The Black Isle Bar, Inverness

 I didn't get out yesterday, so I was determined to do it today, despite the wind, the cold and the rain. As I anticipated, the bar was not overflowing with people, but it was warm and it had a power socket. (My old laptop does not speak to its battery any more.) A friend who is a many times over published novelist, Cynthia Rogerson has sent me an as yet, unpublished manuscript of her latest book. I feel very honoured that she has done so. So I got a seat, and started reading it. Her style is playful and sparky, and annoyingly effortless, and I just love it. Her new work does not disappoint. She supports my own writing tirelessly, which is something I am very grateful for.