Winning the Battle

I’m making progress this week with Photoshop. I am gradually figuring out which tool does what and the importance of working with layer masks. One of the downsides to watching help videos on You tube is that you often see a screen, or an action that you can’t replicate. I watched as one photograph was merged into another with a very simple, sliding action. I tried it and failed. I watched that section of the video repeatedly, but it didn’t happen for me. Oh, I have the latest version of Photoshop by the way. In another the guy pulled down a window to disable an application, then reinstated it. I pulled down the same window but the application wasn’t there. It’s frustrating, and forces you to try things that aren’t part of the plan. But eventually, some things begin to make sense and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I currently have the makings of a book jacket, and hopefully I will have the finished article by the end of the coming week. Once I’m happy with it, I’ll set about publishing Past Imperfect.

Yesterday my radio interview on Angel Radio Havant (101.fm) was aired. Me and my wife sat listening to it recalling things from our past as I went through the years and selected songs that meant something to me. At the end of the show I left a hardback copy of my latest novel so that the radio station could offer it as a prize. I would like to think the show will bring some reaction from listeners wanting to know more about me and my books, but I will have to wait and see.

This morning (Saturday) we went across to a local town called Barnham. It was to visit Pixie Flowers http://www.pixieflowers.com/ where the owner, Pam was opening her shop for the first time. She is developing an arts and craft side to the flower business, and that included books from my writing group, CHINDI. I went across to offer some support and also to buy a bunch of flowers for Pat. We spent an hour wandering around Windmill Village, where the shop is based. It was a pleasant day: sun was shining. Lovely.

Those of you reading this blog who are writers too, will understand what writer’s block is like. This is something I’ve been suffering from for a few weeks now on which way to take my latest thriller. Well, last week, during the night, I lay awake for a while thinking about the story and bang – the ending came to me. Now, when I have finished the Photoshop project, I can get on with my WIP. Looking ahead at my schedule for the month, I believe I can see a reasonable period of relative calm, which means I could finish two projects: my latest, self-published paperback, and my current WIP. Wish me luck!