I love writing. It's an obsession with me. And I have recently realised that my desire to be published has nothing to do with being famous (which in all honesty would be a nightmare) or with money. It has to do with a need to share my characters and their lives with others, in the same way that you would share your own life with friends. 

My book has been a while in the making. Working with a co-author can be frustrating when you live in different time-zones, and when each of our realities get in the way. But it's been a journey, not just of frustration, but of excitement, of learning, of laughter, and maybe a few tears too. Many is the time I've wanted to punch her in the face. (Only kidding, Red). (well, sort of kidding) 

We started out as cyber-acquaintances on an internet message-board. Then we progressed to emails, and eventually a phone-call. We still haven't met, but we seem to share the same ideas and ambitions for our characters, and despite reworking and editing, we both still love reading what we've written.  We both know these characters so well, and believe in them. Actually we believe they're real. Otherwise why did I walk around Ennis in County Clare expecting to see them round the next corner, or drinking in a local pub? And why do we debate the merits of various actors and actresses who we can see on the big screen, bringing our characters to life? Writing is escapism, and maybe we're taking it too far. But it's too late. I took the last bus out of reality, and am quite happy in my own little world, thank you very much. 

So maybe getting published is just a dream, but nothing can take away the sheer joy that we find in the story and the characters, even if it only ends up as a serial on my blog.    

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Internet friendships. 

The web is a wonderful tool for bringing together people who would otherwise not have met, but there's still a lot of suspicion and cynicism surrounding internet friendships.

We hear all the time of people being exploited and conned out of life-savings etc. There obviously needs to be safeguards, but the main thing is surely to educate the user? Don't meet strangers alone, don't part with your money. It won't eradicate the problem, but people can be conned by any stranger in a bar, or doorstep callers etc. 

The positive side of the internet is that friendships can also be strong and genuine. It's not all about lying and being something you're not - that's possible in any walk of life. It's about being able to be yourself, letting people know the real you. Shy people can say the things they might never be able to say face to face.

I made one of the best friends I'll ever have in my life through the internet - both of us Lord of the Rings geeks, who met on a LOTR message-board. 

So take a bow, Claudia. You know who you are.   

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Embarrassing Bodies, Channel 4: Not planning to watch this. Could be too much like a home movie.