Writing has been a little slow for the last couple of weeks, but I’m planning on getting back on track starting tomorrow. I’ve still done bits here and there, but not as much as in previous weeks. I’ve started a new short story, that I’m hoping to finish on my next mid-week day off (When I work the weekend I get a random day off in the week). I’ve also written over 25,000 words for Blossoms of the Apocalypse, which is over half the length I expected it to be when I started. I feel like it’s going to be a little longer now, but I’m happy with how it’s going so far.

I’ve been reading a fair bit, having finished Dario Argento’s autobiography recently. I enjoyed reading it quite a bit, and I thought he was quite honest in it. Most of the book is focused on his early life and career, with only a few short chapters on most of his films from the 90s onwards. Maybe there’ll be a part 2 at some point more focused on the recent years. I’ve also started reading Jo Nesbo’s collection of short stories, The Jealousy Man and really enjoying it so far. I’m a little over half way through, and will be reading more of the stories in the near future. I’ve only read one of his novels, which I did enjoy, and will probably be seeking out more of his stuff after finishing the collection.

While in London over the weekend I picked up White Noise by Don DeLillo, which is something I’ve wanted to read for a while. When I was younger I thought it was what the 2005 horror film of the same name was based on after seeing it in a book store, and had it on my list to read since then. I later found out that it had absolutely nothing in common and then even later, while I was at uni I had to read Falling Man by DeLillo, which I did not get on with at all. I don’t even think I finished it, which put me off White Noise. Now that there’s an actual film adaptation on the way, I decided it was now or never. I like to have a book with me when I’m in a hotel, as it’s the best time to read, with literally no distractions. I’m really enjoying it so far, to the point that I’m thinking it’s time to give Falling Man another go, if I still have it. I’m not sure it survived the university book cull when I moved home. I’ll have to find the box at the bottom of a cupboard to double check.

I was in London this weekend for a belated birthday trip, that I put off to co-inside with the Taylor Hawkins tribute show. I thought it was best to save on train fare by doing them both together, especially since I was looking for a hotel for the concert anyway. Foo Fighters are one of my favourite bands, and were one of the first bands I saw live over 10 years ago . I had tickets to see them again this year before Taylor’s passing. Getting tickets, even with the pre-sale, was incredibly difficult, with the site crashing multiple times, but I did it in the end.

We headed down to London on Friday, to walk through Whitechapel (knocking off another location on the Monopoly board, which is something me and my wife are working towards to help us with our aimless wanderings). I also wanted to walk along South Bank from the Tower of London to Westminster, which we did as the sun was setting and the iconic sites were being lit up. A beautiful walk. As I said in a recent post, I love walking around London. Hopefully I’ll be back again next month for London Film Festival and more exploring.

Originally I was going to write a full post about the concert, but I don’t really know what to say. It was a once in a lifetime gig, and not one I’ll ever forget. Alongside the Foo Fighters were a range of fantastic musicians. It was a great night, and a fitting tribute to the great drummer himself. Highlights included Liam Gallagher opening the show with Rock N Roll Star, seeing Them Crooked Vultures (I didn’t even realise all the members were going to be there), the surviving members of Rush (who I never thought I’d get the chance to see. Rush have become one of my favourites of all time and they played 3 of my favourite songs, with YYZ being Taylor Hawkins’s favourite as well), Queen with a range of singers, Justin Hawkins from The Darkness (I don’t really know The Darkness that well, but I am a fan of his YouTube channel and watch that pretty much every day), and Paul McCartney appearing towards the end to play Oh Darling and Helter Skelter. There were plenty of stories about Taylor and tributes from people in attendance as well as videos from those who couldn’t make it. It a sad, uplifting and fitting tribute to him.

Because of going to London I haven’t watched The Rings of Power yet, which I’ve been hesitantly looking forward to since they first announced it. The trailers look great. I’ve read brief reviews and reactions online that vary from it’s the worst thing ever to it makes The House of the Dragon look rubbish, which I take it to mean this could be something special as the first 2 episodes of the GoT prequel have been amazing. I didn’t want to watch it, but had to give it a go, and within half an episode I’d forgotten about how bad Season 8 of GoT was and am completely invested in this new show. Matt Smith is incredible in it, and I can’t wait to watch episode 3 tomorrow, which will sadly put The Rings of Power back until Tuesday, most likely.

From tomorrow I’m back to my day job, working the late shift this week, so will have plenty of time for reading and writing in the morning.

Thanks for reading and until next time,

Ashley