One of the things I like most after writing is taking courses on novel writing. Now I don't believe that you can teach anyone HOW to write - writing is a gift - but I can help people hone their skills, give them confidence, tell them what is required and how to present their manuscripts. It is fun and I learn from it too and I always return full of renewed enthusiasm for my own work. I have made real friendships with some of my pupils. One group is planning a reading weekend here in January when they will bring the novels that they started on the course I led way back in April and we shall read and discuss them This will be a first and it will be interesting to see how it works out. I have just agreed to take a weeks course in Tuscany next year which I am looking forward to. I've had groups in France, England and Scotland so Italy is a new venture. So you see, the idea that writing is a lonely job just isn't true. Not only do my characters keep me company but I get out and about meeting interesting people.