Vibrant Imaginative People

August 2024, Issue No.30

Your VIP Newsletter from Soulla's Writing Room

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Hello my VIP and welcome to your August newsletter!

What have you been up to lately? Anything exciting happening in your world? And how's the weather treating you? I feel like it's been a bit of a rollercoaster here in London, going from scorching hot to pouring rain in the blink of an eye. It’s hard to believe August is almost over. The days are getting shorter, and the air is starting to feel a little cooler. But even though summer is winding down, there’s still a lot to look forward to.

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Vibrant Storytelling Film Night

This month, I found myself immersed in a celebration of vibrant storytelling at the Sapphic Film Night, joined by my lovely friend Athena and my intern, Diellza. We were treated to six short films, which brought a kaleidoscope of emotions to the screen, exploring the themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery through diverse voices and unique perspectives. One of the films even moved me to tears; a testament to the raw emotion and powerful storytelling on display.

The evening ended with a Q&A session featuring some of the actors, filmmakers, and directors, which added a fascinating layer to the experience. Hearing their insights into the creative process, the challenges they faced, and the stories behind the films brought me closer to their creative and behind-the-scenes thinking. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the creators of these moving stories and to gain a deeper understanding of the passion and dedication that went into bringing them to life.

It's got me thinking again about the power of collaboration and the importance of working together. It's when we work side-by-side, sharing ideas and skills, pooling our resources and supporting each other that amazing things can happen.

What's the last project you collaborated on? How did it work out? What did you learn along the way?

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A Walk Through Bodnant Garden 

I took a bit of a breather earlier this month and spent a weekend in Wales with my mama, baba and Alan. And let me tell you, my imagination took flight as I wandered through Bodnant Garden in Wales. It was a place of breathtaking beauty, walking through the Fairy Garden, with its whimsical pathways, was like stepping into Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. (my favourite childhood book!) Every rustle of leaves felt magical, and the air hummed with the wonder of nature. And the lily pads! The sheer enormity and beauty of them can’t be appreciated through the photos I took.

We also headed into Conwy, a historic town, where we saw the Smallest House in Great Britain! It stands just 12 feet tall and less than 7 feet wide—so narrow that we could literally stretch our arms out and touch both walls at the same time. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a doll’s house, with everything scaled down to fit the space. The tiny fireplace, the miniature staircase, and the cozy nook where the bed sits, everything about the house is enchanting. Despite its tiny size it once housed a family of six! Crazy right?! It felt like going back in time, imagining the lives of the people who had lived there, their stories etched into the building. It reminded me of the enduring power of narratives in all their forms.

Wales is a land that truly inspired my imagination. And who knows, I may even write a novel set there… now that’s a thought…

Have you spent any time in nature this past month? I would love to discover more places to visit.

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People and the Art of Editing

For those of you not following me on social media, I have taken on an intern this month; I'm thrilled to introduce you to Diellza. In just four weeks, she has delved headfirst into the world of publishing, soaking up everything I throw her way. From learning the art of editing—understanding the nuances of point of view, showing vs. telling, and identifying those pesky plot holes—to diving into the marketing world. She’s already putting her creativity to the test, brainstorming marketing strategies for my latest book, The Magic of Miramare, and I can’t wait to see what she conjures up for the book launch event.

After completing a month with me I asked Diellza for her thoughts on her experience so far.

“I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity, Soulla. You’ve been such an amazing mentor and I'm learning so much every day, it's exciting to be part of this creative process and gain new skills. Before starting with you, I’d no editorial experience whatsoever and this has been a big motivation to continue pushing myself. I’ve realised that I do have a passion for editorial work and want to continue learning all I can.” – Diellza Grabanica

Looking ahead, I’ll continue to support Diellza to expand her skill set by exploring other key areas of publishing. We’ll be looking at non-fiction book planning, vetting potential projects, and mastering social media strategies. I am excited to see her growth and contributions as she continues to learn and take on new challenges and I am really enjoying having another person to work with on a day-to-day basis. We bounce ideas off each other, discuss editing projects queried with me, talk about our favourite reads, and always make time for a mug of tea!

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And until next next time...

that’s my August, full of vibrant colours, magical adventures, and incredible people. I'm already looking forward to September and what it might bring. Let me know what you have planned!

Speak to you soon! Lots of love

Soulla x

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