Okay, so I know in last month’s diary, I said I wasn’t going to do a daily post this year. But I also qualified it by saying I might change my mind. And I woke up this morning, just fifty miles and a few hours from Swanwick and the excitement took over! It’s not going to be a big post, or an major interview, or any of the other things I’ve done in the past. But two big things about Swanwick are the thankfulness for great things that have happened and the anticipation of yet more great things coming up. So there we have my theme for the week.

Thankfulness

This morning, I am thankful for my sister and brother-in-law who always provide me with a break in the journey from Devon, an excellent B&B experience. And this year in particular, after a break of two years and all the angst we’ve been through, it was wonderful to be able to hug people once more; to sit in the shade in the garden and just chat; to share an incredible Thai meal, complete with fireworks; to see a huge orange moon in a completely clear sky; and to discover Heart 70 on the radio. I might just have found a favourite station to replace my beloved Classic FM! So thank you, Sheila and Simeon!

Anticipation

Where do I start? I’m looking forward to that thrill I get every time I drive up the hill and see The Hayes Conference Centre for the first time. To the peaceful couple of hours setting up the book room before all the authors arrive with their endlessly variable books for sale. To meeting old friends and making new ones. And to a week of interesting classes, workshops, writing exercises and endless chats about all aspects of this literary world we all love so much.

See you tomorrow when the real fun begins!