Hi, everyone! It seems like it’s been a very long time since I last sat down to write an update post or something a bit more informal and chatty. I thought I should probably catch you up on everything that’s been going on, especially as I have lots of blog posts planned for the next few months.
The blog has been a bit quiet for the past few months. In fact, that’s an optimistic look because it’s been very quiet for the past year. Since finishing my GCSE’s in the summer, I’m now doing my A Levels at college – English Literature, Creative Writing and Sociology. I love college more than I ever expected; it’s completely changed my life.
The other draining thing that’s been taking up lots of my time is the novel I’m working on. I started my second draft in January and am currently 15,000 words in. I’ve set a self-imposed deadline of finishing this draft by the end of May, but with my AS exams I don’t know if that will be entirely possible. I’m going to try and get as close as possible though!
Here’s a sneak peek at a scene from the first chapter for you:
I adore my characters – they feel like my best friends and are so much fun to write. For those of you who don’t know, the book is a YA contemporary road-trip novel about friendship, books and figuring out who you are when your entire life has been thrown upside down. It is my favourite thing ever.
Another very good thing to happen is this little ball of joy who was born last week. I LOVE HIM. His name is Engelbert because we have a theme of ‘bert’ names going on – his grandfather is called Bertie and his father is called Gumbert (don’t ask). As you can probably guess, baby guinea pigs are extremely distracting when they look that cute.
I also went up to Waterstones Birmingham recently to see the Love and Fandom panel with Lauren James, Maggie Harcourt and Miranda Dickinson. I had such a lovely time and got to spend time with my amazing friend Lauren before the event. It was so nice to sit down and chat about writing, books and, of course, guinea pigs.
It was my first time travelling alone to a place I hardly know at all, so I was extremely proud afterwards. It shows how far I’ve come with my mental health and I still can’t quite believe I did it. It’s definitely given me the confidence to travel more in the future!
Current favourites:
- Running #ukyachat every Friday at 8pm! I sit down every Friday evening to meet up with my amazing online friends, who always amaze me with their sensitivity, insight and opinions on a range of different subjects. Getting to host the chat every week is one of the greatest pleasures, and I love it!
- I’m loving the new series of Call the Midwife at the moment. It’s so obvious that the writers and producers are women – they create beautiful stories that are at the heart of women’s lives, and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Seriously, you need to watch this if you haven’t already!
- Netgalley. For those of you who don’t know, Netgalley is a sight where bloggers and book industry people can request to review books and I am OBSESSED. I check it every day without fail and can’t help but click the ‘request’ button when I see something I like the look of. I really do need to have a big marathon read soon of all the books I’ve been accepted to review! It’s also a habit I need to break… I can’t keep requesting all of these books!!
What have you been up to lately, bookish or otherwise? What are your current favourites?
10 Comments
Anjalee Burrows
25 February, 2017 at 3:41 pmTwitter: 2dworlds
Loving the sound of your book plot! It’s unlike anything I’ve personally read before and your characters feel real so far. Can’t wait to read the full thing.
I’ve been meaning to attend more book events and the panel seems like a great idea. Hope they do more of them where I live!
Angi http://www.twodifferentworlds.com
Hala
25 February, 2017 at 3:52 pmTwitter: halamohamed_
Lol I have the same problem. I keep requesting boks but it’s very addictive and I need to stop ??
Debbie @ Snuggling on the Sofa
25 February, 2017 at 4:22 pmTwitter: SnugglingonSofa
So pleased your first solo travel went well! You’ll catch the bug now, and be jetsetting everywhere! I’m finding netgalley really hard to resist too. I feel like there is less pressure to review things right away compared to physical copies.
Stephanie Hartley
25 February, 2017 at 6:26 pmYour guinea pig is SO cute! I can’t believe they’re that developed at a week old – I expected them to be hairless, a bit like bunnies. Well done on travelling solo! I hope it opens up new adventures in the future
Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
Kyra Morris
25 February, 2017 at 7:14 pmTwitter: Bookaholic007
I LOVE NETGALLEY. But I also request far too much! XD All the books just look…so good AND I WANT TO READ THEM ALL BECAUSE YES. Also, well done for travelling to a new place by yourself – that’s amazing! <3
Kyra Morris recently posted…My first haul of 2017!
Jessica @ Strung Out On Books
26 February, 2017 at 12:20 amTwitter: strngoutonbooks
OMG Engelbert is adorable! I am addicted to Netgalley as well, but I’ve been pretty strict on what I allow myself to request, but I tend to request more than I have time to read!
Utopia State of Mind
26 February, 2017 at 3:02 pmTwitter: UtopiaMind
I am totally obsessed with Netgalley also! I have been meaning to get into Call the Midwife, but I have been reading so much I haven’t had time 🙁 Thanks for reminding me about it!
Shannon
27 February, 2017 at 12:47 pmTwitter: shannoliviab
I love Call The Midwife too – it’s such an incredible TV show! All of this season’s episodes have been so emotional. Have you been watching The Good Karma Hospital on ITV? I think you’ll really enjoy it.
LUCY (this is turning into an essay, I apologise), I ABSOLUTELY ADORE YOUR WRITING. Your book sounds INCREDIBLE (I just know you’re going to get it published one day!). I’m hoping to get back into writing in the summer – GCSEs kept me so busy – and I’m currently planning out my first WIP. I’m so excited!
Your guinea pig is absolutely adorable, by the way.
Guy Toponto
17 April, 2018 at 10:48 amBook sounds interesting, but wow Bert is a cute ball of fluff.
I wouldn\t get anything done around him.
Guy Toponto recently posted…Seiko SKX007 vs SKX009 (The Difference Between Them)
Charlotte
4 May, 2020 at 5:18 pmHi Lucy, i love your blog. You have some really great content. Engelbert is so cute!
Charlotte recently posted…Is Straw Safe for Hamsters?