Hello and thank you for such a great comment!

I'm still reading through all the how-to posts, slowly, given that this week has mostly been full of work things, but I'm getting there. (Hence only just replying now.)

I spent several years in a job I didn't really want, with others trying to keep me firmly in the box. As soon as you step outside what is expected of you, people don't quite know what to do with you. Which I like. I'm certainly planning on sharing more of the journey that brought me to where I am right now (Portugal, literally, as of Sunday!), as well as ongoing plans and ideas. I have a lot of words bubbling away (no such thing as too many words, in my book!).

Personally, most pies hate me these days, what with a serious gluten intolerance! I did once have a flat cap too. But no whippet. I was born in what used to be called 'South Humberside' at the time, in the Godforsaken town of Scunthorpe, although we lived in the Isle of Axholme, right on the traditional Yorkshire/Lincolnshire border, before moving up to Orkney. That said, I did live for nine years in Sheffield, and love the north of England, and especially the people.

I shall certainly look at the self-improvement community here. It's a big part of my day-to-day existence, trying to be the best I can be. I'll definitely put together a post or three at some point soon (so many words to write!). I think the key to becoming a full time writer, for me, at least, was to just write lots and lots and lots, then share this, listen to criticism, know when to accept it and when to be bloody-minded, and then take risks with applying/pitching/publishing things. It is still an ongoing process and by no means a stable career! That said, I wouldn't change it for anything, even when I have to write or edit something I couldn't care less about, at least I am being paid for a skill I love and, crucially, it all makes me a better writer. Expect more on this at some point!

I'm still hopeful we as a species will sort ourselves out relatively soon (probably geologically/archaeologically speaking here, rather than in the next few years, but who knows?!). Hope is an important thing.

Many thanks again for your comment, it's great to meet you, and I can't wait to talk more.

Alex