A new year – a new determination to write more in my blog. The Word Boutique is definitely open for business!
2021 was certainly different for me as a writer. I graduated from the University of Suffolk with a First Class degree in English (always helpful for a writer) and started an MA in Creative and Critical Writing which is so far going very well. The difference between a BA and an MA is stark, though, I’m feeling the step up in academic level. It’s a challenge, but I’m loving it.
I’m writing a new novel as part of my MA – it’s a historical fiction novel based around Anne Boleyn. I can see the eyes rolling from here; but although I know Anne has been written and portrayed to death (literally) in recent decades, I’m doing something VERY different. What if I could change her fate? Watch this space…
The Word Boutique at work…
The Word Boutique is taking commissions for freelance work, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had from my wonderful long term clients who know I’m studying and keep supplying interesting things for me to write that I manage to fit in around assignments. Last year I started working with a fantastic PR professional called Elma Glasgow and we’ve worked on some fun projects. I’m definitely planning to carry on working with her and her eclectic clients in 2022.
I continue to write for P3 Pharmacy Magazine, as the Word Boutique – this month I’m diving into the subject of joint and muscular pain and have been talking to experts like Versus Arthritis and Mentholatum about back and chronic pain. It’s ironic – and relevant – as I pulled a muscle in my own back last week and I’m absolutely feeling the pain… Although it’s not a first-person piece, I feel as if I could write this one from my own experience!
I’ll be taking the time out next week, after submitting my latest module assignments, to write a short story for this year’s student anthology. Last year I managed to get an honorary mention in the anthology as I was runner-up in the Student New Anglia Prize competition with my short story Aelfthryth – and this year I’m writing a love story set in the 17th century.
I’m also joining Dial Lane Books in Ipswich every Saturday in February as a writer in residence; I’m going to be talking to people about their favourite children’s books and writing a project about the way memories influence our favourite children’s literature…I’d love to know what your favourite is? I’m also challenging people to sum up their favourite book in a paragraph or a few lines – from memory. Could you do that? Pop over to my Facebook page and let me know!
I’m always happy to hear from people looking for writing support, so drop me a line if you want to connect!
All the best for 2022…