These last few months have been hectic! September brought the long-awaited book launch.

My editor Bev Glick flew up from England for the press launch and Bev Lyons, entertainment journalist, hosted the big evening launch at the Lantern house theatre in Cumbernauld.

It was all head microphones and razzmatazz and a full auditorium. It really was a celebration of a huge milestone for me. Book sales have gone well, with about 600 sold already… a mixture of paperbacks, eBooks and audiobooks.

I continue to grapple with how I am going to let my visually impaired 91-year-old mother listen to it. She has no electronic devices, can’t see the buttons on anything and has no internet.

In the midst of radio shows, podcasts, live talks to local groups and contacting independent bookstores I have been trying to pursue my new fused glass hobby and keep up with a steady stream of commissions… watercolour painting, pen and ink pointillism and fused glass.

Pet portraits of Labradors seem to be flavour of the month. I have just done five and still have two to do! It is almost time to close the list for Christmas as the artwork needs to be framed and delivered too.

With Christmas coming I have been encouraging everyone to think about using my book as a stocking filler and I have decided to make quite a few gifts this year. People seem to like the fused glass dishes and spoon rests I’ve been making so I will be gifting some to family and friends.

Currently I am debating having an open studio to show off the glass work, as this is a new direction for me. It lends itself to commissioned personalised gifts, in colour schemes to match your room. Watch this space.