Hi
Just a quickie, to reassure those of you who have seen my socials lately! Just had a full hysterectomy, (due to adenomyosis, a relatively common swelling of the womb lining. Nothing sinister thank goodness). But it means I’m laid up for a couple of weeks at least.
Anyone who knows how active I am, can probably guess how frustrating it is for Mrs ‘Mile-a-Minute’ here. But I’ve been binge-watching Netflix (‘Riot Women’ on iplayer should be required viewing – menopausal women starting a rock band, superbly done! And House of Guinness is worth a watch especially if you are an Edward Norton fan, #hot! Any other recommendations for me?)
But it’s given me time to write, at least.
If you need time, proper time, I have one ‘seven night’ Just Write retreat space left on Mon Nov 17. And one 4-day en suite place starting the same day (one of my regular weekend ladies who loves the annual weekend retreat, is taking it over on the Friday). Nothing to think about except you and your words, afternoon tea/coffee/cake all included as is wine with the two course supper. Really comfortable beds for a great night sleep and a proper rest for you. Fr just £129 pppn! So can you come?
Anyone arriving on the Oct 27th retreat, you will still see me that week, don’t worry, and much of the heavy lifting, literally, will be done by lovely Jennie, the newest member of our team. She’s a better cook than me! And you can book her for a yoga or massage session as well! (We are full for that week but there’s a chance I could squeeze you in, as your magnificent novel writing tutor Janet Gover has said so – if the adjacent gastro pub has another room, please just enquire and we will ask).
I’ll be doing some of my own writing as well, and joining everyone for meals. That will be a nice treat!
Btw, as a holiday-let we are now no longer available at Christmas, New Year, or February half term. But apart from our monthly writing retreat dates, (all on my website here), we have lots of availability next year for you to come with a group of friends, minimum 5 to 6, if you want a bespoke private retreat week, all inclusive as usual. Just ask and we can work out the date you need.
Meanwhile, who’s gonna go out in The Traitors next? And who’s gonna send me the next newly-published paperback for our authors bookshelves?
Personally I’m just finishing the latest Richard Osman, and the narration is brilliant – part of the joy, for me. I found the books got better as the series went on, so it’s highly recommended (it’s book five in the Thursday Murder Club). Although I must admit I found the audiobook wittier than the Netflix version of the first film – despite the stellar cast; what did you think?
Can’t wait to go outside again! Five days in, and I’m getting a bit stir crazy. To be frank, my daily variety consists of choosing which armchair to sit in, in my lounge in my Surrey flat. Plus the odd bit of retail therapy: altho’ my biggest decision recently was which aloe vera loo roll brand to go for… I know how to live. Oh the joys of recuperation. Tomorrow I’m gonna be daring and take out the recycling, half a bag at a time… No seriously, I’ve got mum living next door and popping in all the time, bringing me casseroles and salads in the like. Today it was prawns!
I hope if you or a loved one is going through anything similar that you’re okay as well.
And finally, coming up to that time of year again, isn’t it. So it would be lovely if you have anyone you want to give a voucher, to come here next year, if you could just ping me a reply saying “voucher” and I’ll send you the details. Do spread the word. Next year we have memoir, screenwriting, beginners and intermediate novel writing, as well as a smashing Just Write retreat in January, at the end of which a super London agent is joining us to talk about how to get an agent. Lots going on!
Go on, give me something to do by writing back to me 🙂 even if you’ve never written before.
Best wishes and big hugs
Debs x