke coming from the plug. I turned it off immediately. I don’t know what caused it, but I doubt it’s the plug…that is relatively brand new. Have contacted the people I bought the kettle from and am awaiting their reply. In the meantime, I’m going to get someone to check the plug socket and I’ve ordered a new kettle. I’m making tea by boiling water in a pot. It’s slower, but better than having no tea. 😉

Right, I’m off to do some work on Greed. Plus I want to add to my Tik Tok account. Speak soon.

Dawn