<p>The Dennis Severs' House at 18 Folgate street in Spitalfields has restricted opening hours but boy is it worth finding some that suit you. Experiencing what it was really like to do it all by candle-light; the sheer amount of stuff in the different rooms; the wonderful smells from clove stuck oranges and bundles of cinnamon sticks to name but three impressions, stick in the mind. The visit is silent and the stuff is protected by cctv. The idea is that you're entering the rooms just as the family have left. Horses clip along outside, snatches of laughter or conversation waft by on the breeze.</p> <p>Contrasting with the silence, the visit to Linley Sambourne's time-capsule Victorian/Edwardian house in Stafford Terr was guide-led by a super lady who knew just everything about it. Sambourne was a Punch cartoonist and self-taught photographer and artist. The walls are lined with his work, other people's work and a huge collection of Chinese type china. Much of that is chipped because he and Mrs Sambourne were doing it on a budget. Vases displayed twelve feet above the head don't need to be perfect, do they?</p> <p>Two wonderful visits to add to the store of writer's info.</p> <p>We try to get down to London at least once a year to catch up with all the things that won't be coming North and to visit friends. This year the visit serendipitously coincided with the London chapter of the RNA's Christmas lunch and they let me join them. What a great bunch they are and it's so good to get togehther with other people writing in the same field.</p>

<p>The Romantic Novelists' Association new writers' scheme enables wannabees like me.</p> <p>Even if no one else ever does, the RNA reader will read my novel - and give an honest opinion. This year it's a goodie. The scheme provides for two tiers of reading. If the first person thinks the work is nearly there, they will recommend a second reading and if that person agrees then your work may be sent to an agent or publisher. I didn't get that accolade but the reader said why not. I think it's a very positive review and I'm truly chuffed.</p> <p>So, she's offered two plotting glitches in need of sorting and a complete re-write of the synopsis (Oh dear, I'm a retired civil servant, please keep this quiet). Lots of hard graft but I see exactly what she means and that makes it no problem.</p> <p>Does anyone else find it hard to type with fingers crossed?</p>