The Joy and Luck Club. For a Limited Time Only.

The sad thing about good moods is that they are ephemeral, like dragonflies. Beautiful nevertheless – to be admired and held fragile in our hands while we deserve them. Today is one of those days, because I feel like a WRITER. This morning I received my proofed manuscript from Penguin for my entry in the THE MAP OF ME anthology. I learnt a great deal, namely not to rush competition entries and slip up on a few grammatical areas. Whoops. However, it is amazing what an excellent proofreader can do – I was extremely impressed. I also learnt that there is a launch party in December and I look forward to meeting the other writers and sharing their own accounts of having a mixed heritage.

I have questions still formulating for writer David Clement Davies. Plus another book review commission from a top notch wildlife magazine, for a really fascinating (but intimidatingly academic) book on the evolution on dogs. Canis Familaris to some of us. Using the Internet as the wonderful long literary arm it is, I emailed the author of the book in Los Angeles with some questions. I remember last year trying to complete a devilish art quiz and being stumped by a question on Rembrandt. Internet again – the most eminent Rembrandt scholar Gary Schwartz – emailed him and had a correspondence, plus a detailed answer to the question. I was absurdly excited by that – because it was so quick and intimate. He was also a jolly and inspirational man – dedicated and passionate about his subject.

So all writing, all singing, all dancing – it feels professional. As if one day, it might actually be a job, rather than a loss- making ‘hobby.’ I also benefit greatly from time spent with my talented colleagues on Vanessa Gebbie’s Fiction Workhouse. I HAVE to write a story every month a least, one that will stand up to my colleagues’ scrutiny. No soft soap, flannel or any other bathroom-related nonsense.

Just writing.

Tomorrow I may be looking at a looped rope dangling from the ceiling and thinking, that looks comfy.

For today, there is a Mary Poppins robin.