Amid gathering deadlines and pitches aplenty I have found time this week to journey to the capital's Bedford Street for a meeting at The Lady's headquarters. On a glorious spring day the classic facade was suffused in sunshine though I was forced to negotiate various roadworks in order to locate the main entrance.
Nevertheless, I relished the opportunity of meeting with the fragrant Susan Wade Weeks who has, ahem, entrusted me with responsibility for The Lady Ambassadors' Facebook and Twitter outlets.
Yet I do not neglect my other literary duties. Copy has been filed with several editors and I will shortly be planning another writing course, scheduled for some time after Easter. Dates will be posted on my Webby as soon as I have consulted my moleskin with leather inlay diary.
Friday, 11 March 2011
Friday, 18 February 2011
Peaks and Summits
I simply must share with you the enthusiasm radiating from The Lady Ambassadors at last week's gathering. The Institute of Directors proved to be an admirable meeting place and the staff provided tea and cakes of impeccable standard. Everyone imparted ideas aplenty, all of which were noted by the Editor and her adoring team.
And now I have been asked to attend a further meeting. My HB's are already sharpened in anticipation.
However, before then I am heading for the peaks and summits of Switzerland where I will frequent numerous purveyors of cakes and hot chocolate while indulging my writing habit, leaving my family to locate pistes which match their disparate downhill skills. Namely, our "I was born to ski" daughter who effortlessly yet gracefully glides down glaciers, and my spouse whose lack of coordination is matched only by his determination not to be beaten by a 13 year old.
Ah, the joys of family vacances.
And now I have been asked to attend a further meeting. My HB's are already sharpened in anticipation.
However, before then I am heading for the peaks and summits of Switzerland where I will frequent numerous purveyors of cakes and hot chocolate while indulging my writing habit, leaving my family to locate pistes which match their disparate downhill skills. Namely, our "I was born to ski" daughter who effortlessly yet gracefully glides down glaciers, and my spouse whose lack of coordination is matched only by his determination not to be beaten by a 13 year old.
Ah, the joys of family vacances.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Literary Schedule
I simply must share with you particulars of my productive start to this glorious year.
First of all, the Editor of that delightfully eclectic journal, The Chap, for whom I have written a number of articles under a variety of pseudonyms over the last couple of years, commissioned a lengthy article about the legendary racing driver extraordinaire, Helle Nice. I am today putting the finishing touches to my tome.
In addition, my next My Islington Friend blog will shortly be posted on Great British Life's website (just as soon as the Editor gets to grips with some new technology, apparently).
As Chair of Chiltern Writers I have this week launched our 2011 Poetry Competition to be judged by the wonderful-with-words Steve Thorp.
And, just to prove how eclectic my talents and contacts are, I have married (not, I hesitate to add, in any legal sense) performance poet Paul Eccentric with the imminent Oxford Jazz Festival.
Oh, I could go on. Indeed, I will.
Plans are afoot for me to be running a workshop or two at this summer's Speen Festival and I have enjoyed a belated festive lunch with the charming children's author, Nick Halliday.
Finally, I eagerly await my forthcoming meeting with Rachel Johnson, Editor of The Lady, and a number of her staff. Now, perhaps I should mobilise my pearls . . .
First of all, the Editor of that delightfully eclectic journal, The Chap, for whom I have written a number of articles under a variety of pseudonyms over the last couple of years, commissioned a lengthy article about the legendary racing driver extraordinaire, Helle Nice. I am today putting the finishing touches to my tome.
In addition, my next My Islington Friend blog will shortly be posted on Great British Life's website (just as soon as the Editor gets to grips with some new technology, apparently).
As Chair of Chiltern Writers I have this week launched our 2011 Poetry Competition to be judged by the wonderful-with-words Steve Thorp.
And, just to prove how eclectic my talents and contacts are, I have married (not, I hesitate to add, in any legal sense) performance poet Paul Eccentric with the imminent Oxford Jazz Festival.
Oh, I could go on. Indeed, I will.
Plans are afoot for me to be running a workshop or two at this summer's Speen Festival and I have enjoyed a belated festive lunch with the charming children's author, Nick Halliday.
Finally, I eagerly await my forthcoming meeting with Rachel Johnson, Editor of The Lady, and a number of her staff. Now, perhaps I should mobilise my pearls . . .
