The clock turns and the autumnal equinox has now passed but there is still some warmth in September’s bright but shorter days. Enough to enjoy an early afternoon stroll along the beach and amongst the rocks when the tide is out. It’s the calm before the storm as right now, the ocean is gathering its energy ready to dump months of pelting rain riding in on the back of gale force winds. We had a taster the other night to remind us of what is to come with the result of seeing the season’s first floods.

The storm was enough to give a final perkiness to the late garden’s rich ruby hues and pops of vivid red. Up come the ubiquitous sedums and late lilies that have waited all year to flower this month. And the statuesque red-hot pokers, which grow wild here, have enough strength to withstand the blasting wind to give a final show.

The summer party is just about over but before I get back to the writing, we’ve got the final crop of veggies from the new terraces to harvest. An abundance of leeks, parsnips – each one weighing in at a kilo – and lovely sharp tomatoes will make much soup. And finally, the rose hips. Nothing says farewell to the summer more than this explosion of scarlet drops.

Now the hard work begins with an intense period of writing. Over the summer, I’ve finalised the identity and characteristics of the gang members, and the plot twists around their ambitions and conflicts, based on my case work over the years. It’s going to be a cracker of a new book. And I’ve worked out how a play of my first novel, Louisa’s Lament, might be staged with a focus on the four women. More on this soon.

So come back next time to find out what’s happening as we start the long haul into winter.