As I reported recently, like the rest of the UK I have been caught up in this horrible flu virus that has been doing the rounds. It seems that people have been dying from the effects of it. Maybe the bugs are fighting us back. Or maybe we are trying too hard to be clean? I remember the days when we played out in the dirt all day, ate our sandwiches with grubby hands and didn't wrap up because we weren't feeling the cold all the time. What has happened to us? It seems our desire to be cleaner could actually be killing us! This is my fifth week of the virus but fortunatly it looks as if I am finally beating the thing at last. Still coughing now and again but at least the cold appears to have gone. I live in hope.Told my daughter in Australia about people dying from this flu and she told me not to! I said I had no intention as I was going to outlive my Dad to which she laughed. But, I meant it. He was 94 when he passed away and I would seriously like to at least reach the same age if I can. Mind you I also told her she would probably be looking after me to which she responded that was okay but she wasn't sure how her kids would cope with me. Told her tough they would just have to put up with a grumpy grandma!! What! Me grumpy. Never.Yesterday was a good day as I approved the first draft of the basic cover design for the new set of the Little Friends Picture Story Books. They are being titled 'Garden Adventure Series.' Hopefully they will be in print within the next few weeks. Now I just have to finish the last set of draft books to be titled 'Farmyard Adventures Series' and that will complete the whole series of 18 books. It will be a relief as the reissue has been a long process but also a sad time that they are finished.Also yesterday proved to be an interesting day for me as I was invited to be interviewed live by Ceri Stennett on Radio Cardiff for the 'Come on In' show. The time seemed to pass so quickly. I could have carried on chatting a lot longer. But, as Ceri said, I can always go back again. What a nice man. As I came out of the recording studio his next guests were waiting and they all complimented me on the interview, telling me how well I had come across. I felt quite chuffed by their comments. Certainly lifted my day for me. Now to see if I can download a copy for my records.
Me and Ceri
Well what a crazy Xmas break I've had. Unfortunately the week before Xmas just as I was looking forward to a relaxing few days away at the Botolph Hotel & Spa on a Musical Break I was struck with a virus. What started out as a mild sore throat has ended up with my now entering my fifth week suffering with a cough and cold. And of course I have passed this along to my husband. You can guess how poorly he's been suffering!!All this of course put paid to a good Xmas break and a New Year celebration. However, one good thing to come out of it is that I have lost quite a few pounds in weight. Just what I needed ha ha.The other good thing was that being stuck at home meant I got the opportunity to catch up on some work. Finished the second set of the Little Friends Picture Story Books so they are off to the publisher later this week. And have just completed the third and final set so they will follow to the publisher in due course. The plan is to have all 12 books up and running by the end of April at the latest.Another gain is I managed to complete the first review of the manscript for one of the young writers I am currently mentoring. It now needs proofreading and a front cover design agreeing upon prior to it going to the publisher. I'm also progressing the other young writers work, a series of poems which will include some lineart relating to the subject of each poem. Again these should be in print within the next couple of months.That now leaves me free to decide what to do next? I have a number of short stories to finesse and a novel based on a famous opera star to complete. I am also considering reviewing and updating my historical novel and mystery short story book. The latter is due a new cover which is in the process of being completed. Looks like Spring 2018 is going to be an active start to the year.NB are you a young writer? Would you like to have your written work reviewed then please feel free to contact me at contact@ann-brady.co.uk