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
The Year Anew
Ah, it is thrilling to once again be seated at my trusty laptop. Be in no doubt about the enthusiasm with which I greet our annual, seasonally festive activities. However, with our last houseguests finally departed, my overworked Range is taking a well earned break while my imagination is simply bursting with creativity.
There are workshops to organise, articles to write and ideas to pitch. Not to mention the odd fee to chase.
Readers, may I wish you the jolliest of years filled with a profusion of pleasures?
There are workshops to organise, articles to write and ideas to pitch. Not to mention the odd fee to chase.
Readers, may I wish you the jolliest of years filled with a profusion of pleasures?
Monday, 13 December 2010
Festive Retailing
Just back from a retail shopping trip to Belgium's only interesting city, Bruges. I confess for three days I overindulged in hot chocolate and Flemish specialities as my husband insisted on spending his hard earned salary on myself and our grateful offspring. No, I may not have needed another handbag. Or blouse. Not to mention woollen skirt. But then I've never been driven by need or necessity. And my purchases were bargains. At least I believe they were though I tend to leave the Euro-Sterling exchange issue to my husband.
Once home and checking my awaiting emails over a glass of rose, I note some pleasing comments from the learners of my second Writing for Magazines Course which finished last week. How rewarding that those eager writers are now finding their way in the heady world of freelance journalism.
Oh, and did you know that I now Tweet? Indeed, my ability and willingness to take on new technology is limitless. For I am also permanently available to editors via my latest hand held, fruit based technology. At least I will be shortly. Once my daughter has programmed it for me, to be precise.
Once home and checking my awaiting emails over a glass of rose, I note some pleasing comments from the learners of my second Writing for Magazines Course which finished last week. How rewarding that those eager writers are now finding their way in the heady world of freelance journalism.
Oh, and did you know that I now Tweet? Indeed, my ability and willingness to take on new technology is limitless. For I am also permanently available to editors via my latest hand held, fruit based technology. At least I will be shortly. Once my daughter has programmed it for me, to be precise.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Socialising
I so love this time of year. It brings not only my favourite array of hues but also an enviable number of social events. Only last weekend my husband insisted we fly to Stockholm for a black tie birthday bash. And, oh, how stylish those Swedes are! From our base in a hotel which boasted more stars than I can recall and overlooked the Royal Palace, we indulged ourselves among the more select strata of retail establishments. Nor should I be shy to admit how much I felt at home in such company.
And shortly we will be gracing the London Hilton for an annual charity ball for which I have felt compelled to purchase a new outfit. Its rich, bronze tones befits the season.
But do not be aghast. For I have not neglected my literary duties. My current Writing for Magazines course is proving to be tip top fun as my proteges eagerly listen and learn. And I am already planning my next Humour Writing Workshop. January may traditionally be a dull month but I promise to bring a touch of merriment to all who enrol.
And shortly we will be gracing the London Hilton for an annual charity ball for which I have felt compelled to purchase a new outfit. Its rich, bronze tones befits the season.
But do not be aghast. For I have not neglected my literary duties. My current Writing for Magazines course is proving to be tip top fun as my proteges eagerly listen and learn. And I am already planning my next Humour Writing Workshop. January may traditionally be a dull month but I promise to bring a touch of merriment to all who enrol.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Angel
I am excited to report yet more thrilling news. Angel magazine, one of Archant's premier titles and a popular choice amongst North London's somewhat eclectic readers, is running a blog by my dear self.
My Islington Friend is, indeed, based upon a close acquaintance of mine whose attitude to her life, career and family (in that order, please note) are, how shall we say, somewhat more hit and miss than my own. Still, I am grateful for her chaotic existence since it serves to fuel my imagination, not to mention my livelihood.
And that reminds me, I should perhaps inform her that she is forthwith the subject of a regular online feature . . .
My Islington Friend is, indeed, based upon a close acquaintance of mine whose attitude to her life, career and family (in that order, please note) are, how shall we say, somewhat more hit and miss than my own. Still, I am grateful for her chaotic existence since it serves to fuel my imagination, not to mention my livelihood.
And that reminds me, I should perhaps inform her that she is forthwith the subject of a regular online feature . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
