Dear Readers,
I hope this week you are all doing well. Apologies for a lack of update last week, however, I have been traveling.
I’ve just finished my Master’s course and have officially graduated. As a reward to myself for all of my hard work over the last two years, I traveled to the UK.
It was brilliant to be able to see so many colorful and enchanting holiday decorations and to find myself wandering through the streets where I’ve imaging the characters of my books roaming.
The one thing that perhaps I was not prepared for, however, was the cold weather. As a California based gal, we rarely receive snow or any weather below freezing. I found myself wearing layer upon layer of clothing and nothing ever seemed thick enough.
I’ve found that taking a full week off from the world has helped to reset my body, mind, and spirit. I’ve pushed myself hard in recent days and looking back I can see that I was clearly experiencing a classic case of burn out. It’s been tough to work, handle school, and write.
Heading into 2023, I’m going to strive for a more proper work-life balance. I dearly hope this will be the year I’ll be able to focus more on doing what I love instead of working just to earn an income.
This week, aside from getting over the jet lag, doing laundry, and catching up on life, I’m hoping to be able to take the week to sit down and continue writing Nora’s story. I won’t say too much more about her until she is introduced in January, but…
I’m about a quarter of the way through the first draft and if the ideas continue to materialize, her book may be set to be the longest one I have yet written.
Being in Bath, I had quite a few sources of inspiration pop into my mind’s eye. Her story has already begun to change from what I had originally planned for the better. She’s going to be quite a fun character to interact with and speak to.
Visiting the Jane Austen Centre, I was also heavily inspired to perhaps pen a full-length Regency story. I’ve enjoyed stepping back in time so much that I’d like to expand my world and my writing skills. What say you? Did you enjoy living in Helen’s world?
Sorry for the rambling thoughts.
More soon.
Best,
Tomi
