Saturday, 19th. September 2026

First all-grey sky for many months, with no hint of blue or sun. It is also moderately dark and suggestive of rain, which is badly needed. That one night of rain some weeks ago provided nothing more than the most fleeting of relief. The weather reflects how I feel but I am hoping I might achieve something today, following the torpor of yesterday, but what?

I spent much of yesterday feeling sorry for myself. I managed to get a fair bit of housework done but little else. I am hoping today will be better, and that I might achieve something. One thing I have never figured out is how to focus on my long-form writing projects. It would appear that I might be too easily distracted, especially when I am at home. The last time I had some success in writing and plot development was camped out in a country pub with my iPad and little else. A few people in the background and a few trips to the bar did not amount to distractions; the only thing to do was think and focus on writing – or leave the pub.

The downside of using the pub as a study is the cost of beer, which is prohibitive – especially in the not-too-busy country pubs that would be my preference for the purpose of writing. Even sipping one pint an hour would cost a ludicrous sum, an hourly rent of sorts of around £6. And how would I get to those country pubs anyway?

So home it is. I can stare at the walls here and no-one will notice and think me unwell or just a bit odd, unlike in the pub. In the pub staring at the walls would certainly draw attention. I would have to occasionally type something and look as if I am thinking and having sporadic moments of inspiration, with facial expressions to match. Perhaps I might even achieve the coveted status of mild eccentricity. I would enjoy that.