Getting There

Monday 18th March 2019

Good repeat of ‘Laughter…’ launch set from Newcastle Lit and Phil at Gateshead Library this afternoon. Poetry group liked it. One or two questioned the aggression in some of the delivery but I sold some books, chatted to people. Pleased to deliver ‘Anomalies 1989-2014’ to Mark Speeding. Back to Jenni’s around four to drop off remainder of the books. Walked into Newcastle, had a look in Start Cycles then met Jenni and checked out new android tablets. Got the Bush Spira 3 eight inch. Same width as Acer Iconia One 7 but a tad taller so I need a new case for it. Jenni set it all up for me. Sod’s Law the old one has started working a bit now, but the battery charge indicator goes up and down like a fucking yo-yo. Chuffed that Brexit might be derailed. Hope the fucking Tory party implode in the next couple of weeks. OK. 11.23 pm.

Tuesday 19th March 2019

New tablet works okay on public transport which is a relief. Winged the Waddy session – basically helping people around editing process for an in-house booklet; onscreen tweaks and typing. Cut and pasted new material to memory stick. Went into Durham at four hoping to find a slipcover for the tablet. Shops tried to sell me a fucking fold-out case – not what I want. Had chicken and mushroom pasty with beans at Waddy. Chatted about computers with Ali Lee for a little while then decided to just bus home instead of going to an open mic. If I’d gone and stayed till the half-nine finish I’d still be on the bus now and not getting home till midnight. Needed to get back. Too tired. Financially drained and unsure how long I can keep going on so few workshops. It’s all a bit of a worry. 11.32 pm.

Wednesday 20th March 2019

Staying off Facebook today bur still got caught up in Brexit bollocks. Best way to ensure a Remainer loses backing for a withdrawal agreement: insult the very politicians whose votes are relied on to get deal through Parliament. The whole thing is a fucking charade. Her deal or no deal – bollocks! Tonight’s highly divisive performance could be enough for Bercow to just say: ‘On your bike, pet! You’ve shat in your own nest – off you pop!’ And I sincerely hope that happens. Parliament then takes control, gets a longer extension, Tory’s need new leader, possibly triggering a general election. Then it’s all up for grabs. I still say we aren’t leaving… Got a preliminary session plan sorted tonight for Friday but not much else. 11.16 pm.

Thursday 21st March 2019

Chuffed to get April Poetry Jam event page up on Facebook. Hope we get a decent turnout. Need guests in place for May. Didn’t get much done this afternoon. So I went out for a walk by the River Derwent and wrote a Steve Achieves off the back of it. Bogged down by Brexit. Evening news and Question Time way behind by the time they broadcast coz situation has moved on. EU now shit scared of No Deal and have offered extension whether May’s deal goes through or not. She can’t use No Deal as threat. If politicians think her deal stinks they don’t have to vote for it. Three strikes and you’re out, Theresa. Go, you said yourself you wouldn’t stay beyond June. So go – coz a longer extension is on the way… 11.35 pm.

Friday 22nd March 2019

Workshop went okay. Money is dwindling but due more cash soon. Enjoyed the Consett Writers read backs this morning. I wrote a few pieces. Enjoyed teen fiction workshop this afternoon. The facilitator was by far the youngest person in the room and very knowledgeable – got through a hell of a lot of info on genre, creating realistic characters, strong dialogue, what publishers want, ways to research. And a canny ‘what’s in a name’ exercise. Bought a case for the new android tablet. Would have preferred a slipcover, but at least case means hands won’t freeze on cold metal during winter use. Back to Jen’s this evening. Watched news; Mrs May, you’ve had your day, it’s time to go. Laughed at Goggle Box. 9.17 pm.

Saturday 23rd March 2019

Morning pages included a bit about Metro Centre and a draft review of teen fiction workshop. Out to town for bank transactions and food then back for social media and television. Miss Marple all-star cast included Charles Dance, Josie Lawrence, Greta Scacchi, June Whitfield and Steven Berkoff. Some good bloopers and outtakes from Pointless; and some canny acts on The Voice but the girl me and Jenni thought was best didn’t make it. Ordered a volume of James Kelman’s short stories from the library, read reviews and his interview. Good stuff. 10.20 pm.

Sunday 24th March 2019

Morning pages about dreams and things to get on with over the coming days. Read more James Kelman reviews. Looking forward to reading his work soon. No good bargains for me at Tesco. Colder out than recent days. Cheese baguettes for tea. Chocolate biscuits and a cup of hot chocolate. Hot cross bun. Enjoyed a programme about making pencils. 10.30 pm bus to Consett. Should be home by midnight. 10.39 pm.