Winter Party and Christmas Fairs

I'm back at my desk after a few days away, where I braved the disruption on the rail network following storm Barney and made my way to London for the RNA's Winter Party. I arrived in London much later than planned, but at least I did arrive in time for the party, which I started in style with a glass of bubbly with fellow Write Romantic Helen Rolfe.

From the party I headed back out of London and to a friends house, where I spent a few days catching up and visiting Christmas Fairs at the local historic houses.

As it poured with rain we arrived at Blenheim Palace where we enjoyed the magnificent building which featured in the new James Bond movie Spectre. It's easy to see how this vast and ostentatious building can lend itself to a movie such as Bond - which is still on my list of things to do!


After that we enjoyed the Craft Fair and indulged in some Christmas shopping as well as plenty of chatting over coffee!


The stalls there ranged from seasonal decorations, to paintings, to clothes and hats. There was of course food, where Christmas cakes and puddings were on display.

From there we made our way to one of my
favourite historical houses, Waddesdon Manor, where we sampled the delights of their Christmas
Fair.

After a wander round the stalls we headed in for coffee and cake and by the time we came out it was dark and the full glory of the Christmas lights were on display, making me want to rush home and decorate the trees on the farm.

By Friday I was back on the train and passing the time by writing and this time the journey went smoothly.

Deadlines and Goals

It's November and that means NaNoWriMo which means focusing on meeting your personal goals to achieve the target word count by the end of the month. This year is the first time I will actually be joining in.

Last week I started work on my latest book and have decided to use the challenge of NaNoWriMo as I write. My aim is to have a complete first draft by the end of November.

Here's a few tips on making and meeting your daily word count target.

1. Make it achievable for you and your lifestyle. Set that daily target at a level that is achievable. There's nothing more disheartening than constantly failing to meet your target.

2. Find a time of day that suits you best for writing. I'm a lark by choice and love nothing more than getting my daily word count done before the day really begins. This does mean I'm usually crashed out by the time the night owls among us are working away.

3. Create a space that is just for you - even if it is tucked away in the corner of a room and make sure you have all you need at hand. A good supply of coffee and chocolate is always welcome.

4. If one day, life gets in the way and you don't manage any words, don't panic, simply add some onto each day for the next week. By sharing them out like this it doesn't feel as if you lagging too far behind.

5. This is the most important one. Have fun and enjoy what your are writing!