Fi Phillips

I've just noticed that I haven't done this yet. The month is running away with me.These photographs are a mixture of new and old.

Just in case, you were looking for a new beautiful bookmark (or two) for yourself or to give as a gift, we've just produced a whole range in our Zazzle Store - Pink Blossom Blue Sky Gifts . They're only 60p each, plus postage and packing. Cupid Book Mark by PinkBlossomBlueSky More Cupid Rack Cards Wave Bookmark by PinkBlossomBlueSky design rack cards online with zazzle.co.uk Summer Swirl Bookmark by PinkBlossomBlueSky order rack cards from zazzle.co.uk Citrine Gems Bookmark by PinkBlossomBlueSky View more Citrine Rack Cards Angels Book Mark by PinkBlossomBlueSky See other Angels Rack Cards You can find the entire range here.

I've always been a little puzzled when creative writing books or tutors have raised the issue of 'character versus plot'. Is your novel character-led or plot-led? I've found an explanation of the difference on the Hear Write Now site. "With character-driven stories, the problem is usually caused by a weakness in the main character that has to be overcome before he can resolve the problem that makes up the story. The pivotal point is when the character understands this and takes the first steps to right his weakness. "A plot-driven story begins with a problem that is external - in a thriller, this might  be a terrorist attack, in a fantasy it might be an unwelcome summons by the king. The characterisation influences the plot by the reaction of the main character to the problem. At the pivotal point, the character finds the tools, internally or externally, to solve the situation." This appears to be a very straightforward, reasonable explanation ...

Not really. Who am I trying to kid? The last six weeks may have formed a glutenous mass of imagination, frustration and end result, but they've been enthralling too. I'll explain. 1. Zazzle My husband and I have always been all round creative lunatics. If we're not writing, we're discussing plans. If we're not doing that, then we're doodling designs. The list goes on and on in our constant creative endeavours. The result, almost two months ago, was the decision to do something constructive with our humour (well, it makes 'us' laugh) and our designs. Combining the two led us to a website called Zazzle . Zazzle is an online organisation that creates quality custom products. Put simply, you can upload a design and create a t-shirt, business card, tie or gift, either as an individual or as a store. Although Zazzle is based in the USA, it has bases in many other countries too, including the UK. We have become what is termed by Zazzle artists as a pair...