If I had to pick one venue to inspire me to write, Shambellie House would be on the list! Situated near New Abbey and an easy drive from Dumfries, this atmospheric country house was originally a family home. In more recent years it became the National Museum for Costume, before they closed their doors in … Continue reading Writing Place at Shambellie House (March 2019)

March 2019 saw another brand new venture for me - creative writing groups for little ones and their grown-ups! Over the course of three weeks, I was lucky enough to have the chance to try out a mixture of workshops in the Garden Room at Moat Brae (Peter Pan House, Dumfries). Although the room is … Continue reading Wee Writers at Moat Brae (Spring 2019)

As 2018 draws to a close and I sit here, once more wondering where on earth those twelve months disappeared to, it's as fitting a time as any to look back over a year in writing. After the birth of Baby #2 in summer 2017, it took me a little while to get started again. … Continue reading Review of the Year: 2018

On Wednesday 3rd October 2018, I took a momentous decision: to register as a self-employed writer! Of course, anyone who is a regular visitor to my blog or Facebook page will know that this has been a long time coming! I joined Lockerbie Writers in spring 2015 and have been an active member ever since, … Continue reading Self-Employed Life: The beginning

It's summer 2017, or so the calendar says - and while my blog has been quiet, I've been busy! In addition to keeping up with my local writing group's regular meetings and prompts, the last few months have seen me sending bits and pieces of writing out into the world. As a result, I'm delighted … Continue reading Update – Summer 2017

It's 23rd December 2016, and the year has almost come and gone again. As we head forward into 2017, I thought I'd take a moment to give thanks for the wonderful writing opportunities and achievements which have come my way over the last twelve months. My biggest achievement, without a doubt, has been the successful … Continue reading Review of 2016

Happy New Year! A fellow student on my MLitt Creative Writing recently shared this blog post with me, where writer Terry Fallis carries out 'the annual counting of [his] writerly blessings.' He certainly has worked hard and been blessed for it, as his long list of achievements is apparently only 'some of the highlights' of … Continue reading Review of 2015

What is it about the word 'new' that gives us that tingle of excitement, that little buzz of knowing that the world around us is about to shift? September is often a time for new starts. The changing of the leaves from deep green to burnt amber often brings with it other changes in our … Continue reading A New Start