It’s midway through February, and finally we have some rain. Not a torrential downpour or flood proportions, just enough that I don’t have to water today. With the rain has come some cooler weather. It’s a nice reprieve after weeks, no months, of very hot weather.

In some ways this year feels old already. We’re only six weeks along, with forty-six more to go until the year ends. I think it’s the relentless heat, or the overpowering cold, depending on where we live.

So much has been happening, inside and outside. Life is busy, no matter where we are in our lives. Is it the same with you? Are you always running from one thing to the next, trying to do your best but always thinking three steps ahead? Sometimes I wish I could slow myself down. But then I wouldn’t be me.

 I’m happy with my writing, so far in 2026. Am I going back over old, half-finished stories, with an aim to finish them? Yes. Am I creating brand new stories? Yes. It means I have a lot of words swirling around lots of pages.

There’s Arabella’s Unlocking Secrets, The Chronicles of Miss Mae, Book Two, the second instalment of the Blackwood Women, a couple of half-finished children’s books… to start with.

For me, writing is cathartic, therapeutic, and slightly addictive. It also gives me something to do. To keep me occupied and out of mischief.

Over the years I’ve fed other demons. This is the least dangerous activity by far.

How do you keep demons at bay? Shopping, gardening, reading, crafting…the options are endless.  I like lists and ticking things off them. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment of learning and practicing new skills. I thrive on finishing projects, and the excitement of starting new ones.

This year my plan is to finish as many as I start. I’ll let you know how I go with that.