Monday, November 14, 2011

Change of Scene

I'd like to say I got time off for good writing behaviour on Saturday, but I'm just over 14,000 words into my NaNo novel. But that's fine, as it's moved my previously languishing book on to a total of 35,500 words and I'm writing a little every single day. I still want to finish redrafting my other book and get it away while continuing with this one.


Anyway, on Saturday morning, husband and I returned to one of my favourite historical buildings, Pollok House near Glasgow and I guess it could be classed as research. I mentioned it ages ago on my Romancing History blog, but on that day we'd only enjoyed the gardens and surrounding Park. This time we explored the house itself, as well as having coffee down in the original kitchens, now a cafe and restaurant. The original Georgian house was built in the 1750s, although other parts were added over the years. I'd been through the house with our writing group over a year ago but this time we wandered round ourselves so I could absorb the atmosphere.


For a gracious country house, it has an air of homeliness about it, although visitors are not allowed into all areas. It's also a popular venue for weddings and one of the guides kindly advised us to visit the long, open library first before the current wedding started there! I almost lost husband to the fantastic grand piano on the way through to another room, while I would happily have sat in the beautiful little Morning Room. The famous paintings adorning many of the walls added to the pleasure of wandering around.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the visit is the friendliness of the discreet guides who are always happy to answer any questions with their inimitable Glasgow humour. We were invited to come back at the end of November, beginning of December when the whole house is decorated in all its Christmas finery. Try and keep me away! And best of all, it's exactly the kind of research useful for my NaNo novel, so what more excuse do I need for another visit.

Rosemary

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