b – I really have exchanged more writing with you than anyone. It was very useful and, apart from that, I just like reading your words. Ah, there’s some champers with our name on it, don’t you think?

Thursday – Pottering pens are really rather fun. In fact, anything alliterative gets me going these days. Oh dear, you see what I mean?

Ian – Mmm, yes, you’re right. I suppose if we decide too soon that something’s not going to happen, it doesn’t. A little bit of sitting back ad waiting is quite a good thing, we’re just all out of practice of doing that.

Carol – Swallowing your tea is always a good idea. DJ’s spurting technique is terribly messy.

Cathy – I think you’re right, A363 has a lot to answer for!

Cap’n Black – I think things often grow when we’re not necessarily looking. Easy to out of the habit too though. Balance. That’s what we need. Mind you, I’m not god at that. I’m always falling over

McBobo – Aw. I’m glad I’m not dead. I think it might have at least some effect on my my words and blogging. But you said kind words and for that, my dear fellow, I would share my ice cream with you.

JJ – No. There’ll be no more changes. “Change at Leicester.” “Change at Chesterfield.” No. No more changes…

Karen – Yes, I will do something. I have a plan for action. Almost. But you’ve made me crave chicken now. I may be some time.

Debs – Oddly, I don’t think it’s bubbling in my brain. I think there’s something more basic going on. Do words ferment in our soul, d’you think? Hmmmmmmm.

Helen – Yes, short stories. They’re hard but they don’t take up a whole lifetime. I shall lure you here and pick your brains. It won’t hurt a bit. I promise.

b – It’s funny, I’ve exchanged more writing with you than anyone else ever and I always value your feedback. But when you say it’s good, I never believe you. Daft eh? We will both be published aces one day and how we’ll laugh about this as we swig our champagne!

Honeysuckle – ‘All change is good’ and all that. It’s weird to actually sit back and let it take its course. We’re all so busy and therefore so in control of our lives, we don’t allow for change unless something whopping smacks us in the chops. I’m thinking the gradual approach may be better?

Sheepish – Yes, you’re right of course. I hadn’t thought about the time aspect affecting things. The Universe is quite clever really, isn’t it?

Lane – I’m a little bit worried that the overflowing well might be seen by the less knowledgeable as incontinence? Or incompetence? One of the two. Both, quite possibly.

Kate – The Road Home would be cracking for a book club I think. When the ECA results come back I’ll decide whether to love or loathe my words! Eek…

Hullaballoooooo – I learnt nowt from Cheggersgate. It just made me naughtier. Good eh?

Fionnuala – Ooh, yes, I think THAT birthday has made a difference too. It’s quite good to have a wonky axis for a while. I think. Might explain the falling over and nitwittery at least.

Angie – You MUST read that book. And it’s very London-centric so you’ll love it even more. It has your name on it!

Squidgy – Shall we pen-potter together? It’s funny, I dip in and out of snippets and freewriting and whatnot. They always seem a bit nothing-y but then, when you go back to them a while later, they have something about them that I couldn’t see at the time. And actually, that writing practice is essential I think. And I’m glad I’m not the only one to be swaying from one thing to another. I can see why people don’t read anything at all while they’re writing!

Mike – “That’s the stuff that drops a bucket deep into your soul and hauls something amazing up.” Crumbs, I love the way you put that, I really do. A foodie blogject (good word!) sounds groovy. I’m fanatical about so many things at the mo though, it would be impossible to choose just one. Let me know when your foodie doodah is ready for consumption, won’t you?

Queenie – Opposite directions but sort of the same… isn’t life intriguing? Oh dear… journeys and opposite directions have just made me remember my useless train-catching skills. You might have had a premonition there…

Lucy – Isn’t it just?

And write exactly whatever you feel like. Because that’s the stuff that shines, when it’s no-obligation, for-the-sheer-hell-of-it creativity. That’s the stuff that drops a bucket deep into your soul and hauls something amazing up.

How about a blogging project – something online? I’ve got a foodie blogject (I just invented that word) bubbling away in a corner of my computer, and it’s a fun change to work on, compared with everything else I’m doing…

But the idea of concentrating on small snipppets until you find your inspiration and mojo is a great idea, cos it gives you small nuggets to get your teeth into and also gives great writing practice. If I do any writing at all in the coming months / years, that’s what I’ll be doing too.

Oh, and that book looks good, another to add to the TBR list.