Mo Mowlam

Two major figures have vanished from the British political landscape within the last two weeks, both taken from us well before their time. First Robin Cook; now Mo Mowlam.

There'll be tributes aplenty for Mowlam; well-deserved tributes. My feelings about her are not unqualified admiration, but I think the country would have been a great deal the poorer without her contribution, and is the poorer for her loss at such a young age. She was one of my local MPs, although not my constituency MP, and so I saw a good deal of news coverage of her activities. I only met her the once, when she spoke at a seminar for professional women, and I was greatly impressed by her passion and her drive not only to improve the lot of others, but to help them improve their lot themselves. She will be greatly missed.

Started new novella - First Footer

Back to writing yesterday, although there was more brainstorming and thus only 169 words of actual story. Today the count was up to 1800 and some, so about 1700 words added today, plus finished something vaguely resembling an outline.

I doubt much writing will get done tomorrow. I will be joining the expedition to Winspit Quarry, scene of location shooting for both Dr Who and Blake's 7, for the annual Supersoaker battle between various groups of sf fans. Much running around in caves with water-pistols-on-steroids will be involved. Or more likely lurking in the back recesses of caves shooting at people who haven't yet adapted to the dark, in my case.

Why yes, I am an adult. Why do you ask?