Vibrant Imaginative People
March 2025, Issue No.37
Your VIP Newsletter from Soulla's Writing Room
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Hello my VIP and welcome to your March newsletter!
It's been a busy month, behind-the-scenes and in addition to supporting my regular writing mentees and editing clients with their projects I have been out and about (a welcome break from sitting in front of the laptop) and have been lucky enough to have experienced some wonderful events this month as well as met some beautifully creative and inspiring people... so here's a peek behind-the-scenes:
London Book Fair - 11th to 13th March Olympia, London
Society of Authors Writing Group - 19th March at The Lord Palmerston Pub
Business Junction Expo - 25th March, 26 Leake Street, Waterloo, London
It's been incredibly enriching and I love how when you bring creatives together into the same space they not only encourage and share ideas, they unite in their passion to bring about a game-changing mindset and attitude, which is infectious and really is such a breath of fresh air.
With so much of what I do being a solitary pursuit, or connecting though social media which can sometimes feel like a barrage of information is being thrown at you (and let's face it that's not quite the same as talking to someone face to face) it is always a great way to meet new people, talk about books and writing, life and inspiration. And I realise, all over again, how much I love witing... the act of writing for me is the most luxuriously romantic way to spend my day: words flowing, ideas percolating, inspiration coming from a single thought, a single moment, and the unfolding of a new story. Bliss!
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Spring Serenity: Relaxation with Nature and Creativity
As spring blossoms into full swing, it brings with it the perfect opportunity to slow down, unwind, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the season. Whether you're yearning for tranquillity or seeking inspiration, we’ve curated a lovely list of ways to relax and rejuvenate this spring. Grab your favourite cup of tea and let’s explore ways to relax and appreciate the calm.
Seaside walks and shell listening
If you're lucky enough to live close to a beach nothing quite beats the calming sound of waves lapping against the shore, right? Taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, breathing in the salty air, let the rhythm of the ocean wash your cares away. Feel the sand between your toes and allow the gentle waves to inspire a sense of peace. Gosh, I am so missing Cyprus right now and the closest I have are my holiday pics from last year... I collected shells for Eleni... love how you can tune into the soft, whispering sounds inside as you put them close to your ear. It’s a meditative experience that really does transport you back to the ocean’s embrace.
Catching the breeze and cloud gazing
Find a serene outdoor space—perhaps a park or your backyard—and simply sit back to feel the breeze against your skin. You can close your eyes, take deep breaths, and let the gentle wind lift your worries away or lay on a blanket and gaze up at the clouds. Allow your mind to wander, capturing the essence of springtime or see if you can spot shapes, animals, or fantastical creatures floating above. It’s a beautiful way to find stillness and tap into your creative mind.
Picking flowers
Take a peaceful walk through a garden or a meadow and gather fresh spring blooms. Not only does flower-picking provide a lovely visual feast, but arranging them at home can brighten your space and mood too. Consider a flower crown or a bouquet for your dining table!
Writing poetry or reading a favourite book
Spring can be incredibly inspiring. Grab a journal and let your thoughts flow. Write a poem about the beauty around you, your feelings, or even an ode to your favourite flower. Embrace your inner poet and let your creativity flourish with the season. I love reconnecting with an old favourite book -- The Secret Garden, Little Women. Settling into a cosy nook with a cup of tea, losing yourself in the pages of a good book is pure bliss. Let your mind wander... enjoy the escape...
Baking a family recipe
There’s something comforting about the smell of baked goods wafting through the air. Choose a family recipe to recreate or try a new one, and invite loved ones to join in. Baking not only warms the heart and home but also creates memories that last a lifetime... I love baking with Eleni and she has become quite the little baker.
Rejuvenation, both in nature and within ourselves, can fill you with inspiration and tranquillity. Take advantage of a quiet moment.
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Behind The Scenes... And Why I Love What I Do
Working as an author and an editor with emerging writers, can be incredibly rewarding for both me and the authors I support. One of the questions I get asked a lot is, "Isn't being an editor like being a teacher? All that marking?"
