Vibrant Imaginative People

March 2026, Issue No.48

Your VIP Newsletter from Soulla's Writing Room

______________________________

Hello dear VIP and a special hello to all the new Vibrant Imaginative People who have signed up this last week.

Spring is in the air, blush pink blossom colours the trees, the skies are blue and I have joined an aqua aerobics class with one of my sisters! We walk there, do our session and walk back together with me snapping all the gorgeous trees in bloom as we walk and talk. It's really lovely!

Being back in the UK after my beautiful trip across southern India has been a whirlwind of wonderful events, meetings and lots of decisions to be made around my writing, The Summer Will Come movie and going back to my editing clients who have patiently waited for me to return to work on their stories.

______________________________

The Brilliance of India

Having been to India eight years ago I imagined a similar type of holiday; lots of touring from one famous landmark to another, visiting temples, jumping in and out of rickshaws. And we did all of that... yet, quite incredibly, Southern India embraced us with open arms and warm hearts, sing-song voices and rhythmic dances beautiful serene landscapes and stunning mountain views and the most delicious homemade and locally sourced foods.

Every place we visited felt unique in its atmosphere, the buildings, the people.

Here are four highlights I'd like to share with you:

In Ooty we travelled into town from our tiny bedroom overlooking the forest on a bus which jangled with fresh flower garlands and bells, sparkled with flashing disco lights and boomed with Indian music. We nicknamed it the party bus and it was surreal to be travelling in such a vehicle which seemed to have a life of its own and the atmosphere was so different to that of travelling on a London bus.

In Fort Kochi, on the coast, we were a stone's throw from the famous Chinese fishing nets which loomed huge against the hazy sky above the sea and which created wonderful larger-than-life silhouettes as the sun disappeared and the sun set tingeing the sky with pinks and purples. And the promenade walkway was filled with so many peddlers and market-stall holders selling their wares. I bought a beautiful skirt, which doubles up as a strapless dress, made from old saris and is also reversible. It has become my favourite piece of summer clothing!

In Munnar we had the most incredible time climbing up through rows and rows of tea plants and we even had a photo shoot where I wore a beautiful rich red sari with gold edging and sequins and held a traditional basket used to collect the tea leaves. It was magical... having photos taken together is not something Alan and I have ever done professionally so it was a lot of fun and we are so happy with the photos. What do you think?

In Alleppey we lazed for four days on a lake, our homestay was quiet, the home cooked food was fragrant, deliciously filling and we were very spoilt not only by our host but with the landscape and the daily connections we made by waving hello to the fishermen as they went past us and out for their day's fishing. I cried when I left... I missed that simple yet warm connection we had through the simple act of waving to each other.

In Puducherry I was messing about and dancing on the beach when a lady laughed and waved at me. I called he over to join me and before I knew it we were joined by another five local women. We waved our arms in the air above our heads and swirled and danced with the waves breaking around our ankles and wetting the hem of my dress and their saris. It was a magical moment filled with smiles and gentle touches of hands and lovely hugs. I look back at the photos Alan snapped and I can't believe it.

There's so much more I would love to share and I will add photos to my Instagram too but for a couple of weeks I was still very much in India... my heart was there, my head was there and my soul was floating somewhere over the Arabian Sea!

What's the last place you travelled to which you just couldn't shake out of you after you arrived home?

______________________________

Movie-ing On Up

I got back and whoop! I have hit the road running with meetings, email messages and new connections as we continue the journey of bringing The Summer Will Come to the screen. As many of you know, the book has been optioned by EP:IK Pictures and adapted by award-winning writer and director Athena Mandis.

It’s a long road from page to screen, (something I am slowly getting used to) and it feels really special being able to share some of these moments with you.

This month, Athena and I took part in a panel at the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, celebrating International Women's Day 2026 and Cypriot women, reflecting on how deeply our mothers and grandmothers have shaped us... stories are a huge part of our identities and often find their ways into our creative projects.

I’m also delighted that the script has been selected for the prestigious Whale Lab in Iceland, led by BAFTA winner Tina Gharavi, which Athena attended for four days.

We’re gradually building the film, and it means so much to bring you along on this journey. If you’d like to follow more closely, we’ll be sharing updates on Instagram very soon.

And a little early news… Agni Scott (Find Me Falling, Netflix) is attached to play Evangelia, and the wonderful cinematographer, Andreas Neo has joined us to help shape the visual world of the film.

Something very special is beginning to take form and I am in awe and excited all at the same time. This is happening for real and I hope you are just as excited as I am!

I would be most grateful if you could spread this news to as many people as you can and share our Instagram link with them.

______________________________

Until next time...

I hope you'll join me in praying for all those who are suffering, missing someone, feeling helpless or alone... the world feels so scary right now and I don't want that for anyone whatever their beliefs, wherever they live and whoever they are.

I wish all of you celebrating Easter in April a wonderful and blessed time with your families and loved ones.

A time for peace, comfort, love and gratitude,

Lots of love, Soulla xxx

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with others who may like to receive it too.

https://sendfox.com/soullaauthor

My Books - enjoy!

My Blog - have a browse.

My Writing and Support Services - let me help you!

Instagram - let's connect.

Facebook Book Group - share your love of books.

The Summer Will Come - movie news and updates.