Giving Helen Mirren a run for her money

My agent tells me I must 'get my arse in gear' if the relaunch of This Time Next Year is to happen before the launch of This year ... maybe.

She has given me a list of things to do. When I asked what I was paying her for if I have to do all this stuff myself she said - and I quote - 'You are paying me to tell you to do it.'

I can't help feeling her logic is flawed but when I mentioned this to David he said, 'Well, take it up with her. Don't moan to me,' which I think is quite an uncharitable thing for a supposedly-supportive partner to say.

Foolishly mentioned the book launch to my mother when we popped in to see them at the weekend. She is now planning what she should wear for it, 'As I play such a significant part in the story,' she said, nodding her head significantly. I pointed out that it will all be done online but David helpfully added, 'But you'll be doing a live video link as well, won't you? Eunice could appear in that.'

I think know he does these things on purpose sometimes just to drive me mad.

I fear my mother sees herself as the local Helen Mirren.

This year ... definitely

 Oh my, has it really been so long since I last wrote? I do apologise, dear readers - or fans as I like to call you in my dreams.

This virus and the lockdown has a lot to answer for. ( I can hear my old English teacher saying, 'for which to answer, Alison, for which to answer, but yah boo sucks, I'm a published author now and can say what I like.) (It's okay, she died a few years ago.)

My agent, who is currently looking over my shoulder, would like to point out that being locked in with nothing to do should have meant that I had plenty of time to concentrate on blogging. I would like to point out to her that some of us do have a life, you know.

That would have been slightly more effective if I hadn't just missed my mouth while drinking my tea.

Anyway, exciting news: there is to be a blog tour for part two of my memoir! This year ... maybe will be published at the end of November to tie in with the tour.

And before that, apparently, I am also relaunching This Time Next Year. 

My agent has pointed out that this is a perfect time to do it with people looking for Christmas presents. I pointed out that that's what I should be doing too. She pooh-poohed that idea. I am seriously thinking of looking for a new agent. (I wish you could see the look on her face now: she is terrified at the prospect of losing me.)

So expect to hear lots from me in the coming weeks. 

And don't forget, you can listen to the whole of This Time Next Year, in short episodes, for FREE, using the player at the top of this page.