The Palm of Possibility

An extraordinary thing a 'New Year' lying as it does like a shiny newly-minted coin in the palm of possibility. To me, 2015 does appear to have more than a glint of hope and creative opportunity. Last year I was looking for a herald, a sign that I should keep going (keeping going is very important if you are a struggling writer.)  That herald brought me some modest success, a competition win, inclusion in the Words and Women anthology and a commendation for Casting Shadows in the Yeovil International Literary Prize. On the 22nd December I received the best possible Christmas present in the form of an Arts Council grant and I am so grateful. I was also advised and supported by The Writers Centre Norwich and I thank them also. Now I have a few months free from fiscal fear in which to complete the re-draft of Casting Shadows for an agent. So I am embracing this bright new year full of hope and excitement at the creative opportunities to come. Fulfilling your talents is a phrase that recently struck a cord with me, fulfilling my talents is my greatest wish for 2015. Jessie Burton author of the acclaimed novel 'The Miniaturist' stated in an article in last weeks Sunday Times, that it took 'four years of dogged determination and seven or eight edits...' 
I hope that my students and writer friends will also be fulfilling their talents in 2015. Good luck everyone, have a creative New Year.