Monday 7 January 2013

Jean's Holiday Blog Party


I was full of good intentions about getting organised this morning, planning to focus again on the contemporary novel that got so far on during NaNo, but for some reason (lack of sleep, too much chocolate) my brain refuses to engage. I've also been sorting out the hundreds of photos on my computer so I can find what I need at any given time and I can't seem to move on until that's completed.

So, instead of stressing out about it, I'm going with the flow until I'm back to my slightly healthier routine. I've been finishing a couple of entries to post for the annual Scottish writing conference I attend each year. Since I'm not an adjudicator this year, I'm trying some different types of writing for a few of the competitions and the deadline is looming! I also just discovered that I was shortlisted in the Writing Magazine 1000 word story competition when I opened the new issue, so that was a lovely new year surprise.

Meanwhile, I like the idea behind Jean Bull's blog posts this week. Jean is promoting her book of short stories, Postcards and Suntan Cream, which should get everyone into holiday mode! To take part, with a chance to win a copy of Jean's book, you just need to leave a comment on Jean's blog this week and post a photo of your favourite holiday destination with a link back to Jean.

I always choose Venice as my favourite place (which it is) but as a change, I'm choosing Vienna. I've been there only for one week and would love to visit again. From the gracious buildings, cafes, fiakers (horse drawn carriages) to the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding school, it's a magnificent city and we found the people very friendly. Having trouble posting a photo so far but will try again soon.

So if you'd like to take part in Jean's Holiday Party, you can read her first post about the story settings here.

Rosemary

9 comments:

Joanna said...

Thank you, Rosemary. I'm off to look at Jean's blog now. My favourite place is definitely Berlin.
I'm finding it hard to engage my brain too this morning. It started well, but I'm flagging a bit now! I think the Christmas break has a lot to answer for! x

Jean Bull said...

Thank you, Rosemary for your blog about Vienna. It's somewhere that I've never been, but is definitely on my list. Is it there that they got Cliff Richard to dance with Jill Dando? She was blown away with the surprise!!

Mary Smith said...

Jean's book sounds good so thanks for telling us about it and linking to her blog.
Hope you get back into your routine soon - but your lack of focus can't possibly be caused by too much chocolate!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

I've never been to Berlin yet, Joanna, but it's one of the places my husband wants to visit!

I don't the answer to that one, Jean, but it sounds likely!

If only, Mary, although it's equally likely to be lack of exercise!

Patsy said...

I don't have a favourite holiday destination ... I want to go just about everywhere.

Teresa Ashby said...

Oh I would love to see the Lipizzaner horses :-)

I'm finding it very hard to get back in the flow after Christmas.

Congratulations on your short listing :-) x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

And I hope you do, Patsy!

Thanks, Teresa - glad a few of us are finding it difficult to focus again!

Angela Barton said...

Happy New Year Rosemary.

Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog post. Congratulations on being short-listed by the way. I will cross my fingers for you.

I would choose Amalfi in Italy as my favourite place to visit. It's heaven on earth.

Love Ange xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Ange - hope it's a great year for us both! I love the Amalfi coast.