Feeling cordial...

In between re-writes and before starting another new project turns out to be the best time to quit smoking... and drinking as it happens (because the two invariably go together and I can't have a glass of wine without a smoke. It's the law).

Going cold turkey. It's been eleven days so far.

I usually use smoking (and drinking) as a reward for making me finish my work... finish this page and you can have a coffee and a cigarette. Finish the first ten pages and you can have a glass of wine tonight... that sort of thing.

As for finishing a first draft, well, that usually finds me celebrating with a bottle or two of Cab Sav and emptying a whole pack of menthals.

So, I will have to think of new rewards in future. At present, I am switched onto elderberry flower cordial and sugar free gum.

Doesn't have quite the same promise or allure about it though... Any better suggestions anyone?

Cinderella does not go to the ball...

The Cheltenham Screenwriting ball that is...

Is it just me and David Bishop left on the blogosphere... or is anybody else out there?

He's back...

I haven't seen him since the mid to late eighties but now he's back and all for 99p from E-Bay.

Those familiar with this blog will realise that I wrote a script about the 'curse of the crying boy' and I've been trying to get my hands on a real J Bragolin print ever since. I researched this story a lot, talked to experts and eyewitnesses and as a result I am now fascinated by the subject (hence the crying boy now has its own blog) at Curse Of The Crying Boy

My picture now sits above hubby's desk in our shared office.

This morning, he swears he had shivers running down his spine as he looked at it and keeps checking to make sure the picture isn't moving from side to side.

Of course, what he should be worried about is fire... good job he doesn't smoke.

That first draft feeling...

Got it done.

Now for the reward...

An afternoon on the sofa with the fire on and the DVD box set of Pride & Prejudice (the proper Mr Darcy aka Colin Firth, you understand. None of your pretenders will do for me)

Technically I'm not allowed the fire on until November 1st according to hubby, but seeings he's not here....

The first draft can scream at me for attention all it wants but for now this is 'me' time.

Curse of 'The Crying Boy'...

As some readers of this blog will recall, a script of mine made the headlines in a Sun newspaper column recently (thanks to Kelvin MacKenzie).

I am now able to tell you that I have (anonymously, I might add) purchased my first 'Crying Boy' painting for just 99 pence from E-Bay. Apparently it's lived 20 years with the same Scottish family without starting any house fires at all.

Can't wait for it to arrive.

Am going to hang it in my office, above my desk. Hubby, though isn't at all happy and is currently checking out our home content insurance documents as we speak.

Will put up a pic as soon as it arrives. Have also started blog about this script. See my full profile for details.

Will being a fork lift truck driver harm my career?

I got offered a new job today working in the office of an agricultural depot.

The hours are fantastic. Very early 7AM start and finish at 11AM (so loads of time for writing). A big bonus is that it is just ten minutes drive away from my home and I won't have to wear fancy clothes and makeup (which often adds an extra hour onto my day).

Coolest thing about it... I can take a forklift truck test (if I want to) and play with the boys in the warehouse (again, only if I want to).

New boss looked baffled when I asked if they come in pink.... yellow isn't exactly my colour, you see.

Who is in charge here?

New script has been trying to get out of its drawer for the past couple of months 'Read me, write me now' but have calmly ignored its pleas, until recently.

After all, I am the writer. I'm the one in charge, right?

Anyway, re-write is now complete.

'Ha. That's what you think' script retaliates, because it always knows best.

'Get in envelope and be gone' I command of it.

And finally it does as it is told, pulling a very sad face, making me feel almost sorry for it.

'But I'll be back' script warns.

Well, there's no arguing with that.