You know how I used to have a blog called Baxter Street? Well I did. It was more personal that this blog.

For 2018 I’ve decided to combine the best of Baxter Street with the best of Girl & Duck.
Which means sometimes I’ll bang on about personal stuff that might not interest you.
Other times, I’ll be super helpful and give you THE BEST creative writing and publishing tips IN THE UNIVERSE.
True. BAM!
Okay. In the spirit of Baxter Street, first thing I want to say:
This year I’ve made a simple but weirdly challenging promise to myself. Not a resolution. Just a promise.
This year I promise to tell people I love them.
Yep. If I love you, I’ll tell you. To your face.
Sheesh. Talk about confronting.
But there you have it. Life’s too short not say, ‘Geez, man, I really love you, you know?’
So bring on the lovefest, 2018!
In other news…
We went looking at country houses again last weekend.
We found one.
OMG, I was literally clawing at the car door as we pulled up. Let me at it!
Here’s a pic. Casa Obscura.
Here’s another pic. I put this one in The Duck Pond (my private Facebook group). The duckies LOVED it. Seems I’m not the only one who loves hidden houses! And I’m not the only sucker for a picket fence.
I LOVE gates too. I’ll try and get a gate for you next weekend.
Yerp. We’re going back.
We have to do sensible things (eye roll) before we make an offer. We’ve gotta turn on the taps, poke a stick up the chimney, ensure there’s a broom cupboard, before we sign on the dotty line………………………………………………………………

What else?
Danny Best book 3 comes out next week. I haven’t seen it! Nuthin! Zippo! We usually get a few advance copies before a book hits the shops. But not this time. Maybe it’s because of Christmas. Or maybe it’s because they’ve closed Lygon Street while they work on the tram tracks…

Either why, I’m busting to see my neeeeew boooooook! (Said with Oprah voice.)
Here’s the full cover. Mitch and I always have a ball with these books. We think we are soooo funny. It keeps us occupied…


Are you on my mailing list? OMG, you should be! In late February we’re having a live round of my creative writing course, Scribbles. Six weeks of live coaching calls (from me) for all the shiny Scribblers!
In preparation for this famous, once a year, live round, I’m sending everyone on my mailing list some cool stuff —including a bunch of Scribbles Crackers. Free! They’re just a little something to make you wiggle your writin’ fingers and, well, get crackin!
To join my mailing list and be part of the fun: CLICK HERE

Phew.
I’m done.
That’s it from the Duckie Palace.
Have a smashing week!
Jen xo
To join my mailing list : CLICK HERE
Ooh how exciting. Love hearing from you darhlink.
Where’s that hidden hoose?
Well, erm, Balmoral, of course. I’m sewing a tartan skirt as we speak… 😉 x
Very exciting times ahead! My regards to your pet iguana Robert, I hope he’s looking forward to the move 😉 And I think that is my great aunt Elsie hopping on the tram…spry old girl…
Lol. I had a great aunt Elsie, too! Love that word spry’! 😉