Susan Stephens' Writing Diary

The absolute best thing about the holidays is getting together with friends.
Here you can see...'the gang' having a ball together. Plus an extra one of special friend, Jane and Jane's mum- who must be very proud of her daughter for running this bi-monthly group where we get together-

There's a rule, you see, that you never sit in the same place twice, so each time you come you meet someone new and interesting, and there's not a chance of the gathering becoming cliquey, or snobby, or anything horrid like that. We just all get on really well- and as you can see- there's a wide spread of ages, which makes the conversation all the richer.

(sorry the photo's a bit fuzzy- but I couldn't ask for a 2nd, as the waiters had to stand and wait while one of them very kindly took this one for me)

The lady in green, sitting down at the back was absolutely fascinating- not only did she design Cate Blanchett's gowns in the film Elizabeth, and will do so again, but she is a textile archivist, who talked to us about Kashmir, the history, the people, and the wonderful Paisley designs we owe to that country... and of course she went on to speak movingly about the terrible earthquake which devastated the whole area, and how we can help.

After this we were entertained by the young people from a Sixth form Performing Arts college. The La Pointe group were absolutely fantastic- I can honestly say I have never heard a gospel version of the Hallelujah chorus before!!! What talent. I was totally in awe. Thank you all so much.

Well, that's it for today- just the washing to sort out, then a cup of tea, and then into the writing cave so that Carly can put naughty naughty Lorenzo in his place.

2 Paw, thank you so much for your lovely comment. You know I felt all along that Shahin was a man in torment, and it means a lot to me that you picked this up. I know Zara had history too, but somehow she was more removed from it, having hardly known her parents, while Shahin lived his terrible memories every day.

And the red hair? I feel young again! Well, I do until I creak in the morning!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susanxx