Wings Yet Unfolding
As promised - after a spout of sinus illness, stress and the managing of a new work-writing life balance - my next blog entry is finally ready to be uploaded! It is worth noting that although not overly lengthy, this entry will be spanning across two months of writing and creative antics, spanning both the months of July and August in a few hundred words. As a writer, it is worth remembering that there will always be spans of time where projects will be limited or time will be spent solely on one endeavor for a longer period, as is the case with me currently, but this is a factor which is just one of the many attributes that makes writing such an adventure in life. You never know where it will take you next.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
As is the current common focus of my blogs, I will first turn to the progress of my dissertation. The final deadline is fast approaching, meaning that I will officially be done with the university chapter of my life within a fortnight. As, quite frankly, daunting as this sounds to me, I will admit I am more than ready to begin my career as a writer outside of the academic arena. As stated by one my lecturers, it takes a whole year of putting one’s written works out there in the public eye to firstly be considered a writer and this is the goal I shall be aiming towards once my MA journey has officially ended. For now, I am maintaining a strong foundation for this aim by developing my creative dissertation to the best of my ability. Currently I am in the editing process, whilst also half way through my critical reflection. Honestly, it has been a personal battle to dedicate myself to the perfect work balance, having shifted from seven full free days a week in lockdown to a few hours in the late weekday afternoons and weekends as well as the internal resistance to simply rest after a busy work day, but success can only arise from belief and dedication. I am pleased with the progress I have achieved so far, as well as the struggles along the way. However, it is worth noting that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest and so I urge anyone reading this, especially those with assessments or who are trudging through a hard writing spell, to please keep yourself in a healthy mental state and to rest when you know it is necessary. After all, a healthy mind produces healthy work. As such, I am confident that my perseverance will hopefully be rewarded with the grade I aspire to achieve come results day in October (with my dissertation result released the day after my birthday- ahh!) and December (for my final degree results - ahh again!).
Next, and as briefly mentioned in my previous entry, I was lucky enough to finally venture to my favourite location in the UK for some well-needed relaxation in a spot of inspiring and soothing scenic beauty - Cornwall. As anyone who has been there will tell you, there is an ambiance to the coast that quite literally allows you to breathe new air, soothing your worries and refreshing all that once troubled you, whilst serving as a buzz of inspiration to further that writing craft. I had such a great time and it was so uplifting to finally be able to travel to the holiday destination of my childhood, especially after the disappointment of the 2020 travel ban. As always, two weeks never felt quite enough time and it was incredibly hard to leave the beach on the last day. Anyway, below are just a few examples of my favourite inspiring photographs taken from my trip, particularly the coast at Poly Joke beach - the colour of the sea alone is enough to instantly relax any viewer.
This is where I leave my entry for this month. I promise next month’s will be especially exciting as it will officially be the month where I finally graduate from my BA Honours English course, after a year delay of ceremonies due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Be prepared for a likely emotional account and reflection over my time at university and my experiences of the day. Be sure to check out my Instagram for more pictures of the day!
Until next time!
Emily