A TOAST...to the FUTURE

It's coming up to the fifth anniversary of the day I began to think about writing my first novel, Beyond the Past. On paper, it seems like an incredibly long amount of time. In reality, it feels like only yesterday. So much has happened during this time. I'm not going to lie, it has been a very tumultuous period – more downs than ups, if I'm honest. Has it been worth it?  Too right it has!

When I started that first novel, I was not just a complete novice at fiction writing but totally naïve about how people would react to my change in career and how cut throat the book world actually is. I cannot believe how many obstacles I have had to kick and crush to get where I am today. I'm not where I anticipated I would be but I am in a much better place than the day I started. I have an awful lot to be thankful for.

I never thought this blog would ever be read let alone be as popular as it has been. I started it to log our new life for our future family generations. It is hard to remember all the events, good and bad but I want my children and grandchildren to be able to look back and know that you can overcome adversity and follow your dreams. I don't expect everyone to understand that but it matters to me.

 

Who'd have thought, five years ago I would have a successful blog, a published book, two pieces out in the marketplace, another work in progress and I would be delivering talks in schools. Little old me! 

I have learned so much about the industry, my craft, the marketing, the dishonesty, the exploitation of writers and artists and about myself. I am not the person I was five years ago AND that is a good thing…why? Because it proves DEVELOPMENT. I am a great believer in continuing to learn and better myself. No new career or success is achieved overnight. It takes time, dedication, self-belief (in between the self-doubt) and a whole lot of hard work to make a success of anything in life. I have learned to be flexible, resourceful, patient and resilient. More importantly, I have learned to trust my gut instinct and not the noise other people want to make. MY LIFE, MY RULES. 

A first draft is great satisfaction BUT it is only the beginning and a very rough plan of the final product. I rushed publishing Beyond the Past due to personal circumstances but now I have learned to take my time; to craft work that I am happy with – at least 98%; I'll never be happy 100%...ever.

Standing by your own beliefs and actions does attract some undesirable attention but it shows great strength to stand alone in a world that is determined to box you into a category or label. I suppose I would like my ultimate legacy to be 'I defied all labels, low expectations and ridicule. I got there…eventually.'

Whilst I wait for the market to respond to my current work, I have lots of planning to do and lots of new ideas formulating – this is what happens when you say 'no more drama' – not in the writing sense! What will be, will be. My children are healthy and happy and we ALL have great things to look forward to.

The Nanny

150 pages into the script and I've torn it up…well not literally but I've started again, which is a common occurrence for me. I LOVE IT EVEN MORE NOW – the characters are stronger, the story line bolder and the backdrop is perfect. It was just, well, in the wrong order. I've recently spent time watching television dramas, particularly how they are put together; the moves from scene to scene; the sequences, etc. I'm super excited where this story goes. The Troubles in Ireland have always fascinated me. As I have always said, 'one man's terrorist, is another man's freedom fighter.' Before anyone is offended, I am not condoning any forms of violence whatsoever. I do want to make sure I do this story justice. I think I am on the right road.

My tip to any new writers – don't be afraid to tear it up and start again. Only accept what you are truly happy with.

From September, the writing will be part time to my studies but not for long. More reading…more research…more discovery. I am a very lucky lady.

EU REFERENDUM

I tell you, it's a miracle our television is still in one piece. Only two weeks to go! I'm so ashamed at what this campaign has degenerated into, from both sides. The blatant lies, fear and racism has been astounding and post referendum, regardless of the result, there will need to be some serious repairs required to certain peoples' reputations. Or, rather, they have finally shown their true colours. 

The EU is like the rest of the world, riddled with fraudulent, unfair and unequal capitalism but whether we are in or out, that will stay until we can fight against it. Here's the thing – if we leave, the power will be transferred to the Brexit Ministers who I deeply mistrust with the NHS, workers' rights and contract negotiations. They can do a lot of damage in four years.

The main reasons I want to stay in the EU :

1. Take away the borders, labels, languages and we are all the same. Human Beings.
2.  I want my children to understand the importance of cooperation, diplomacy and peace. 
3. We can't fight environmental issues and be eco-friendly alone.
4. Extremism only survives through fear and war. Together we can end extremism, alone we can't.
5. For all the negativity of the EU, we must remember all the good it has done, least of all the peace it has achieved with our neighbours.
6. But most of all, I want to be a part of a greater world – standing shoulder to shoulder with our closest neighbours to fight for fairness and equality against greed, manipulation and tyranny.

My advice to anyone – Do what you believe is right but whatever you decide, PLEASE VOTE.

JordanF1

F1 testing

Right, the weekend is about to start. We're off to the NSPCC dream car event this weekend; some much needed 'petrolhead' family time… oh and it's the Grand Prix too… oh... and it's the start of Euro 2016. EXCITED!

Have a safe, fun and happy weekend.