I've been writing professionally for about 20 years I guess. Mainly about TV, or in it. From the BBC to Big Brother, I've written about some of the weirdest things ever chucked through a screen. I can't think of some of the things that have been chucked at screens as a result. Shit, shoes, jam...
However, no-one needs to tell you how cathartic writing is. And when it comes from the centre of your soul, there is no sweeter feeling. Well, there's a few similar feelings, but they're mostly illegal. Anyway, goats are more expensive these days...
So, with a fistful of dollars I had a decision to make. Give in to the 'bricks and mortar' brigade who insist I invest all my money in another house, or buy a camper van and head north for a few years and try write some stuff. Well, when I say camper van, I'm talking about a 30 feet, six-berth behemoth with underfloor heating and a steam room. Listen, if I'm living in a tin box for a few years, I ain't skimpin on nothing!
The idea is to get myself away from temptation and free myself of worry about bills, rent, all that bollocks, ya know?
When it came to where to head for first, I didn't have to think too long. I love Orkney and I will end up there one day, but this place - well, it's just beautiful. Even if I only spend three months there...
http://tinyurl.com/6erj37k
So, wandering around the new place - as you do - I saw a sign directing me to the John Lennon Memorial Garden. I was a bit gobsmacked. What on Earth did John Lennon have to do with this place?
It turns out that when he was a kid, he came here on his holidays, and that the song In My Life was about all the people he met there over the times he went there. I'm not there yet, so I can't pass judgement on the locals, but I remember it being a quiet place. Mmmm...
So, there you go. A potted history and the reason why the blog is called In My Life.
Oh, and the 'speaker dusting'? If you see Julie, ask her...
