I’m feeling very thoughtful today, so what better to do than write.  I’ve been absent recently in more ways than one.  My beautiful 100-year-old Nanny Vi died in April, and I spent almost a month away from home arranging the funeral, doing ‘sadmin’ alongside spending time grieving with family.  The only thing I wrote during that time was her eulogy and a poem. 

Our Queen

By Claire Walsh

We were five generations,

But now we are four.

100 years,

and yet we want more.

Violet Beatrice Wilson,

our queen.

1923 to 2024,

so much love in between.

She was strong, smart and brave.

She was beautiful too.

She will live on forever,

in me and in you.

When I returned to Scotland it was all about The Kilted Scribblers Indie Book Fair and wow what an event!

V.J. Cooper Writer, and I had met online, only to discover we both live in the Highlands of Scotland.  Kilted Scribblers grew from an idea we had when we first met face to face for coffee and cake, (all the best ideas start with cake!).  We wanted to share not only our love of writing and reading, but also celebrate being independent authors.

Many people think that traditional publishing is what everyone wants but actually, publishing your own books is a wonderful experience and something to be celebrated.  With that in mind we planned and hosted our first book fair for independent authors in Cromarty on Saturday 25^th May. 

With stalls from 20 independent authors, covering a wide range of genres it was so wonderful to be in the company of such talented and tenacious writers.  Many stalls were beautifully decorated.  Some authors did readings and there was a workshop for wannabe writers hosted by yours truly. I met some wonderful humans, and it was just the tonic I needed to get my creative juices going again.  In one conversation we talked about blogging, and I realised I hadn’t done any blogging for the longest time… so here goes!

Anyhow, I’m looking forward to getting my head down and planning my book launch for my next book for children – Uncle Jasmine.  The launch will include a 5-day tour on the back of a motorbike so if you want to know more follow the QR code.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I wish you well and hope you have a great week of reading and writing!

Claire