Nostell Priory

 Nostell Priory is the nearest National Trust property to where I live, so, it's an obvious choice for a lovely place to go for a stroll.

 The house is surrounded by extensive parkland and gardens, including three lakeside walks.  Benches are placed in convenient spots and its always a joy to watch the swans, geese and ducks, especially when accompanied by their young.

Lovely to see a swan settled on its nest having a doze on a warm afternoon.

 The house itself is an eighteenth century Palladian style built for the Winn family.

Inside, is a remarkable collection  of Chippendale furniture built especially for the property.

Of course, after all this walking, it's compulsory to stop at the cafe

for some coffee and cake.

Writing


Despite rumours to the contrary I am writing away at my novel. I should say 'reading' away at my novel, Resolution.  On very good advice I have read the whole book, out loud, preferably when no one is around to hear me! It's actually a very good way to 'hear' your mistakes, such as duplicated words, wrong tenses and 'clunky' sentences.  I have also been brave enough to pass it on to two readers, who promise to come back to me with honest opinions and not just say 'nice' things. When they finally give me their assessments maybe I'll be ready to take the next step and seriously consider submitting it to a publisher.  Fingers crossed.

Whitby

I recently had the good fortune to be able to visit Whitby for a few hours. I love going there and I'll let my photos show you why.
Whitby is the setting for Bram Stoker's Dracula and now welcomes many Goths during the year. It has many connections with famous literary folk and hosts many festivals. It is the home to many museums, the most famous probably being the house where James Cook served his apprenticeship. Whitby is also famous for its Jet jewellery.

 After crossing the river and strolling through its narrow streets there is a climb of 199 steps up to the abbey.  It's well worth the effort for the view.

 On the edge of the North York Moors, Whitby is steeped in history. There is the gothic abbey, destroyed by Henry VIII, although there has been a Church or Monastery there for over 1400 years The Abbey was well known in the 7th century when St Hild was the abbess. It is in a beautiful setting as it perches above the North Sea.  The white house is the Captain Cook museum and well worth a visit. I spent only an hour there as time was pressing but could have spent much longer. Of course I should add that Whitby has a myriad of fish restaurants (the famous Magpie) and lovely individual cafes serving scrumptious cakes.

WRITING

Resolution is being subjected to more editing and revising. Every time I look at it I find more wrong with it and at the moment don't feel I'll ever be able to let it go. However I'm assured by other writers that this is a 'normal' stage to go through!
I was delighted to be named in the monthly Writing Magazine, when I gave my views on how social media, and the friends I have made, have helped my writing.  Thanks to the author of the piece Simon Whaley, for inviting me along.