Oh, hello there. It's almost been eleven months. So long that it took me quite some time to work out where the "update journal" section was these days. Apologies for the neglect. Just think of me as your absent fathers. Sure, you're lacking an important male influence in your young lives, but think of the Christmas presents!

I think a challenging MA is a fairly good excuse for my mostly-absence. I have completed a dissertation, a 14,000 word short story series that I have vague dreams of posting here, but it's such a lot to read. Moreover, I have lived and breathed it for such a long time that I think I need a cooling off period before I pick it up again. In lieu, please accept the occasional new stories and scraps I have shoved dup from time to time, including Snakehips, a story I started and finished this week alone, a surge of wilful creativity unseen for quite some time. Gosh!

There is not very much to say. I have participated in my first story reading, with "People Are Awful", which went very very well. "Blues" was published in exciting online arts magazine La Bouche. And, you know, Master's. With a bit of luck, before Christmas I should have my results and then I shall officially be your Master, and I EXPECT TO BE ADDRESSED AS SUCH.

(I didn't mean to type that last bit in capital letters, my computer has been badly misbehaving of late, but looking back, it is wildly appropriate, so it stays.)

I am still in London. It is exciting enough to hold my attention, and besides I have a lovely boy here still, and about as much chance of getting a job here than anywhere else (which is to say, nuh-uh, so let's say nothing at all). I have just returned for a God Help The Girl gig, where I spent quite a lot of time admiring Stevie Jackson's corderoy trousers and wondering if Belle and Sebastian have written a song for me yet. (I think - not sure - but I think "Photo Jenny" is about me. But I haven't managed to ask them so far.)

May all your puppies be cuddly and vivacious, but disinterested in attacking your shoes.

FYI, I'm tumbling sporadically: [link]