Post-its, mandalas and bridges

When I first got here, my novel got a bit stuck. I had a plot outline, but it wasn't working on the page so I post-it noted all around the computer here, completing the story arc. I could swap the notes around easily, and did. As it happened, and as I expected, laying the story out like this helped me to get going again. Not that I followed this plot outline completely and the distance between post-its was not equal. Bit like the Dewey System, some notes represented paragraphs, some represented two chapters or more. Still, somehow it gave me the freedom to keep writing in the right direction.


Today I walked down Kensington Road to Fullarton Road. It wasn't such a pretty walk, although the trees are still grand. It's not hard to see what inspires army camouflage patterns.

This was a genteel light industrial area with dental suppliers and designers and Macmillan Education. I peered through the Mac Ed window but could see none of my Macmillan titles. Perhaps I should go back when it's open. Kept walking up to Magill Road which has lots of furniture shops (all closed coz I was too early). I was going to keep going to Portrush Road, but I wanted to go to the movies so turned down Osmond Terrace. This 'mandala' was commissioned to celebrate 150 years of council. I like public art like this, just in the centre of the road. The information about it and it's construction was a bonus.


The movie I wanted to see was Bridge to Terabithia. I loved Katherine Paterson's book and was holding my breath lest the movie disappoint. I enjoyed the movie although I'm not sure about the ending. The elements I loved about the book were there. Beforehand, someone had asked me about whether it would be suitable for their grandchildren to see it (aged 5 and 10). I'd said no and I still think it wouldn't really be suitable for a 5 yo, although I think the ending is calculated to broaden the appeal down to include mid-primary viewers. Will be interested to hear other reactions.

I went back into the A&R store in The Parade today and was pleased to see two copies of Ebi's Boat on the shelves. Yay! They say they've got A Nest for Kora too, but we couldn't find it. I signed both copies of Ebi and put them on prominent display. The assistant promised she'd find Kora today and I could go in and sign it tomorrow.