I sometimes think that the aftermath of launching a book is a bit like the "empty-nester syndrome" parents speak of having launched offspring into the big, wide world! It's as if a constant companion has left for pastures new - especially when that companion has been around for a long time. But it was a great delight to see Once Upon A Time In Wales making its way into other people's hands last weekend, and to have had such positive responses since from those who came to the launch. And it's interesting now to move on with a new "companion", one who is already demanding a lot of time and energy!
This week is Mental Health Awareness week. Creative and reflective writing have been proved time and again to benefit mental health, and organisations such as Write Well (about which I've written on this blog before) can contribute greatly to people's sense of wellbeing. In September I'm starting to work with two community groups on life writing projects. Life writing has been a particular interest of mine for some years. Working with older people in residential care for three years after I retired, following up on their life stories, was so rewarding and so enjoyable all round, and I'm really looking forward to my autumn groups. "Nothing is more interesting than human lives" said the Shakespearean actor Antony Sher - and I couldn't agree more.
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