It's January and it's a NEW YEAR
05th January 2026
The fact that it's the first official day back in the office for most people after Christmas and New Year means it's often a slow start. It takes a few days to get those cogs moving.
Add to that, the snow we got in the UK when we opened the curtains today. It's likely going slower than we expect.
Hi, Sarah here. It's 2026 and it's a fresh new year. Although, the weird thing is, the celebrations and fireworks people had was last week and we've had a weekend since, so it doesn't really feel like 'the fresh and shiny new year' anymore. It just feels like another day. I even worked all day yesterday (Sunday) thinking it was Monday, but then I never really know what day it is!
That said, I didn't really stop working over Christmas or during the celebrations leading us into 2026. Once I completed the two big family projects in November last year, I focused what energy I had left into getting the next shiny new project off the ground because...well, because that's what I do and we all need some entertainment and escapism, don't we?
This project is different from anything else I've ever written. I know I tend to say that at the start of a new project but it's never been truer. Not to sound too grand, but it's kinda, sorta my life's work.
I wanted to put all those amazing stories I began from as early as 1995 but didn't finish due to inexperience. I knew they deserved a better chance so I waited...and waited...and waited. But now is definitely the right time. With several decades of experience behind me now, I can complete them and create an overarching tale to tie them all together. It's working - honest. ;)
However...what that structure produced in its new-born moments can only be described as 'a nervous breakdown in book form'. *I giggle at this now but it was no giggling matter at the time!*
Then I had an impromptu chat with another writer (thanks, Ruth) who had clearly brought along her brain while I'd left mine at home. She suggested I turn this literary nervous breakdown into a book series. OMG! What a brilliant idea. From a structural point of view, it means I can focus on one book at a time which makes it an easier, more exciting read for you.
So, I've been working on BOOK ONE of THE DANBURY ROAD SERIES. So, from a writing point of view, that's how 2026 is looking so far. :)
sjb :)
Add to that, the snow we got in the UK when we opened the curtains today. It's likely going slower than we expect.
Hi, Sarah here. It's 2026 and it's a fresh new year. Although, the weird thing is, the celebrations and fireworks people had was last week and we've had a weekend since, so it doesn't really feel like 'the fresh and shiny new year' anymore. It just feels like another day. I even worked all day yesterday (Sunday) thinking it was Monday, but then I never really know what day it is!
That said, I didn't really stop working over Christmas or during the celebrations leading us into 2026. Once I completed the two big family projects in November last year, I focused what energy I had left into getting the next shiny new project off the ground because...well, because that's what I do and we all need some entertainment and escapism, don't we?
This project is different from anything else I've ever written. I know I tend to say that at the start of a new project but it's never been truer. Not to sound too grand, but it's kinda, sorta my life's work.
I wanted to put all those amazing stories I began from as early as 1995 but didn't finish due to inexperience. I knew they deserved a better chance so I waited...and waited...and waited. But now is definitely the right time. With several decades of experience behind me now, I can complete them and create an overarching tale to tie them all together. It's working - honest. ;)
However...what that structure produced in its new-born moments can only be described as 'a nervous breakdown in book form'. *I giggle at this now but it was no giggling matter at the time!*
Then I had an impromptu chat with another writer (thanks, Ruth) who had clearly brought along her brain while I'd left mine at home. She suggested I turn this literary nervous breakdown into a book series. OMG! What a brilliant idea. From a structural point of view, it means I can focus on one book at a time which makes it an easier, more exciting read for you.
So, I've been working on BOOK ONE of THE DANBURY ROAD SERIES. So, from a writing point of view, that's how 2026 is looking so far. :)
sjb :)