Autumn Joy, Reading and Writing

Welcome to my favourite time of the year, Autumn - eventually leading into the beginning of winter! I love the months from September to the end of December in particular. It’s also my best time for writing and other creative pursuits, now that gardening is tailing off.

I’ve developed a love of paper craft and enjoy making various types of little notebooks, treasure books and junk journals, as well as my own creative journaling in pretty shop-bought notebooks. I hope to add a little watercolour painting when I get more organised, or try it at least.

I also have several writing projects on the go, two full length novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. I intend to finish each one (eventually) before starting anything new, apart from shorter pieces and poetry that I always write between longer fiction. I need to start a new writing routine! (see below)

Meanwhile, I’ve changed my reading habits slightly. Now, if I like the first in an author’s series, I’m going to read the whole of the series one after the other. This year, I’ve enjoyed the following:

• Ruth Galloway forensic archaeology crime series by Ellie Griffith

• DCI Ryan series by LJ Ross, as well as her Alexander Gregory books and summer romantic suspense.

• The House in the Clouds trilogy by Victoria Connelly

• In a different genre: The Kingdoms of Evermore series by Heidi Catherine which I couldn’t stop reading until I’d read each one of the five books. She has also co-authored a couple of gripping series with Tamar Sloan.

There are many more authors I enjoy, both with crime series and stand-alone novels. Reading has become one of my biggest pleasures again and I’ve allocated a daily reading slot in addition to my regular evening reading – paperbacks downstairs and kindle in bed!

I also enjoy interesting online courses, for writing or crafting, and one that might interest writers is the weekly newsletter For the Writers Soul. It includes a short meditation and writing prompt and is a good way to begin the week. I also came across this helpful article from Book Brush on developing a writing routine. Just need to put it into practise!

We’ve had a couple of lovely short breaks this year, once daughter’s beautiful wedding was over. The first was exploring the Trossachs, including Aberfoyle, Callender and a delightful sail on the Victorian steamship, the Sir Walter Scott, at Loch Katrine.

On the second trip, we explored the beautiful Scottish Borders around Peebles and the River Tweed. A highlight for me was the wonderful walled garden at Kailzie Gardens. There are also woodland walks and the Courtyard Café.

I’m hoping the unseasonal heat has gone now and that September will be a more normal Scottish autumn so I can concentrate on writing again!

Rosemary