I had to answer this question a few days ago. I was on my way out of a creative writing workshop I'd opportunistically attended, one of a series that formed part of the 'Aye Write' book festival in Glasgow (there can be no better name for a Glasgow-based literary festival). Despite my usual resolution before… Continue reading Am I Actually A Writer?
Category: Expat Living
Congo Sketch – Departure Lounge
Barely an African-looking face amongst them, cheeks bump in constant cheery bisous. Every couple of minutes another healthily glowing French family emerges at the top of the stairs, smiling in anticipation, and so begins the procession of politesse as they saluer each family they know. They fan out in formation to greet colleagues and fellow school-gate… Continue reading Congo Sketch – Departure Lounge
My Northern Soul
This morning's rainy-season school run was under overcast skies, and the big drops started falling just in time for clambering out of the car. But I was having a happy moment. The heavy daylight gloom made it easy to see into lit shops, offices and apartments. The usual bright skies mean that interiors become dark… Continue reading My Northern Soul
How I’m Forging Ahead while Trailing
Turning 40 triggered the thought process. I couldn't escape the idea that my best decade was behind me, and that I'd spent most of it having babies and trailing Mr Nester. (Leaving aside for the moment that it was an irrational idea, and that the most important achievement of my 30s was meeting Mr Nester in… Continue reading How I’m Forging Ahead while Trailing
Congo Sketch – Waiting Room
The clinic's always busy on a Monday morning, the maladies of the weekend being called to order as the doors open. Patients sit, patiently, on long wooden benches set in schoolroom rows. Like the GP waiting room I remember from my childhood, where eyes were all raised expectantly to the number display. (I remember that waiting… Continue reading Congo Sketch – Waiting Room
A Fresh Rentrée
Yesterday was la rentrée for my boys at their French school after the two-week October holiday. This is rentrée with a small 'r' though, rather than La Rentrée - the grand back-to-school and back-to-everything moment that happens in France around the 1st of September. After two full months of summer holidays, September in France is… Continue reading A Fresh Rentrée
Catriona Turner Books & Blog 