This week at the loch - 15/08/2025

We made it! The kids went back to school this morning, looking very smart and grown-up in their uniforms. The 11yo started high school and is hopefully starting to settle into the new environment as I type. The rest of this week has largely been spent getting the kids ready to go back. They were a bit out of sorts as the nerves of all the new things facing them kicked in, so they’ve needed a lot of my attention this week.

Which of course means that I get less work done.

I’ve been working on a romantic fantasy short story for one of the Flame Tree anthology open calls which you can read about here: Romantic Fantasy | Call for Submissions. It’s not my usual kind of thing, so I’m not sure if it’ll work out, but I’ve had a lot of fun playing about with it. I’ve also been working on a short story for a Solarpunk anthology that I was invited to submit to, and again, it’s something a bit different for me. I really enjoy opportunities like these that call on me to stretch myself a bit.

Although the temperatures may not indicate it, we are heading towards the end of summer, with autumn waiting in the wings. It’s almost Bramble-picking season! I love picking brambles with the kids, then making a lovely apple and bramble crumble together, or bramble jam. The 11yo was born in September and one of the first days after getting home from hospital we went out bramble picking as a family, so it always takes me back to that time.

What I’m working on - Some short story drafting, though it doesn’t feel like I’ve made a lot of progress. I also started a beta read on a new historical fantasy which I’ve been really enjoying.

What I’m reading - This week I started reading Ancestors: A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials, by Professor Alice Roberts. It’s a really interesting read, examining ancient burial sites to learn more about the people who once called Britain home.

What I’m watching - More History Hit documentaries! I really enjoyed a panel discussion on The History of Body Modification, which sparked an interest that I suspect will load to books. Lots of books.

What I’m listening to - I’ve found myself listening to some cello and piano pieces this week. My head has been too noisy for much else.

Something Interesting - I came across this medieval poem, referenced in a History Hit documentary about the medieval apocalypse and found it fascinating: Piers Plowman: Prologue | The Poetry Foundation