Barbara

Barbara · Sep 7, 2025

Currently taking part in a self-imposed Writer's Protection Program (AKA break from writing).

Too long a story but basically, my dad died earlier in the year which unleashed (some expected) chaos to highjack my time and cloud my brain. I've also been busy with several on-line classes. I haven't written a thing since March. Can barley get a word out. Having said that, I managed to plot a new novel, but the actual writing just isn't happening yet. It's so frustrating. I'm now digging up two dusty WIPs to get back into writing mode.

Barbara · Jul 6, 2024

Went to Facebook 'settings' to switch off certain adverts which I find too upsetting. Saw the list of my preferred advert topics. Among those topics is 'murder' ... Er, oooookaayyy....?

Barbara · Jul 1, 2024

A friend emails me a pic of 2 birds sitting on a wire. Himself walks by as I look at the pic, so I show him.
Me: 'Look at these two wee birds on a wire. Aren't they cute?'
Himself: 'Are they real, or are they glued on?'

Barbara · Jun 21, 2024

I'm going to start emailing myself full MS requests.

Something along these lines of:

Dear B. Thank you so much for submitting your first 3 chapters. We loved what we saw and think it has loads of potential, so please send us the complete novel. We can't wait to find out what happens next.
Kind Regards
An Agency

Then I'll send the full MS to myself and wait for a response. From myself.

Barbara · Jun 14, 2024

Friday. 3 pm.

G&T. Yes or no? (Please pick the following options)

Yes
No
Should have had 2 by now

Barbara · May 10, 2024

I'm sitting outside in the sun, writing. Himself arrives.
Himself: "Why that intense concentration on your face?"
Me: "I can't come up with the correct sentence."
Himself: "Eight months. Six for good behaviour."

Someone bring me a G&T ....

Barbara · May 7, 2024

I've just learnt that 'booklice' isn't a synonym for 'bookworm'.

Barbara · Apr 12, 2024

I'm losing the plot. I've just written 'comma' instead of putting a comma.

Barbara · Mar 29, 2024

Me to himself: "I made my writer's group cry today."
Himself: "Did you stamp on their toes?"
Me: "Oh, fortheloveof .... No. With my writing."

Barbara · Feb 3, 2024

Second half of January 2024, two weeks of calamities. What could go wrong, did. From car crashes, to skiing accidents, to house damage to ....

Anyone have the timetable for the bus that goes to the remotest place on earth? I need a place to hide.

And breathe.

Hey, it's Feb.

Barbara · Dec 13, 2023

I've joined the group of bug riddled authors on here .....

I'm tempted to post updates in the Laboratory and ask for feedback on the dramatic arc of my sickness which goes from nausea to vomiting to hungerpangs to nausea to vomiting to .... I see a three act structure of sorts.

Barbara · Oct 31, 2023

Found one of these (just add the "L") in me WIP. Darn. It's biggun too.

Barbara · Oct 5, 2023

Great to see Leonora in this month's Writing Mag.

Barbara · Sep 15, 2023

So chuffed to meet the great John Marrs today. Fabulous author. Fabulous guy. Thriller writer extraordinaire. I shall treasure my signed book and hope some of his talent rubbed off on my shoulder ... The funny thing though, neither he nor I could spell my name.

Barbara · Aug 20, 2023

Helloooo Writer's Block.

Type type type Delete delete delete Type type Delete delete Type Delete Blank ....

Barbara · Apr 15, 2023

ONE WEEK TO THE LITFEST, FOLKS.
*Dashes off to colour her hair*

Barbara · Mar 26, 2023

Someone tell me what time it is. My comp & phone say 15 58, my TV says 14 58. My alarm clock says 14 38. And yes, I know, this is a weird question from a Swiss person.

Barbara · Mar 17, 2023

Was about to go shopping. Found the shopping list had been 'amended' by Himself. Now I didn't need 'foil' but I needed 'foiled again'.

Barbara · Jan 22, 2023

Sunny, minus 14 C, and there's a bloke skiing in tight cycling shorts!
There must be a story in that. At least he has a ski jacket, helmet and gloves.

Barbara · Dec 28, 2022

You know you're addicted to writing when you're tempted to beta read Xmas cards.

Barbara · Dec 23, 2022

Sad lives some people have: giving a one star review for the book we wrote while quite clearly they have neither bought nor read the book. Just one star. No words as to why. At least give us an intellectual dissection of the narrative

. Shame that someone feels so bitter that they do that.

Barbara · Dec 11, 2022

Experimenting with hot Gin & Tonic. Oh dear.

Barbara · Oct 4, 2022

So much for a bit of writing. Got the flu. Brain not useable.

Barbara · Jul 2, 2022

Freebie Alert. On 4th July, at some time (God only knows what time exactly), @Jonny and myself will be offering The Quester's Guide To Saving It (The World, That Is) for free for a limited time of 3 days. It'd be fab if you put a review on the Zon after you've read it. That would be much appreciated, and helps us tons. Enjoy. Just follow the link in the Marketplace below.

Barbara · Jun 8, 2022

It must be Hug Your Own Book Week. In similar vein to RG, I got my author copy of the Quester's Guide To Saving it. Is it wrong if I sit on the sofa, hugging it while giggling madly?

Barbara · Feb 27, 2022

@Emily, Thank you for continuing to host our Flash Club so fabulously and with so much imagination. You're making it a wonderful part of the site. You're a gem!! Rock on. I'm looking forward to next month.

Barbara · Feb 21, 2022

Me: 'Argh. I've lost every ability to write.'
Himself: 'Use a keyboard instead.'
Sigh.

Barbara · Jan 24, 2022

That moment when you read one of your WIPs for the first time in a long time and think "Oh bottom!' ...

Barbara · Dec 22, 2021

Get into the festive spirit by listening to the Xmas episode of Green Cows Don't Fly. It's already under the podcast tree. Unwrap it here:

And thank you for all the support and messages we've received so far. It's fabulous to know that people enjoy the show. We treasure all you lovely fans. Happy Christmas to you.

Barbara · Dec 18, 2021

Up early, writing in the dark living room under the glow of my computer screen.
Me: 'I keep hitting the wrong keys on the keyboard. Writing in the near dark isn't easy.'
Himself: 'Then put the light on.'