I’ve realised Moniack Mhor features frequently on this very infrequent blog of mine and I’ve come to the conclusion that sadly that's not because I'm here all the time (if only) but because this special place reconnects me to my writer self. It has a magical serenity, a quiet power that strips away the chaos of everyday life and lets words breathe. The setting, the company of other writers, and the laughter and support as we share our trials and triumphs, replenish and restore almost as much as the welcome and nurturing the amazing team here provide. Nothing is too much trouble for them. I’m writing about the desert at the moment and as can be seen in the photos, Moniack has turned up the summer heat to help me return to the Sahara. Method writing at its finest!
I am in no hurry to go home.
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Very happy to be back at Moniack Mhor for a few days writing and determined to finish the tricky three scenes that to date haven't wanted to be written - no excuses when we're so well looked after here. A beautiful sunset this evening and a scattering of snow on the mountains in the distance make it hard to keep my eyes on my screen, though. No sign yet of the 'beast from the east' - unless it's that big bird on the hobbit house...
So pleased with the Polish version of Ursula's Secret - just wish I could read it! I love seeing how different publishers/designers/countries see the same story.
I'm lucky enough to be spending this week at Moniack Mhor, Scotland's creative writing centre. I'm meant to be hard at work completing the latest draft of current novel but it's hard to concentrate when all this is outside the window. Perhaps I'll get snowed in.
New neighbour seems pretty relaxed. Or has she been raiding the recycling bin and reading those early drafts...?
There's still availability on Highland Literary Salon's tutored writing retreat in beautiful Cromarty at the end of the month with the wonderful Morag Joss - I know from personal experience how good she is both as a tutor and as a writer - so thought I'd share this. I've also just heard they are offering one free place - see their Facebook page here for details.
Had a brilliant evening in Inverness with Highland Literary Salon (see below). Met some good people and the Salon clearly has a lot going on so thoroughly recommend investigating if you live within striking distance -and an hour's drive to the Salon and back seemed quite normal so that covers a fair bit of ground. The event was run with backing from Scottish Book Trust as part of Book Week Scotland and it reminded me how lucky we are to live in a place that still supports reading and writers so strongly. Long may it continue!
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July 2021
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