What I’m doing now

Updated May 2024, from my home in Australia.

Retired from the commute

After a good few years working in the state government, I recently quit my day job. Having said that I’m still working in a contract position for two months followed by a part-time role two days a week. This will give me some thinking time to do some creative work that keeps getting pushed to the back burner. I’m not a fan of ‘retirement’ per se and will be using my time to write, photograph, create, draw, paint, think, move, meet and learn.

Almost finished writing a novella for kids

I visited Morocco in 2020 just before the dreaded pandemic took over the world. In fact, I was essentially kicked out of Marrakesh because of flight cancellations but that’s another story. I discovered the blue pearl, Chefchaouen, the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. Most buildings are painted blue and there are loads of cats roaming the streets seemingly unowned but well fed.

This visit inspired me to create a story set in Chefchaouen. It’s for kids and has animated animal characters. I’m trying to find some time to finish this.

Planning other writing

I’m dipping my toe into short fiction, flash fiction, and short story competitions.

Editing for RB Publishing

My other brand is RB Publishing where I work as a freelance editor, proofreader and manuscript assessor.

Learning to live with animals

My husband loves animals. He doesn’t have time but he loves tending to them, feeding them, walking (the dog), cleaning out the fish tank, cleaning out the birdcage. So now we can hear the fish eating at night, the birds sometimes singing, but mostly squawking. He’s also set up an automatic light for the fish. And now I have to cover all the furniture so I don’t get hayfever from dog hair.

A summer sojourn

I’m planning to spend some weeks in Europe in summer 2025. Looking for reasonably priced digs in the peak of an Italian summer. Yes I know – ambitious!

Inspired by Derek Sivers and his Now Page Movement.