Notes from the Cotswolds – December 2015
As I write this column, there are church bells ringing in the village and the excitable lady on the radio is counting down the days until Christmas, but I have spent the morning in high summer with a gorgeous doctor on the river-bank in Larkford. Is it any wonder that I am a little bit disastrously behind schedule with my Christmas shopping?
The dichotomy of my day is the perfect metaphor for my new writing life – it may be blowing a gale outside, but while writing the second novel in the Larkford series, the sun is shining, and there are more infinitely more entertaining stories to hold my attention than the pressing need for tinsel.
As the dream of becoming a published author has become a reality, my daily life has changed beyond measure. No longer do I wait for inspiration to strike before sitting down to write; I have found a routine that works and positively look forward to those times where I can sneak away to spend time with my characters.
Likewise, the revelation in all of this has been the fun, camaraderie and generosity of spirit that can be found in the name of ‘work’.
Whether it’s a high-gloss publishing party on Park Lane, complete with cocktails and goody bags, or an insightful talk at the local Literary Festival that resonates long afterwards – there is a very real sense that we’re all in this together, brought together by our love of books.
Every literal and metaphorical mile I am now travelling on my path to publication, seems to reinforce this message. Indeed, few months ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited on a writing retreat in South-West France and, as a part of my Year-Of-Saying-Yes, it would have been almost rude not to go! In that week at the sublime Chez Castillon, I learned possibly the most valuable lesson of all – writing is not a solitary pursuit.
Yes, of course we need time to think, reflect and shape our ideas, but time with like-minded souls, whether fellow authors, insightful editors or passionate readers, creates a sense of belonging, of having found your ‘tribe.’
So I offer you this thought to take with you into 2016 – it may require a little effort, even – dare I suggest it, a little bravery – to walk into a roomful of strangers, but if you write, then surrounding yourself with other writers will only help you to achieve your goals. If you read, then seeking out your local Literary Festival and feasting on their fabulous events will only heighten your experience of the books you have chosen. Spend time in your local independent bookshop rather than a café and talk to the wonderfully knowledgeable staff there. Taking a step outside your comfort zone, as I have found this year, might just be the best step you ever take.
And of course, there’s the added benefit that inspiration and creativity do love company and, in the company of book-lovers and writers, there’s an awful lot of fun to be had.
Penny Parkes 