Monday 13 January 2014

Diaries and Sherlock

 
I've had to wait a week into January before finally receiving my new Mslexia diary - due to postal problems - and I felt so bereft without it. I love new diaries in general and fortunately keep a separate journal-type book which, being undated, allows me to write in it whenever I want from year to year. The Mselxia diary, however, is my favourite annual Christmas present to myself (or from husband really after I've ordered it!) and January 1st didn't seem the same without it.

I love going the through the previous one, transferring all birthday dates and other essential annual details before writing a word about the new year. This particular diary also contains inspirational or motivational homilies and pages in which to record submissions and their outcome. It also contains lots of blank pages at the end and I've never really made proper use of these. But now that I have my new diary, I'm determined to fill those blank pages with some of the writing exercises mentioned at the beginning of each month. The excitement at filling its pristine pages has begun!

I don't know how many of you watch Sherlock, starring the mesmerising Benedict Cumberbatch. I love it and really enjoyed these latest three episodes, particularly the hilarious and moving wedding one from last week. Martin Freeman is excellent in any part and makes a wonderful Watson. I also love Mark Gatiss as Mycroft - as well as his many writing talents, along with writer Steven Moffat. Last night's final episode in this series also had the great addition of Lars Mikkelson, the actor I adored in the first series of The Killing, although he played an exceptionally dark character in Sherlock and was almost unrecognisable.

Hopefully, there's another series in the pipeline, especially after that last image of the supposedly dead Moriarty's face and chilling words: 'Did you miss me?' Yes!

Rosemary

11 comments:

Jean Bull said...

I've had several Mslexia diaries over the years. However, I'm now using a Mickey Mouse one and filling in the monthly writing chart in Writers' Forum.

Wendy's Writing said...

I don't use a diary - just a calendar.

Teresa Ashby said...

I love having a diary! I've always thought it would be lovely to have a Mslexia one.
I really love Sherlock, so well written and such good acting. I think I read somewhere that there are two more series in the pipeline (or perhaps it is wishful thinking!)x

Julia Thorley said...

Isn't Sherlock brilliant? I was a volunteer at last year's Cheltenham Lit Fest and was lucky enough to meet Steven Moffat. I was one of a band of folk who had to form a human shield to stop him being mobbed by autograph hunters.

Maria said...

I miss my Mslexia diary, not had one for a few years, as I don't take the magazine any more. I fancied a change, and swapped to Writers' Forum. I did use their wall charts last year, and found them really useful. This year I am using an ordinary small diary to record word count and submissions etc.

However the Mslexia diary is custom built for the job, and I love the design, and oddly, the smell of it too!

Regards Sherlock, its a breath of fresh air again, and I still have last night episode to watch...

Have a good week writing!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

A Mickey Mouse one sounds fun, Jean!

I'm sure that works for you, Wendy, so that's probably all you need!

Glad you like Sherlock, too, Teresa - and that would be great to know there were more series!



Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Julia - thanks for commenting! How lucky to meet Steven Moffat - I love his work.

Hi Maria - thanks for dropping by! If you want it another year, you can order the diary on their website: mslexia.co.uk. Oops - hope I didn't spoil last night's episode for you! Glad you enjoy Sherlock.

Joanna said...

Last year I had the most beautiful diary from Persephone Books, a special issue celebrating their hundredth publication. It is filled with beautiful pages showing the period fabrics used as endpapers in all their books. I love it so much it will stay on my desk this year. I would really miss it otherwise. Those gorgeous pages will never go out of date.
I think I may have missed out, never having seen Sherlock. It sounds amazing and I really must catch up! x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Joanna - that sounds an absolutely beautiful diary to own. I love that kind of thing - no wonder you're keeping it on your desk this year! Sherlock is quirky but excellent viewing.

Joan Fleming said...

Interesting responses to your post, Rosemary. I like a diary that shows a month at a time (my writing's small), but it also has to be slim and lightweight. Lett's is the best one, but it has to be ordered. Sometimes I can pick one up in a stationer's or department store, but there aren't many around.

Vikki said...

Thanks for my diary - the creative journey intro is a great thing to read at the start of the year. And as you know I love Sherlock too - can't wait for the next series!