Heard on Radio 4 this morning that a female journalist was giving up her column in the Daily Mail because she is suffering from depression. She says that this modern illness is because women want it all, but the strain is too much. I'm paraphrasing.

Leaving Coty asks the question "Can we have it all?" I always thought it was about choice, juggling, deciding what is most important. I was talking to someone last night at the Writers' group and they said that once you can guess the author's viewpoint then you can guess which way the story is going to pan out. And that's not a good thing. I use different characters to represent different elements of the debate about having it all so I hope the reader doesn't guess which way Tessa goes.

I think having children is the factor that tips the balance. We had children and we wanted one of us to be there all the time they were growing up. For all but a couple of months here and there, we have managed it. And although we've not been able to have exotic holidays, flash cars, do up the house as we'd like, we don't regret our choice.

And that is it. Choice. If we feel we have no choice then I think that's where the trouble sets in. And once depression sets in, it's not something you just snap out of, it can take you down.

Expectation. Is that a problem about life today? Do we expect too much? What is enough to expect? Realistic? Sometimes it seems as though, if we got back to the basics, enjoying food, sleep, fresh air, touch, loving, then that would be enough. Not looking outward for approval but finding it in the close unit around us, in us. Getting a bit preachy here. Going to go. Such a big debate.

On another note, I have two bits I need to expand in LC, then back to the beginning for the edit. The end is in sight. I can't believe it. It is suddenly approaching. Exciting stuff. Must keep a tight rein on this. And not be lazy. If change is necessary, must make those changes.