It’s been a big day.  I have written all of 27 lines, which means I’ve completed the first page of my next book.  It’s only a rough draft, of course, and written in a mixture of past and present tenses, and I haven’t bothered with much punctuation, so it may not sound like much, but psychologically, getting to the end of that first page marks a huge step.  I now officially have a ‘work in progress’, for a start.  I’ve been messing around for two and a half months now, and the longer I leave it, the harder it is to get going again.   Not that I’ve been hanging around doing nothing – I feel as if I’ve been busy, in fact - but the level of displacement activity (don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how often this blog gets updated now) has been getting out of control. 

Today was the day I got a grip, albeit briefly.  You’ll notice that I am back at the blog rather than completing the second page, for instance.  But I think I’ve reached the point where I’m running out of excuses not to get on with it.  It’s not as if I’ve got any problems with the idea (at least, not yet) and in some ways I’m quite looking forward to the story.  Miranda is a heroine I think I’m going to be able to identify with, and I’ve gone for a good-looking hero this time, so might as well enjoy having him under control!  I don’t usually have a specific image of the hero in mind when I’m writing, but I’ve made an exception in this case.  Here is Rafe Knighton, more usually known as Patrick Dempsey, or indeed as McDreamy from Gray’s Anatomy, in the Versace ads.  I don’t know if we’re allowed to reproduce this picture, but here’s hoping Patrick won’t mind. 

Now there’s an attractive man, and notice that his tie is beautifully done up!  Why wasn’t he handing round canapés at the party last week????

So it’s back to work for me, with the prospect of the next few weeks in close company with Patrick/Rafe as a powerful incentive to sit at my computer and let my fantasies run wild …  I’m guessing I’ll still find time for the odd displacement activity though, so will no doubt be checking back here, and at that perennial favourite, the Where are you? page, where new flags are still lighting up, much to my excitement.  Thanks to again to all those of you who have clicked there, and a special hello to whoever clicked from Ghana a few days ago.  I was born there (in Accra) and would love to go back one day, as I don’t remember it at all.  I must see if I can find a photo for the page.  We’re going to try and add new ones every Wednesday, by the way, and will try and end up with a gallery from round the world.  Do send a photo from where you live if you can – it would be great to have a whole variety of places! 

Have just remembered I promised some feedback on the Pick Your Own Romance survey as well at the end of the first month.  At the moment, the following books are tying as favourites: Woman at Willagong Creek, The Right Kind of Man, Christmas Eve Marriage, Barefoot Bride and Appointment at the Altar, so they’ll definitely go through to the next round.  Moonshadow Man, Kissing Santa, The Convenient Fiancée, Baby at Bushman’s Creek, Fiancé Wanted Fast!, The Billionaire’s Blind Date, Mistletoe Marriage (aarrgh), Business Arrangement Bride and Outback Boss, City Bride also picked up votes, so if your favourite isn’t there, go and vote for it now! 

‘Marriage of convenience’ and ‘friends to lovers’ are easily the favourite hooks so far, and the city is your preferred setting.  It’s an even split between exasperated/irritable and charming/laid back/humorous when it comes to favourite heroes, while a sharp, sassy heroine is currently the runaway favourite.  I can feel a book coming on already …

I’ll be back in a few days, by which time I hope to be able to report that I’ve got past page 2!