Project Joy

Sometimes I write a Substack which is meant for me as much as it’s meant for anyone else and this is definitely one of those times. I need to lighten up right now, and this is my reminder, in writing, to do so.

As the poet, Donna Ashworth eloquently puts it, ‘I run dark’ and it seems to be in my nature (maybe something to do with having a writer’s imagination) that when I catastrophise I do so in full Technicolor. I am also as porous as the most effective kitchen roll (Regina Blitz in case you were wondering). I soak up other people’s stuff. Put me in a room with a bunch of people from Newcastle and within minutes I am a speaking with a broad Geordie accent. It’s even worse with emotions.

I see these tendencies as a positive, most of the time. I think they make me a better storyteller, but they have their downsides, especially when ‘things to be unhappy about’ are coming at me thick and fast, which they seem to be right now.

I spent this weekend at Harrogate Crime Writing Festival in Yorkshire. This is not one of the things to be unhappy about in case you were wondering. Harrogate is the most wonderful festival, and so much fun (it also isn’t just for crime writers btw, it’s for everyone)

(Me hanging out in the famous Harrogate beer tent with friends)

Inevitably though, when you are around that many writers, the discussion eventually turns to the publishing industry and all the things that are wrong with it.