A Year in Books

Anyone using Goodreads to record what they’ve read in the year? I’ve just been through mine and found it really interesting. Stats are below just for those interested, but the numbers aren’t what I found interesting. What I learned is that even I think comic books are a bit of a cheat on this target, but I still like reading them and I will record them because reading matters and if ever you have someone who struggles to get into a book, give them a comic. I do count the audible as equal with reading, because if I actively listen, it takes as much effort as reading and if my eyes hurt, it’s a better option. I also found that when I checked my listening history for the year, I’d missed recording 3 on Goodreads, which I’ve now rectified. I also haven’t listened to half so many as I expected because I don’t commute anymore. So I’m kind of wondering if Audible is worth keeping up in 2022, I’ve a library of books I’ve yet to listen to. So I did beat my reading target, by how much, you can judge for yourself.

Here are the stats:
Target: 48
Books: 39 (physical or ebooks)
Audible: 10
Comics: 21

Full on

I haven’t been blogging because I’ve struggled through August and into September. The struggle has, to be fair been mostly about time, just had so much on, I’ve had to prioritise stuff and unfortunately blogging fell off the list.

Though August I had a 114k edit, a good book, but that’s a lot to get edited in 4 weeks. Then it was my wedding anniversary (29 years), my daughter’s birthday (23 years old), work in the garden that had to be done because plants work to their schedule and never mind the rest, and there were things in and on the house that needed to be sorted.
Though in fairness, I have to say that the garden (the front garden) looks lovely now, am really proud of it. This year (in case you missed previous posts) we’ve ripped out 22 year old bushes (not a fun or easy job), and covered the beds with chipping to just place out flower pots as they are much easier to maintain. I love the way the garden looks.

Our house is south facing, so we’ve also had a load of work done to replace the facias and guttering, but more importantly, we’ve had a new roller door fitted to the garage. This was actually done on Monday, so only three days ago now, and it’s already proving a boon. To get our vehicles on the drive (well the campervan) that van has to be put very close to the garage door to fit, so the old tilting door couldn’t be opened with the camper in place. Now this one rolls up without going out and we can get things in and out through the garage without having to move stuff – it is amazing how much of a difference that makes! Looks great out there now.

We also finally got a load of pictures back from the framers. One was a reframe because it was an old picture that had been my parents and over the years the frame had decayed, so needed replacement, and the rest were things that we’ve had for ages, but just didn’t have framed. Now they are all back, and they are up on the walls and it’s lovely to get some colour and art up. Am really pleased with how they look.

Though August I really struggled to write anything of my own. Again, it was mostly a time factor, but when I did have a few minutes to sit down and write, I found it a real struggle. So, I stopped trying. Thankfully the first week of September we were away on hols in the campervan, and I had the time and space to stop for a while, and now my writing is flowing again.

It was much the same with reading, really struggled. Now with all the work around the garden/house, I did manage to get through a few audible books – the exact reason why I love audible. My favourite book has to be Denzil Meyrick’s “Whiskey From Small Glasses”. I absolutely loved it. Will put a blog up on my other blog (GB Williams Crime Blog) soon, but I have a rash of blog tours to do my bit for this week – another thing that’s kept me busy.

On the writing front, while I haven’t been writing much, I have been working on blurbs and cover art and trying to get a blog tour organised, so it’s all good, all on-going.

Thankfully the first week of September we were away on hols in the campervan, and I had the time and space to stop for a while, and now my writing is flowing again.

Anyway, am now hoping that normal service will be resumed, whatever the hell ‘normal service’ is.

Down

Not sure what to write today, it’s been an odd day. I’ve been feeling down, and trying to mask it with activity. Washing, cooking, food shopping, tidying, editing.

Nothing’s really satisfied, nothing has taken my mind off the worries and dread of what might yet come. After a nice day when the sun was out and I could dry the washing on the line, this night has turned wet and windy.  It suits my mood.

It also suits listening to Wuthering Heights. I’ve promised myself I would somehow get through this book, I’ve tried any number of times with the book, and now on Audible, I’m about three quarters of the way through and it is so dreary! Were it not for the promise to myself I’d give up on it, but only three hours left to go.  Should finish it tomorrow.  Then I’ll find something more uplifting to listen to.

I don’t know why my mood has turned down again so. I don’t want or like feeling like this. Still, I guess not all days  can be good days in recovery.