Here’s another brand new Writer Of The Day!
Meet Lynn Smith, whose story, “The Call Of The Sea”, features in our special January 11 issue.
“The Call Of The Sea” is your first story for “The People’s Friend”, Lynn — though I think this was actually submitted to “The Weekly News”, where you had already found success. I’m curious as to why you might not have thought of sending it to the “Friend”?
I’m a retired librarian, and I live in a retirement village in Durban, South Africa.
For a few years I kept a blog, writing factual articles about South African personalities and places, but I only began writing short stories in January last year.
In fact the very first short story I ever wrote, I submitted to “The Weekly News”. I was absolutely stunned and delighted when it was accepted.
As “The Weekly News” had been so kind as to publish my first story, I submitted “The Call Of The Sea” to them as well.
It’s a poignant story about bereavement, and will touch many readers. Can you talk about what inspired it?
The inspiration for “The Call Of The Sea” came from a memory I had of walking on a deserted beach some years ago.
The day was overcast and miserable, and the vastness of both sea and sky and the sheer loneliness of the scene made me feel insignificant and depressed.
However, just as I decided to leave the beach , the grey clouds parted and rays of sunlight shone through.
It was an incredible transformation, and one I’ve never forgotten.
Is there anyone in particular who has inspired your writing? Do you belong to a writing group?
I’ve always been an avid reader, and there are so many authors whose writing I admire.
I don’t belong to a writing group (I think best when I’m on my own ).
Notebook and pencil or laptop? Kitchen table or study? Blank wall or inspiring view?
I write in my spare room, straight on to my PC, facing a blank wall!
And a P.S. – what’s your top tip for aspiring writers?
Read, read and read, then write, write and write. Don’t give up and it’s never too late to start.
I should know, I’m 76!
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Shirley Blair Fiction Ed Shirley’s been with the “Friend” since 2007 and calls it her dream job because she gets to read fiction all day every day. Hobbies? Well, that would be reading! She also enjoys writing fiction when she has time, long walks, travel, and watching Scandi thrillers on TV.
