Vibrant Imaginative People

January 2025 , Issue No.36

Your VIP Newsletter from Soulla's Writing Room

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Goodness me! It feels like a long time since we chatted here! How are you my VIP? How's the start of January been for you?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We are off to Gravenhurst to celebrate Chinese New Year with friends and I cannot wait to escape London even if it is only for a night! As I type this I am conscious of the leaden sky getting lighter outside and the grey rain is thrashing at the panes of my French doors. It's gloomy. It's cold. But I can just see a steak of yellow from behind the clouds... I have a lot to be thankful for and I hope you do too.

I have been thinking a lot about Cyprus and my roots these past few weeks...

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Being Bilingual; the Rhythms and Vibes

Growing up in London with Greek roots has always been an adventure—two languages, two cultures, and twice the food (win!).

Being bilingual has shaped so much of who I am. It’s like having two playlists in your head: one Greek, one English, each with its own rhythm and vibe. Some days, I’m mixing them like a DJ without even realising it—throwing a Greek word into an English sentence or vice versa. It’s messy, fun, and sometimes a little confusing (especially for my non-Greek friends), but it’s always worth it.

So when I got the chance to work on a translation of a book by a Greek author into English, I felt all kinds of emotions. It wasn’t just about switching words between languages; it was about capturing the soul of the story and making it sing in a different tune.

There are moments I stop and think: "How do I explain this uniquely Greek phrase in a way that clicks in English?" Sometimes it feels like solving a puzzle, other times like inventing a new recipe. It’s magical to see how much richer a story becomes when it travels across languages. Plus, it’s pretty amazing to introduce Greek literature to a new audience and watch them fall in love with it.

Translating isn’t just about the words—it’s about emotions, cultural nuances, and even humour. It’s like building a bridge between two worlds, brick by brick. Being bilingual has given me a unique advantage here. I can feel the rhythm of the original Greek text while crafting sentences in English that still have heart. And honestly, it’s kind of a superpower. It’s made me appreciate how words can bring people together, no matter where they’re from.

This year, I’m excited to dive deeper into projects that celebrate language and culture—because when we share stories, we create connections. And that, to me, is pure magic.

I want 2025 to be full of stories that inspire, adventures that excite, and connections that remind us how small (and big!) the world can be.

Do you have a favourite translated book or a fun story about being bilingual? Spill the tea! Let’s make this year one for translated books—pun totally intended.

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New Year’s Fun-olutions

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to feel like homework. The trick to actually sticking with them? Make them fun, exciting, and something you genuinely look forward to.

I baked a fabulous raspberry and lemon cake last week to take over to my mama and baba's house where we were invited for a mid-week dinner with my boys and Alan. I bought the ingredients in advance the day before and left the morning free to just "bake"! I loved it and everyone loved the cake too. If you would like the recipe send me a message! The link wouldn't work here :(

So why set yourself up for a year of dread when you can turn your goals into mini-adventures? Here are some ideas that Diellza, my intern, came up with to keep things light and joyful:

• Restaurant Roulette: Try a new restaurant every month. Bonus points if you choose something totally out of your comfort zone—Korean BBQ? Ethiopian? Michelin-starred? You’ll get to explore new flavours and turn dinner into an event!
• Micro-Adventures: Commit to doing one small adventure each month. It could be anything from taking a pottery class to hiking a local trail. These tiny explorations will keep life feeling fresh and spontaneous.
• Creative Challenges: Set aside time for creative play. Write a silly poem, paint something abstract, or bake a dessert you’ve never tried before. Not only will it be fun, but you might discover a hidden talent.
• Read Around the World: Create a list of books from authors in different countries, and dive into one each month. It’s like traveling without leaving your couch—and way cheaper, too!
• Dance It Out: Join a dance class you’ve always been curious about. Whether it’s belly dancing or swing, you’ll laugh, move, and maybe meet some new friends.
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Here’s the thing: when your resolutions make you smile, they’re easier to stick to. You’ll look forward to each month’s little mission instead of dreading it. And by the end of the year, you’ll have a whole list of cool experiences and memories that made your life a little brighter.

So, what’s your fun resolution for this year? Let’s make 2025 the year of joy and discovery!

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Book Talk, Writing and Inspiration

I am honoured to be involved in a fireside chat event at the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, North Finchley, London.

I have attended so many events at this wonderful little hub in our community and it's so exciting to be on their events calendar.

I hope that those of you living in or around north London will come and support me. It's a chance to learn a little more about my books, writing and inspiration and to talk about THE MAGIC OF MIRAMARE which was released on the 8th November last year.

And from one magical story to one of...

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Romance and Roses

With Valentine's Day only two weeks away I wanted to finish off with a Valentine's Day poem which a dear friend, many moons ago, sent me.

Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote "A Red, Red Rose" to his love in 1794, and it is one of the most quoted love poems of all time in the English language. This is the first stanza which is the most well-known:

"O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,

That’s newly sprung in June:

O my Luve’s like the melodie,

That’s sweetly play’d in tune."

Until next time, be happy, try out some fun-olutions and let me know how you're doing and what you enjoyed most about this month's newsletter.

Sending lots of love

Soulla xxx

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