I did it!

Last week was my graduation ceremony.  A few of us got together for lunch to mark the occasion before heading off to Bath Assembly Rooms for our graduation ceremony.  It was a wonderful day and I got quite emotional when I went up on stage to shake the Vice-Chancellor's hand.  I passed on having an official photograph taken - this one will do!

It’s been a year since I last updated this blog.   A year ago I was about to embark on my journey as an MA Creative Writing student at Bath Spa University in the glorious surroundings of Corsham Court.  And now it has all come to an end.  

So what did I learn?  I learnt that putting word after word on the page is hard and that every element of your story has to be there for a reason, either to further character or move the plot on.    Being on the course gave me the space and excuse I needed to take my writing  seriously and to develop a writing habit.  I was lucky to be surrounded by talented, supportive writers of all ages and backgrounds and with whom I have made some enduring  friendships.  

I'll miss seeing these, but not their plaintive cries! 

A Critiquing Day

On Monday the Parisot Writing Group met for a day of critiquing.  I submitted a short story based on the novel I'm writing, but written from the point of view of one of my other characters, which was an interesting exercise to do.  As usual the session was lively and I found the feedback helpful. It is our last meeting for a while as I’m heading off to commence an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa.  I will miss everyone.

Flash Fiction

I am delighted that one of my flash fiction stories has been shortlisted in this quarter's Flash 500 competition. I should know within a couple of weeks if it's good enough to make the top three. Good luck to everyone on the shortlist!

The First Parisot Writing Group Outing

On Thursday the Parisot Writing Group went on its first outing.  The destination was Chateau de Cénevières in The Lot.  The Chateau and the Lot River are the inspiration behind the story one of our members is writing and it was illuminating to see the actual setting for her story and to envisage her characters there.  The owner’s son, Patrick de BRAQUILANGES gave us the tour and it was interesting to get the perspective from someone who had grown up in the chateau.  He showed us a cot that all the Braquilanges babies had slept in.  He offered us a glass of wine at the end, which went down very well!   Afterwards we had a picnic at Calvignac and wandered around the contemporary art structures installed there as part of the Exoplanete Lot exhibition.  We agreed that a summer outing should be a regular feature on the writing group agenda!    

The Writing Scene in France

In the August edition of Living France there is an informative article by Vanessa Couchman about the thriving expat writing scene in France.  The piece features the Parisot Writing Group with photos! 

Gascony Writers Anthology 2016

My copy of the Gascony Writers Anthology has arrived, showcasing fifteen short stories covering diverse subjects and writing styles.  I'm so pleased to see my flash fiction story, Pilgrimage in print. To order your copy (6 Euros plus postage) please contact:  gasconywriters@gmail.com

'The Cow' acrylic on canvas by Ginster Plantagenet