It’s been ages since I last updated.
Terrible, I know.
But there was a bereavement in our family, and this is really the first time that I’ve found the motivation to write a post
That’s not to say that I haven’t been writing. There’s been some note taking, some scribbling and a little bit of submitting going on. I’ve sent a travel piece into Senior Traveller’s writing competition, and I entered (and failed to shortlist) in Dragonfly’s short story competition. I even spent an entire evening at a quiet bar in Sofia, Bulgaria, drafting a story that I’m aiming to submit for Mslexia’s themed competition in December.
Fingers crossed.
I’m itching to write more, more often. My Berlin trip in September was such a fantastic opportunity to share and celebrate my work, and it’s left me wanting more.
Back in September, I was a runner-up in The Berlin Readers & ExBerliner Summer Nights, writing competition, and I was invited to read my story at one of their salon events. I’ve never read any of my stories out to more than 6 people before, and it was a little nerve-racking (mainly because I was worried I’d topple off the stool and go face first into the microphone). I met some genuinely lovely people (and some very talented ones, too). The audience were so kind with their attention and their comments. To have complete strangers come up to me (when they really didn’t have to) and say that loved the story, and that they loved how I read it was just – ah! Unbelievable. The Icing on the cake to a lovely Berlin trip.
After Berlin, I flew to Sofia. It was my first time in Bulgaria, and I loved it. The architecture and the people were wonderful. Travelling alone, it’s easy to feel intimidated sometimes, especially at night, but I didn’t. I found this sweet little bar where I managed to start drafting the story for Mslexia. I don’t know if it was the city, the bar or the cheap beer but I must have scribbled at least 20 pages.
Next week, I’m off to India and Dubai and I’m really hoping I’ll get at least something on paper during that time. Although, I have a feeling that India is going to be something of a sensory overload. Perhaps the chaos and beauty will inspire me to continue whatever I start once I’m back home during the cold winter nights.
Oh, and the work blog has been nominated for another wedding award. I’m on holiday so I can’t attend, but it’s always nice for something you do to be noted and noticed.
Susan James 