I resisted it for a long time, but having had access to all the Adobe CC programs in my previous job I found it too frustrating not being able to use Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Premier Pro, Audition etc so have started subscribing to the Adobe CC suite.

On the plus side, I had an interesting afternoon creating an instruction video using Premier Pro and Audition, on the negative side, I have to pay a subscription. The other negative is that I will only be able to open some of the files I create using the CC programs if I continue to pay the subscription. This did seem to be a big negative, but I have files on my computer going back 20 years that I can’t open because I don’t have the programs installed, and probably can’t get compatible versions anyway. OK, I don’t have to pay anything to use them, but I can’t open them so they are effectively useless.

It seems to be the way the world is going. Everything is becoming subscription based. Even Microsoft are moving towards a subscription, browser-based version of Windows. On the plus side, no more worrying whether hackers will be able to exploit an older version of a program, or missing out on the latest whistles and bells (that I probably won’t need).

Whatever, it is great to be able to flick between the different Adobe programs; to be able to edit Premier Pro audio file in Audition; to be able to place an illustrator file in InDesign. I suppose that I don’t have any reason not to produce the audiobook version of my book now!

I have installed a newsletter plugin on my WordPress website. I picked Hubspot as it seems to have good reviews. It allows anyone visiting my site to sign up to receive any newsletters that I have the urge to send out.

Newsletters about what, I hear you ask? Probably about any book launches, audiobook work, possibly even a particularly successful reorganisation of my sock drawer; who knows.

If you would like to find out, or even see what the Hubspot plugin looks like in action, sign up from the Welcome page.

We are enjoying a brief October warm spell in the UK and, despite not being a terribly keen gardener, I was out in the low autumn sun cutting back weeds, pulling up stinging nettles and generally tidying up before the winter arrives. It seems that to have a successful, neat garden it is necessary to be out titivating every five minutes, least a weed appear in an otherwise pristine border, or a squirrel attempts to dig a hole in the lawn. I must admit that I am OK with a bit of disorder in the garden, and am quite keen on squirrels, especially if it means I can spend more time writing, going out for a meal or generally enjoying activities that don’t make my back hurt. Gardening seems to be the ideal way to ache. Why does everything have to be at ground level?

When I write, I sit on a nice comfortable chair with my keyboard and monitor ideally positioned for ease of use. Perhaps I need a garden at desk height, preferable in the warm, and sheltered from the rain. Each spring I do have a little burst of enthusiasm for gardening, but fortunately it soon goes away, even without counselling. Maybe when I retire a keenness might suddenly emerge for the garden, but since my calculations indicate that I will only be able to afford to retire about 2 years after I die, that is less than likely.