Using the solar panel at Laggan changed the dynamics of working there as long as you could see the sky occasionally. Unfortunately, that happened less and less as time went by. I could write, but only using paper or one of the power-miser devices I have. As soon as I needed the laptop, things would start to fall apart if the weather was against me. And yes, the weather was against me. It was quite astonishing to open the door day after day to another bout of rain.

Writers have their rituals and I am of the type who can work long hours for months at a time as long as the spell is not broken. The frustration of not being able to work on something so close to the end is maddening. Even so, I did enjoy being there and particularly meeting the steady trickle of intrepid walkers exploring the coast.

As winter brings shorter days, the chance of using the laptop falls with each week. For this reason, I am striking out in my van/car to tour Scotland. I will load up with books and spread them far and wide in many of my favourite places. By embracing the limitations of light I will use the time better to complete The Honesty Project. At the end of this process I will be in a position to publish Book Two and close to completing the first draft of Three.

I’m looking forward to this phase as I have no idea what lies ahead. I like that.