Maggie May...

Some months ago, I posted off for a free offer in  the Telegraph for a magnolia.  Sounded good.  It arrived a few days ago, in a packet 3 foot long!  We can't think where to put it.  It's been put in a pot this morning while we think about it.  I'm in favour of hacking down an evergreen thing by our front door, which is getting a bit long in the tooth, and putting it there.  More light in the living room and lots of sunshine for magnolia.  I feel very silly, though, signing up to a magnolia without realising how big it was!

Writing as Therapy

I've never been one of those people who could write to sublimate.  Normally when I'm having a bad time in real life, I dry up.  However, over the last week, I've had an exceptionally bad time at work, very stressed, panicky, going-to-the-doctor level depressed, but the only thing that has helped me calm down is writing.  I've amazed myself by writing with a focus I haven't had for months. 

I've subbed two stories this week and I'm three-quarters of the way through re-editing 'Anna the Dissident', a story I've struggled to get a handle on for years.  You have this character and she's quite clear in your mind but can you tie up a short story plot?  Only a few days ago did I realise that her hang-up was being called a 'dissident' and only as I write this am I working out why. 

Oh, and some acceptances would be nice as well.