I may be
awash with decorators and distracted by feline maternal duties (our young cat has
just produced twins) but that has not prevented me from channelling my literary
energies. Why, only on Saturday I revelled in the second BeaconLit, a literary
extravaganza right here in The Chilterns. Informative talks mingled with
networking opportunities; I even came home with a couple of free books from the
beautiful crime novelist Jane Isaac.
Tomorrow I
will be partaking afternoon refreshments with my colleague, Nick Halliday. A
children’s author extraordinaire, he is also the design genius behind my
website. No doubt our meeting will include a guffaw or two for we each spark
such hilarity I’m amazed we haven’t yet created a sitcom.
One of the benefits
of being a freelance writer is the range of people whom I interview. Jenny
Muncaster is my latest subject for Hampshire Life and she is perfect blend of
talent and intellect. I have also spoken to aerobatic expert, Simon Abbott, for
Buckinghamshire Life in my Take to the Skies feature. Meanwhile, two of my
features in Hertfordshire Life - Berkhamsted Brilliance and Amaravati Buddhist
Monastery – provided me with the opportunity to converse with a range of
humankind, from illustrators to writers and ballerinas to monks.
The recent
Berkhamsted Writing Competition Prize Giving was a celebration of some fine
short story writing. Jonathan Stroud and Catherine Alliott were charming judges
and the winning entries were brought to life via the thespian skills of Julie
Mayhew in the welcome surroundings of Waterstones.
By the way, regardless
of any preconceptions you may have about the WI, let me assure you they are a vibrant example of energy and enthusiasm. The local branch recently invited
me to a talk by Frances Benton, a collector of pearls and one of the most exuberant
and natural speakers I have ever heard. The group is thriving and incredibly
active. If only I had the time, I might well join them.
Talking of
invitations, this evening I am off to the local Rotary Club’s President’s Party
in a local restaurant. So if you’ll excuse me
. . .
