Wednesday 30 November 2011

Gareth Malone and London awards


Picture of Minster Church, near Boscastle - a truly beautiful spot.

I was watching Gareth Malone’s The Choir the other night and thought how lucky I was not to be married to someone in the forces, having to live in temporary accommodation, rarely making friends and never knowing when or if you may see your loved one again.

At the moment my mum is not having a good time healthwise but at least we are in regular touch over the phone and I’m seeing her soon. One of my best friends is away and while I miss them at least I know they’re not in danger of being blown up, even if communication is patchy.

What struck me about Gareth’s programme was his realization of how isolated these women were. They literally didn’t have a voice. And while it was hard to get them to believe they could sing, once he did, they were off. You could see the joy in their faces as the music took hold, and the sense of unity that singing together can bring.

That’s what singing does for me, though unfortunately I will have to miss our rehearsal this week as I’m off to London for the Luke Bitmead Bursary Awards – for those of you that missed the news, I have been shortlisted for this novel writing award which would mean getting a bursary but also – more importantly – a publishing contract with Legend Press.

Life in Falmouth has not been without its ups and downs over the past few weeks (as ever), so I haven’t had much chance to think about Christmas and my stomach is currently swirling just thinking about the trip to London. Unfortunately I have also got a sore throat – one of those ones where you feel as if you’ve swallowed crushed glass – and lost my voice.

I know I won’t win it – that would be too much to ask – but I’m hoping that they will agree to look at the novel in its entirety when I’ve finished editing it, and may even publish it – who knows? If nothing else it will be a good experience and networking opportunities.

We’re getting the sleeper back, which gets into Truro at some ungodly hour on Friday morning. I really don’t fancy returning with a terrible hangover, so must remember NOT to have that last glass of wine. You know, the fatal one……

And yes, you bet I’ll will be wearing my lucky knickers.

24 comments:

Jenny Beattie said...

Well, I've still got my fingers crossed for you. I hope that you have a fabulous evening. xx

Flowerpot said...

Thanks JJ - any crossed fingers very welcome! xx

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

The very best of luck to you. I'll be crossing everything too. x

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Debs - much appreciated. Wish I didn't look so terrible, too - feel a really bad cold is about to descend!

Talli Roland said...

Well, if you wear your lucky knickers, I reckon you've got it! I'll cross my fingers just in case. Keep us posted, and good luck!

I think I have a mini-crush on Gareth!

Flowerpot said...

I think most women have a crush on Gareth, Talli!

Akelamalu said...

I'll be keeping everything crossed for you whilst I'm sunning myself in Lanzarote. Good luck m'deario. :)

Flowerpot said...

Ak - enjoy Lanzarote and many thanks!

Philipa said...

My sibling's spouse was in the forces. Women are in the forces too (an extra source of stress for some wives!). The partners left at home have a cameraderie I haven't seen anywhere else. Because they are all in the same boat I guess. It's not the case that they rarely make friends. You're already part of the club it seems. Albeit a club that had no official voice and one which could't challege media reporting/comment.

Well done, Sue on being shortlisted. A fanastic achievement and I wish you all the very best x You never know!

I hope your throat gets better immediately and all goes splendidly. Getting the sleeper reminds me of the 39 Steps and John Buchan dramas. Or of Poirot or The lady Vanishes. Remember; a million mexicans drink it!

Susie Nott-Bower said...

All the very best - have a great time and hope your cold subsides. Just finished a book from Legend Press and very much enjoyed it.
Susiex

Unknown said...

my fingers are crossed!!!
lx

Chris Stovell said...

Good luck! I hope the sore throat's better now - so that you can make your award-winning speech! Will be thinking of you and wishing you well. Cx

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Chris! Throat agony and can only croak so this could be an interesting evening!

Flowerpot said...

Thanks liz!

Flowerpot said...

Susie - that;s good news and thanks for that.

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Phil and yes good image of the sleeper. Think of me croaking!

ADDY said...

Good luck and get that throat better soon!

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Addy - didn't win but one of the judges said how much she loved it and would I submit my novel to Legend when I've finished editing it which is great news! Fascinating evening all round.

Susie Nott-Bower said...

Sorry to hear you didn't win, but delighted they've asked you to submit. Best of luck with the editing and well done for getting shortlisted.
Susiex

Flowerpot said...

Susie - thanks I'm delighted as next year is looking pretty busy with the walks book coming out so this will work out better really.

Unknown said...

Hi Sue, you will be pleased to read that I have nominated you for a Liebster Award. Your blog is one of my favourite 5 blogs I love to keep up with. I might not always leave a comment but do pop in to read yours d'rec'ly. Pop over to mine, leave a comment and link back to mine, if you would like to help extend this gesture to your 5 favourite blogs. List those blogs on your site and give reasons why. Then leave a note on those blogs to inform the person of having nominated by yourself. And, of course, copy and paste the award to your blog site. Happy blogging!

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Sarina - will go and have a look!

elleeseymour said...

We should bet on Gareth getting to No 1 for Christmas and knocking X Factor off its perch.

Flowerpot said...

Ellee - absolutely! Wouldn't that be great - they're going in the right direction.....