So, I’ve only gone and got an MA in Writing Genre Fiction, and with a distinction. And like a feather in a puddle of mud, it’s still sinking in. I grew up believing that poems always had to rhyme, horror fiction was the poor relative of the literary world and that writing stories was just a hobby, not a way of life. But Edinburgh Napier university pushed all that to one side with a mahoosive shovel. It wasn’t easy at times (not helped by breaking my elbow four weeks into the MA), but they’ve nurtured self-belief, and given me the skills to take my writing to another level. I can't wait for the next chapter. So, if you’re thinking of eustressing your creative writing … opportunities are waiting just for you. (Photo © Paula Gilfillan. All Ri...
A recent late-night radio show asked if listeners had ever been given strange presents. This was sparked by the producer of the show admitting that her brother had bought her a weight-loss drink for her birthday. I remembered one Christmas being given by my Great Aunty, disposable toilet seat covers for public toilets. But I loved that present – she was a practical person who loved baking and her dog, as well as having a wicked sense of humour. And so, whenever I use a public toilet, I always think of her (but the disposable covers have long gone). And it was also a story worthy of being read out live on air by the DJ that night. What present have you been given that was as endearing as the person who gave it to you? (Photo by Ekaterina Shevchenko on Unsplash )