London Calling - Back in the Capital post Big Move

My old job called and offered me a week's work on reception.

"Yes please!" I said, thinking about the rent.

As soon as I'd bought my flights, the boss told me they were closing for refurbishment. Would I help the painter and decorator instead?

As a result my reception duties included:

1. Sanding

2. Painting

3. More painting

4. Repotting plants

5. Making appointments

Half way through the week there was a tube strike. My Mum suggested I borrow her rollerskates. Twitter tweeted "DO IT!" and so I dutifully did, racking up 16 miles / 25 kilometers in one day. 

I made a video of my scenic skating route for a 'tube strike' competition. There's only 2 entries, so I might win if you view my video. With the £250 winnings I'll be able to afford to take the tube again...*

(*Actually if I win the £250 I'll donate it to Medecins Sans Frontieres who help people who probably have bigger problems that a tube strike!)

Only one pedestrian tutted at my skates, and that was at Parliament square. I wanted to ask the grumpy-faced woman, "WHERE'S YOUR INNER CHILD?" but instead I tutted quietly back, a little too late so it looked like I was tutting at someone else. Sorry random person!

For the rest of the week I travelled on the underground. What is it about the tube that turns you into a machine? I always speed up and start dodging people as if I'm a spaceship in a computer game.

You live in Mallorca now, my inner voice reminded me gently. You don't have to rush any more. I slowed down and considered standing on the wrong side of the escalator.

While I've been working in London - book bloggers and reviewers have been downloading my new novel #PleaseRetweet on Netgalley. I've been getting lots of lovely tweets about the book. Each one feels like a cuddle. 

@EmilyBenet @NetGalley I've got my #NetGalley copy and I took a peak... ended up reading first 2 chapters :) Really entertaining! xx

— Dawn Brierley (@APageOfLove) August 11, 2015

How to mess up your life in 140 characters? Find out in @EmilyBenet's #PLEASERETWEET. Such FUN-tastic book! @HarperImpulse #HIReadathon

— This Chick Reads (@ThisChickReads) August 6, 2015

Just finished the prologue of #PleaseRetweet by @EmilyBenet and I'm laughing and smiling along with it. #bookbloggers its on Netgalley now!

— Rachel Gilbey (@gilbster1000) August 4, 2015

Have laughed out loud about 6 times and I'm only on chapter two! Highly recommended if you need a giggle! Witty :) pic.twitter.com/M2fP37SRRh

— Liz Barnsley (@Lizzy11268) August 11, 2015

So enjoying #PleaseRetweet by @EmilyBenet, totes relate to the constant stream of hashtags in her head!😂 #HIreadathon pic.twitter.com/SiW7kurhmD

— Paris Baker (@PBscribbles) August 12, 2015

It's exciting to know people are enjoying it but I know I've got to manage my expectations. After all, this writing life has more ups and downs than a seesaw.   

I arrived back from London yesterday feeling like I'd been away for a month. It was so intense and busy! I loved seeing my family and my friends, but I'm not so sure I could hack living in a big city again...