Daynote - Wed 8 Apr 2026

And I'm in Edinburgh! The next week or so I'm looking after River The Dog again. Just back from a walk with the dog, on which I took the above photo, as the weather is rather pleasant. I actually got a little warm in my jacket? What is this alien sensation. It was literally snowing four days ago.

Never change, Scotland.

ON DECK: Zero words so far today, as I was busy getting the train into town, then taking River for a walk. However, I'll work on my lunchbreak and after work today instead. I'm aiming for a solid standard weekday word count today.

TOOLS AND PROCESS: This week in Edinburgh is actually super well-timed, in 'finishing a book' terms - I'm at 95k, with about 15-20 short scenes left to write. And I have maybe 3,000 words of a short story left to write too. As well as a couple of books I'd like to finish reading. So a bit of solitude will be a big help.

I'm determined not to spend this time doom-scrolling social media, and instead spend it reading, writing and getting stuff done. We'll see how I do with that a week from now. But I've got at least one full dedicated writing day (Friday) and a full weekend. My only evening plans are to catch Project Hail Mary at the cinema with a friend, and go for a walk with family at the weekend. But otherwise, writing and reading.

LISTENING: I really enjoyed this episode of the SFFAddicts Podcast about how to query agents, featuring Laura Crockett, John Baker and Jennifer Chevais. I've met John at a few conventions here in the UK and he's every bit as delightful as he comes across here.

WATCHING: A bit more RESIDENT ALIEN last night before heading to bed early (on account of catching a train at quarter past six this morning, oof). I'm going to try and not watch much TV during this trip, so I may briefly retire this section of the daynote.

READING: More of NO WAY OUT by Max Connor (aka Neil Lancaster, Bookshop, Waterstones, Amazon) on the train this morning. I suspect I'll finish this pretty rapidly (see above re: reading and writing). Then onto... not actually sure? I've spied a proof on my friend's bookshelf (he's also a writer) for an author I'm interviewing in June, so I might get ahead of the game and read that.

LINK: A great interview about book marketing from The Honest Editor. Phoebe seems to have a limitless supply of interesting publishing topics to write and interview people about.

UP NEXT: Some words later today, then a week of dog walking, reading and chilling out. I'm looking forward to it. ALSO - look out for an announcement in the next few days! I'm very excited about it.

Onward!