A Week That Was.

I've written before about how the writing game is a bit like fishing. You throw in a few lines and see who takes the bait. If no-one does, you cast again and wait. A lot of waiting.

No nibbles this week, although one of the fish I'd already landed gave a wriggle in the bucket. The contract arrived for a story I sold a few months ago. Signed and returned.  Does a writer ever get tired of making a sale, signing a contract or receiving copies of a book with their story inside?

I don't think I will.

My computer is finally dying.  The old beast has served me well these past 5 or 6 years, but is starting to fail. USBs keep dropping out and screens keep locking. Even though, it's surprisingly quiet for an old thing. But a new machine arrives today and so I've backed everything up ready for transferring to the new one. Ah, technology. I'm so 21st Century.

Speaking of 21st Century and technology, I'm really enjoying Instagram. I'm starting to build some followers, and regularly hit 35-50 likes on my photos. Feel free to follow me. I'm nihilon.

At home it's been a strange old week. I've been off work for a couple of days with a throat thing. Lots of rest, warmth, lemon drinks and Game of Thrones to watch. I also watched The Phantom Menace, which I hadn't seen since it was first released. It wasn't as terrible as I remembered it, although I can see why it was panned at the time. OK, so a lot of world-building and history-setting at the cost of narrative, but I must admit to having enjoyed large sections of it purely as escapism. At least, a lot more than I thought I would.

On a nostalgic note, I walked past a bakery yesterday and was hit with the smell of warm yeast. It took me back to when I was a primary school kid and we went on an excursion to Harrison's Bakery. I think it was on Canterbury Road in Vermont, and I loved every minute of it. They showed us how they made bread, and even let as shape one each. I hope they didn't sell those ones.

And that smell? It reminded me of the importance of including all the senses in writing, as they trigger recognition with readers.

And no, even though I was tempted I didn't rush in and buy any bread.

Socially Active?

As someone who is firmly planted well within the twentieth century, I've had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the social networking world.

Blogs I could understand. This one has been maintained regularly for four years, and over that time I've seen a gradual rise in the number of hits and return visits.

Thank you.

Facebook and other media I've deliberately avoided. In fact, I was proud I wasn't on Facebook. Finally, late last year, I felt the time had arrived where I'd have to join. As a writer, it's vital to have an online presence. As a teacher, it is important for me to stay current and see how my students are communication and socialising. I was told that it was up to me how I often I visited and what I posted. I originally thought my account would be used simply about writing, but what I've learned is that it's not called social media for nothing.

I get annoyed when people use their account simply to post about their stories, sales and so on. I don't mind a bit of it, but it can't be all. And so I've had to learn the 'unwritten rules.' I think I'm getting better at it.

Twitter still eludes me, although a friend thinks I need to be there also. I've succumbed to Instagram, which I am enjoying. Again, I need to learn the 'unwritten rules'. But I'm getting there. (By the way, feel free to follow me - my account name is 'Nihilon')

As for where all this stuff leads? I have no idea. But I'm now in the 21st century, and I'm along for the ride.