Hello Fellow Children’s Writers and friends and especially to that wonderful person (probably Mum) who has already checked this blog today to see if I’d posted, thanks.

It’s funny how much pressure we put on ourselves, pressure we wouldn’t put on anyone else. In my case, with this blog, it’s the expectation I put on myself to be able to constantly come up with new, insightful, knowledgeable and interesting learnings about the writing craft and industry. The thing is this past month hasn’t seen me do much of either, i.e. learning about the craft or industry as my day job, family and wrangling the washing or more specifically drying in the dismal weather we’ve been having has not allowed me that luxury.

What I have found and have been able to really enjoy and recommend though, is Jen Storer’s new private Facebook page,The Duck Pond! So although this is not strictly about the craft of writing, it can be. Although it is not strictly about the industry, it can be. Although it is not always inspirational, it can be. It is definitely encouraging and it is definitely a place where you can relax in the company of like-minded people, writers and illustrators particularly those of the Children’s variety. It is a cup of coffee with a friend, a wine and cheese night with the girls (sorry male authors, I know there’s at least one of you paddling in the Pond) discussing the latest great book you’ve read or clip you’ve seen. Emma Thompson, among other things was today’s discussion topic, thanks to an early morning post by Mother Duck, Jen. It is a closed group for subscribers to Jen’s Girl and Duck newsletter (worth a look in its own right) or Scribbles course participants, but they’re easy enough to find @ jenstorer.com

I know many of you will already know about this delightful place as I’ve met several of you there, but for those who don’t I’d like to highly recommend a visit to The Duck Pond. Whether you just want to float around and soak up the ambience, perhaps dip a toe in, or maybe even venture into the water for an all out paddle and frolic with the other ‘duckies’, it will certainly be worth your while.

Farewell fellow travellers,
Savour the quest,
Journeygirl