...and having reason to - that's the trick.

I opened Writing Magazine yesterday to see my face scrutinizing me very seriously from the contents page. On page 70 Lynne Hackles reporting on MY WRITING DAY, the result of a long conversation we had months ago. Thanks, Lynne. I've been enjoying those articles for years and am fascinated at the varying degree of discipline and devotion that writers give to pursuing their craft.

Two devoted and disciplined writers are very much in my mind this week. One is Meg Gardiner, crime writer, (www.meggardiner.com) who is heading off to the US next week to be unleashed onto a grateful reading public. I wish her Bon Voyage. Meg's books rip and I expect they will sit comfortably in the US bestsellers list for a long time to come.

The other is Linda Gillard (www.lindagillard.co.uk) whose new book, Star Gazing landed on my desk last week. It is everything I hoped it would be and suggest that if you found the subtlety of the love scenes between Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out of Africa moving, you need to get your hands on this. Have some cold water to hand.

In the article I said that the best advice I was ever given was to 'remember to enjoy it'. I know both these women as friends as well as writers and have to say that I thoroughly enjoy having my faith in their ability vindicated by their growing fame and fan clubs. Take a look at their reviews - and the caliber of their reviewers.

It's great not having to be biased. ;-)

When I left Weybridge at 11 yesterday to trek all the way to Biddenden in Kent to give a talk to the Tenterten district W.I. It was already 26 degrees. Four miles short of Biddenden I detoured to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens because a) they were advertising a Farmers' Market and b) it was the sort of glorious summer day when sane people avoid cars/long journeys and spend their days in gardens.

And what a garden! After a glorious hour I realised that that time was passing and so I got back into the roasting car, felt myself basting in the heat and turned on the sat nav. And hit the wrong key. And locked it. And realised I'd left the map book at home, 90 miles away. And I was due in Biddenden in 40 minutes.

You should NEVER rely on technology when you could bring a map book!

Fortunately, where I needed to be was five minutes away in a straight line and I pulled up outside the Hall in plenty of time. So off I went for a wander and came across the sort of little shop you don't expect to find in a quiet Kent village on a sunny Monday afternoon. Have a look at www.collectablegifts.com. It's the website of Janet and Brian from Claris's Tea Room and Gift Shop on the last corner as you head east out of Biddenden. From the outside it's quaint and you wonder if you're going to be supervised if you even breathe on the merchandise. But you aren't.

It's gorgeous - absolutely gorgeous. There's a shelved wall of pottery that you really want to take home and can, at a price. There are trays of jewelery ranging from temptingly cheap to fairly pricey - definitely fairly - and another wall with cards for every occasion and on examination you realize that there's a theme. Someone has a eye for the unusual and a sense of humour. The owners chat as you browse and there's no pressure . I ended up going back after the talk (lovely audience - made the long journey worth while) and wished I could have stayed longer.

Next time I'll bring my shopping list. Claris's is well worth a visit.