So I thought I would share the commitment and passion I have for my very-lucky-to-have job with you!
Very early on in my career I heard a lot about your voice and how it should stand out in the market. So when I work with emerging writers one of the first things we do is look at how I can guide them to discover and hone their unique voice and writing style. It's often a transformative experience for them and one which they may not have been aware of having before we sit and identify their style.
Through working collaboratively my feedback, notes and discussion points guide writers to improve their writing skills, learn about storytelling techniques, and understand the nuances of their craft. Guiding new authors offers me the opportunity to mentor and impact their journeys positively, which is immensely gratifying. I love being able to help new authors!
Having a supportive professional by their side helps writers gain confidence in their abilities, making them more willing to take creative risks and express themselves authentically. It gives them external validation of their work, which can be a significant morale booster and a stepping stone towards greater recognition. For me, helping others bring their stories to life contributes to the literary landscape, allowing me to contribute to a broader cultural conversation and leave a legacy.
Navigating the publishing landscape can be daunting for new writers. Having an experienced editor like myself can demystify this process, making it easier for authors to navigate contracts, marketing, and distribution and, For many of the authors I work with this goes hand in hand with their lifelong of having a published book.
Engaging with emerging writers fosters a sense of community within the literary world, and I love how this connects me with a network of creative individuals and contributing to a supportive environment. (links right back to my opening in this newsletter... clever, right?)
So, I am here to stay... the collaborative process of working with emerging writers is so rewarding for me across so many different levels. For the authors, it’s about personal and professional growth, validation, and realising their dreams. For me, it's about creativity, mentorship, continuous learning (and I love learning new things!), and making a meaningful impact in the literary world.
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Mothers of Every Kind
With Mother's Day in the UK on Sunday 3oth March I thought it would be lovely to celebrate mothers of all kinds and to look at some quotes from my books which mention mothers...
... she wasn’t going to let Nicolas wear her down or take the boys away from her. She was their mother, their mum, their lifeline.
‘Kalimera agabi mou,’ her mother said as she tucked Elena’s long hair behind her ears before bending down to give her two kisses, one on each cheek. ‘Ela, psomi, halloumi, tomates,’ she said, pointing to the freshly baked bread, thick slices already arranged in the breadbasket, and the fresh Cypriot cheese and bright red juicy tomatoes.
‘I’m back,’ I call out, leaning on the banisters to catch my breath. I pull off my gloves and stuff them into my jacket pocket which hangs stiff with cold on the hook. The oak coat stand belonged to my mother, and with Dad gone too it’s now mine. I couldn’t part with it; too many childhood memories of tugging at my school coat and scarf, the times I pulled it over and lay under it, legs and arms splayed until my mother straightened it, and me, up. But she didn’t raise her voice, not once; my patience is inherited.
‘My mother loved dancing. She would dance in the kitchen while cooking, making the beds, even while mowing the lawn. She danced at every opportunity singing or humming her favourite songs as they blasted out from the Greek radio station she used to listen to.’
Her mother’s chrysanthemums were voted second place and though Judith saw a little dull hint of disappointment in her mother’s eyes she also knew how wonderful she had felt, a week later, when her photograph appeared in the local paper and on St Barnabas’ noticeboard for all to see.
The sweet scent of jasmine filled the space. A tall glass vase overflowing with the creamy blooms; their soft shade reminded Stella of her mother’s pearls.
Do any of these quotes resonate with you?
However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day... we all deserve a little time to relax don't we, so whether you're a mum, mama, mummy, mother, adopted mum, school mum, Godmother, grandmother... enjoy!
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Until next time...
I hope you enjoy the transition into spring or autumn depending where in the world you are reading this... stay relaxed, read a book, listen to your heart and stay connected... and remember, I always love to hear your news too!
Sending lots of love,
Soulla xxx
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