Over here in Northern Ireland, primary and secondary schools finish for summer on the last Friday of June, this year being the 27th. I recall when I was working in secondary schools in London a decade ago (time flies!) that schools were still open until mid to late July, but it’s different here on the other side of the Irish Sea.
Eight weeks off with my little primary school adventurer might seem like a long time to plan activities, but we’re a like-minded pair, so it takes the exhaustion out of the decision-making. The only issue is, in between gallivanting all over the place on day trips, how to fit in some writing time? My own brain is the barrier for this hurdle, to be frank. I have had a stubborn sinus head cold and throat infection (have you wondered why I haven’t posted any talking videos lately?), which has zapped my mental power. The determination is there, but not the ability.
Oh well. A bit of writing-off time is good, right? Well, maybe. I wouldn’t say I’ve been a prolific writer over the past few years, but I have been consistent, so I’d call myself a steady writer, if that’s fair to say. Time off from the keyboard means time for ideas to swirl in a feverish-brain.
Besides, I’m in the midst of finalising the typeset manuscript for my forthcoming novel, the sequel to The Buddha’s Bone (cover reveal soon). That’s enough to be contending with in between nature walks and beachy picnics.
Well, for now, adventures – and for my body, some beachy recuperation time. I might not be posting as often as usual, but I’ll try to remember. In the meantime, happy heatwave!
Leilanie Stewart 