Relative to this, I guess our English summer wasn't quite so wet after all

Meanwhile, sadly, I shall use delaying tactics. I will send you a script, but you're gonna have to wait... I just hate saying that!

Well, I gained a new writing buddy (Thanks Cirsten), who's helped me bring Red Star to an acceptable draft, and now it's over to the to experts at Raindance once again.

It's possible that 'other people' might be visiting my website now (hello!), so for the very first time someone other than me might be reading this.
Ooh, I think I might have slight stage fright! Then again, I guess anyone reading this has probably seen the innards of my murky imagination anyway, so what am I worried about? Anyway, that's not true - ENO visited, and my Mum (possibly).

Stream of consciousness drivel resumed: At school, I got the low-down on Ample. As I suspected, mini-Ample fell out with mini-1-2-Many (Mrs 1-2-Many was looking a bit like the morning after I have to say). Mrs Innit filled me in, (briefly, in an undertone - she's not too keen on 1-2-Many, Pigeon or 10to2) as mini-Ample has chicken pox so is off school. 
I then got to take my usual position on the periphery as casual observer. I'm still wondering how Panda manages her eye makeup - and am still impressed by the effort. I wonder even more if she'll look young for years - both with the UV protection but especially with the workout her eyes must get every time she blinks. I wonder if that will help with the muscle tone? I shall organise a school re-union for my Moo in 20 years to review - though it will hopelessly too late for me by then. Which reminds me, I think I have to provide a photo to PAGE! Oh dear, I'm fabulous in real life, but not at all photogenic somehow...

Man, I am such an eejit! 
In my excitement over my winning PAGE entry, I've forwarded my 'stuff' and am enjoying a happy glow of success .. but it took a mate to point out the judges comments on COLLIDER:
Judges' Comments: Super suspenseful high-concept sci-fi. A very compelling story -- topical, inventive and smart. Wonderful young leads who feel like real three-dimensional characters. Exciting action sequences and very strong dialogue. What a superb script!
What a totally delightful thing to read! And of course, it must take pride of place on my website (only a week late, but it's there now!)

As Al Pacino would said: "Hoo Hah"

After my fantastic start to the week, I had a little hiccup with a series of bathroom problems (bit too grim to detail, but I have a Diet Coke plumber so even that's not too bad). I also made a new friend, which is always nice.
The Moo's been at school 4 years, and I'm getting quite good at playground etiquette now. The parents (mostly women) are nearly as divided by likes and dislikes as the kids - possibly more. Cliques and groups and fallings in n' out...
10to2, Pigeon, Panda and 1-2-Many have fallen out with poor Ample, who was looking a little lost.
I mostly nod to them, smile, the odd "Good Morning", that sort of thing - coupled with close observation, for the purposes of writing of course.
Tuesday I said "Bloody Rain" to Ample, much as I've done for the last year (poor thing, she's new. Her kid only started a year ago, but she's got on well enough with her gang). 
Post-gang break-up, she embraced the human contact  and I now picture myself as a human shield between her and the withering looks she's getting. I expect I'll hear what it's all about, and I shall introduce her to some other playground stalwarts - Frazzled, AlwaysLate, theBoss and Innit will like her I think.
Should I admit this? 1-2-Many and 10to2 are very firmly in Red Star, and I will incorporate Ample into something, bless her. She seems lovely so far, and it's always nice to natter whilst standing in the rain.

Oh my bloody hat! I won! I won Gold for the sci-fi round with COLLIDER.

You beauty - I am SO glad I submitted my revised and better script - and so glad I got the chance to! That is totally unexpected and I am over the moon.

Glass of wine for me... while I think about my next project. The competitions are already opening for next year, and after this massive boost I need to sharpen off Sequestration Manor and get it out there. I should probably do the dreaded networking now too! 

For tonight though, I am one very happy bunny. Thank you to PAGE Awards.

Individual, one-to-one coffee meeting with one of the following: Independent Producer Matt Bouch, OR Steve Matthews (Producer, Octagon Films), OR Fraser Robinson (Director of Scripted Development at NBC Universal, OR Ben Stoll (Head of Development, Channel 4 Drama).
That's a real boost to continue with Fools Walk and Sequestration Manor. Blimey, I'd better get my arse in gear, to assemble a descent portfolio of work. 
Honestly, my feeling is that this year it's not going to go much further, but each year I've progressed a bit more in competitions. Next - film some scenes, consolidate some scripts into something presentable, then this time next year hopefully capitlise when one of my next scripts wins!

On with the work, forgetting competitions and pie in the sky - for now anyway.
Working on Fools Walk in earnest , though I'm having a problem sympathising with the characters. Bunch of self-obsessed moaners and whiners, which is worrying: If I don't like them, I can't expect anyone else to. Hmm, what do I like? Hanging with The Moo. Food, wine, reading... walking... watching a great film. I shall introduce food and wine, probably to excess, see if I like them any better after a drink.