Change-makers, songs under the city lights, and lyrics as literature
The giveaway is ‘Young Elizabeth’ by Nicola Tallis
Well, what can I say about the past week?
I’ve had some writing wins, which has been refreshing, lol. I’ve had a story accepted by Meniscus journal, a new flash fiction I wrote in one sitting. I was quite proud of it, and this was only the first or second place I sent it. Meanwhile, other stories I’ve submitted 15 or 20 times and they keep getting rejected… Poor things.
In other news, I’ve reached the shortlist of the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize. I can’t tell you which story is mine as they’re still judging, but the announcement is here. This also means the piece will be published in the anthology. I’m really pleased with that, even if I make it no further in the competition.
Last month, I optimistically added a ‘Books’ page to my website. It doesn’t have any books wholly penned by me (yet – hopefully in the not-too-distant future), but it lists the five anthologies my work has appeared in the last few years, across fiction and essays. There are now three anthologies in the works which will include my words as well. They’re not on the list yet, so that will make eight once they’re published. I feel like this is real progress.
On Saturday, we picked up the pottery we’d painted in January that was now glazed and fired and ready to go. There are two cat bowls, a pineapple-shaped serving dish, and a bird dish. Here’s my pineapple bowl in action:
I think he looks mighty spiffy.
On the same day, we then went to a summer garden festival as part of the Adelaide Fringe and had Moroccan barbecue for lunch from one of the food trucks. In the afternoon, we drove to Melba’s chocolate factory in the Hills to shop for our Easter stash. Holy socialising, Batman! It was a long day, but fun and fulfilling. Now to keep myself from sneaking to the cupboard and scoffing chocolate every five minutes!
Anyway, that’s been my week in words. What have you been up to?
News
1. Advice from people who’ve walked the walk about how to make positive changes in your local community? Fantastic! This ABC story brings the goods, showcasing projects run by young regional people and offering their advice on how others can get similar initiatives started. These young folk are trying to help those with disabilities working in agriculture, improve Indigenous health, and train schoolkids up in financial literacy, among other worthy projects. I’m feeling inspired just reading about them and finding ideas about how to make my dreams a reality. Such good energy!
2. G’day, Kylie. Could we please be introvert best friends? Can I come over to your house and we’ll select from your home library of 30,000 books and sit in the same room in silence and just read? Her story really is a remarkable testament to the comfort that can be found in reading, even during the toughest of times such as illness and homelessness.
Reviews
1. I found this Guardian piece on desire and self-control… well… irresistible: ‘The big idea: should you blame yourself for your bad habits?’. Of course, we have some personal responsibility and control over ourselves, but apart from various obstacles placed in our way (or not) due to our upbringing and genetics, everything we eat, buy, and view is designed to be addictive. We’re trained by marketing executives to always want more. Sure, sometimes we’re willing participants in this system, but when it comes time to pump the brakes for the sake of our health or hip-pocket, it ain’t so easy. All this suggests that instead of giving up, we need to think about willpower differently by minimising our exposure to temptation. That way, we don’t have to control ourselves 100 times a day, we’re not constantly forced to choose. A useful way of thinking.
2. While we’re at it, I also enjoyed this discussion of whether lyrics should be considered literature. I know we’re all well and truly Taylored out here in Australia at the moment, but some of Swift’s lyrics really are genius. No wonder Harvard and the University of Florida are now offering courses examining her lyrics and influence on culture. I get very huffy when detractors dismiss her as some red-lipped undeserving bimbo. Anyway, the point is: I’m team yes-lyrics-are-literature.
What I’m Feelin’ Right Now
Coffee gelati
Sequin skirts
Exploring the Chelsea part of London
Watching old Goldie Hawn movies
Selena Gomez’s new song, ‘Love On’
A walk-in fridge with see-through doors and all contents elegantly arranged
Tops with cut-out backs
Green papaya salads
This pair of Adidas by Stella McCartney track pants
Giveaway
Last week’s giveaway, Where the Light Goes by Sara Barnard, was won by Laura Powers. I’ve sent you an email, Laura.
This week, you could win a copy of Young Elizabeth by Nicola Tallis. Pop your name and email address here for a chance to win.
Playlist of the Week
Dazzled by all those city lights: