An Official Reader

Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden

Today, I sat in the Worship section of the library and was surrounded by Hymn Books. I was reminded of researching and writing my BMus Dissertation on Welsh Hymnology. What would I say to my 20 year old self, if I were to go back and give advice?

“Don’t leave all the writing to the last minute!”

Actually, I knew that at the time, and it made no difference. Would a person coming from the future and telling me the same thing have made a difference?

I once made myself a motivational poster for my cork noticeboard. I was 12 at the time. It said, “Plan Ahe…” and I ran out of space. The “ad” got squished around the corner and looked ridiculous. How I laughed and loved this authentic expression of my greatest downfall. Planning ahead was not my strong point. My first public speaking competition was a speech on “Procrastination”. It won! I had had a lot of practise.

I like to think I have learnt since then how to manage my time better. It’s more than a thought. I know I manage my time better now than I did as a youngster. Experience has moulded me. But today, the words did not flow as fast as I would have liked. I dithered and got distracted by research. I fiddled with my headphones. I wondered if it was too early for a break and a cup of tea. I wrote my birthday list. I discussed a short piece of writing with my husband via WhatsApp. I lost my train of thought. But inbetween, I got a stack load of writing done and felt very satisfied.

It’s half term and, hip, hip, hooray, I have some days set aside for writing – whole days! Why do I feel like I have had a glorious soul cleanse? That’s the way it goes, I suppose.

…from morning light to purple dusk…
Advertisement

Competition Time!

Hillman Publishing are running a competition. Whoop!

Elin’s Air competition time! Between 20th August and 24th September Emily Stanford will be giving you weekly clues (five in all), the answers to which will be hidden in your copy of Elin’s Air. Get them all right and you’ll be in with a chance to win a miniature Welsh Miner’s lamp made by a company in Aberdare, Wales who’ve been manufacturing them since they were invented! To enter the competition, simply email all your answers to books@hillmanpublishing.co.uk by 1st October. In the mean time, Elin’s Air will be available from www.hillmanpublishing.com for only £7.99 until the start of the competition.

Counting the days

When I was little we used to make Sally Worms to count the days down to an exciting event. You tear a segment off each day. This is my Sally Worm, or shall we call it a book worm, that is helping me count the days until Elin’s Air becomes avaliable for purchase. 25 days to go. Although having said that, it will be available slightly earlier from Waterstones, where you can pre-order a copy.