What I’m reading: A Good Hanging by Ian Rankin
What’s on the iPod: The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) by U2 (Free album available on iTunes right now)
Home.
What an absolutely fantastic week away. Southern England is a treat for the senses. The place is all about walking and being outdoors — trails everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. The UK (for it is still the UK on the heels of today’s vote in Scotland) has a long tradition of public footpaths, rights of way, and trails that wrap around and cut through all directions of the country.
What’s not to love?
We were fortunate to have chosen a B&B in a town that hasn’t changed in population for 700 years. The bed and breakfast backed up to a trail — the South Downs Way, to be exact. In fact, the town sits right in the Cuckmere Valley, and has amazing walking (and views).
And walk we did. One day alone, we logged over nine miles (I used Walkroid app). Total — well over 40 miles in one week. By the time we were packing to get on the plane, we were taking on huge hills with minimal effort and going long distances without thinking about it. I could absolutely live in this place, I kept thinking.
The treat of the week: High tea. Take a look at the tray in the picture to the right and you’ll see why walking 40 miles was almost necessary. That was our “snack” before dinner.
We arrived home around 1:30 am yesterday morning, having had a flight delay and then construction from Newark airport to home. I vaguely remember yesterday, but it involved pillows and naps.
Today, it’s back to work full steam. I have projects waiting and marketing to be done. Lots of ideas brewing, so it’s time to get some down on paper.
Also, next week starts a series of posts from writers just like you (in fact, you can be included). One reader asked the question: what tips would writers have to share with beginning writers?
The answer: plenty. Stay tuned for a weekly post offering up at least five top tips from successful writers, in their own words. It will be interesting to see how many of their best tips overlap.
And if you’re interested in putting together your own top tips post, please email me: lwbean AT Gmail. Five at minimum, ten at most.
So, what have you been up to since I was gone?
Welcome back, Lori. I have been buried in work and behind on some of the fun sites I like to visit. Going to have to get that scale adjusted. 😉
Glad you had such a great time! High tea looks amazing.
Wow, you're getting right back to work? No jet lag? I think I'd need another week to recover ;D
I'd love to participate in your top tips series… I'll shoot you an email today! Can't wait to read everyone else's tips, too.
I could have sworn when I saw the word "brewing" it would be a pot of tea. (Probably because I'm due for my morning tea right now.)
I'm so envious of your trip. It's been almost 20 years (gulp!) since I was in England, and the furthest outside of London I got was Eton/Windsor.
Adjust your scale, Cathy – definitely. 🙂
KeriLynn, I'm eager to see what you have! Yes, please.
Paula, tea is definitely on my mind! And take the time to visit — superb sites and great country.
Welcome home, Lori. I followed your trip on FB and was so envious!
Quick question: You enjoying the Inspector Rebus short stories? I love Rebus, and I was just reading the reviews of the two books since Rebus "came back" after retirement. Not good reviews, but I still might read them anyway. Curious about the short stories.
I love the short stories, Gabriella. He makes them so rich in detail, but not overly so, to make them like mini novels. Really good stories.
I'm almost through with Strip Jack — I usually read two books at a time (though both by the same author has proven a bit confusing). A Good Hanging was one my husband took with us on vacation. I finished my book and had nothing else, so I started it. Glad I did!
Thanks. Strip Jack was early Rankin, if I remember right. I'd read a few before deciding one way or the other about the Rebus series. I think he takes a little time to get into.