Iona Winter

Kia ora dear readers. I humbly apologise (once again) for the lack of contact. There’s been an about face. Things being as they are in writing-land, I’ve decided to set free ‘The Novel’, aka masters thesis/conglomerate of thoughts, speech and action AND have returned to basics.

Actually, I’ve gone back to some of the ideas I began with (I can hardly bear to say it) five years ago. This has become evident after exhausting all other possibilities, whilst meandering around this vast expanse of territory called CREATIVE WRITING.

I accept that other people have their opinions (on said writing, amongst other things). Some of their feedback is exceptional and has encouraged me to explore a smorgasbord of options like a ravenous beastie. However, not being one for conformity or mainstream thinking, I must acknowledge that after looking at some of the off-the-rack clothing I found certain items didn’t quite fit.

Years ago, someone very wise told me about the importance of trusting one’s first thought. Yes, but trusting it also means listening and then following it, doesn’t it Missus?

Yep, got it. My ears are now turned back on.

In other matters, I am now into year two of country life. An acquaintance said last week, “Oh, so you’re still down there?” As if I’m on some kind of holiday, or fanciful mid-life crisis thingy. “Yes I am,” I replied, without any hint of defensiveness. There’ll be no going back to the madness of the Big Smoke. I like the wee smoke here, thank you very much.

It’s true, I took a risk in my escape from the big city—where very few have time for breathing in and spontaneous cups of tea. But here I have the freedom to continue to write, regardless of whether it makes any sense or not. AND I have the freedom to work in town, drive back home (sans copious amounts of traffic) and breathe in some clean air along the way.

EVERY SINGLE DAY (and night) I hear waves caressing the shore. My inherited chooks have resumed egg production, and our relationship has softened—we’re both less tetchy. I wake up to a fanfare of birdsong each day, and am again watching the plum trees return to blossom. Full circle it seems, is the theme.

There are changes in the air—no doubt about it. All I need to do is trust my intuition, listen and breathe…oh and welcome my about face.