Wednesday 2 March 2011

Stylish Blogger Award!

How lovely to receive this ‘Stylish Blogger Award’ from Teresa at A Likely Story. Thank you! My mission, should I wish to accept it, is to list 7 things about myself (might be difficult) and pass the award on. What a great way to find out about some of the interesting blogs around.

So here goes – you can skip this bit if you wish!

1. I was idealistic enough to think it might be romantic to become a nurse when I left school, and to work overseas when qualified. That lasted for one and a half years of the 3 year training until I realised I detested hospitals! And it was not romantic.

2. My husband and I met over the telephone when we both worked for the same travel company, but in different offices at first. We finally met now and then at the main office, but it took him a few months to risk asking me out (while I waited patiently).

3. My favourite classical music is from the Baroque period, especially Bach.

4. I love to dance! Have tried belly dancing, salsa and now do tap. Would like to drag the husband to tango next. But as soon as I hear rhythmic music anywhere, I want to dance, though it’s not always possible (not that much of an exhibitionist, yet).

5. My first short story was bought many years ago by the late Ian Somerville at My Weekly, after he awarded me first prize for it in the Women’s Short Story Competition at the Scottish Association of Writers conference. I still attend the annual SAW and have now adjudicated at it myself! How things change.

6. Since I didn’t go to university after school (because of going into nursing), some years ago I studied through the Open University as a mature student, which I thoroughly recommend. Came out the other end with a BA (Hons) and went on to do a Masters. Most life-enhancing thing I ever did. I love literature and history.

7. Although the first novel is coming out in May (after years of faffing around with too many different writing projects), I’m still trying to find a publisher for a woman’s contemporary (with historical sections), and two children’s novels. But I still write short stories and articles, and even get some of them accepted. Guess I’ll never settle to one type of writing.

Please visit the following nominated blogs if you can spare the time (they’re a lovely mixed bunch!):

Through the Looking Glass

Living, Writing and Other Stuff

May Contain Nuts

A Blond Bengali Wife

Brightwriter60

Janice Horton

Rachel Brimble

Linda Kage

Linda LaRoque

17 comments:

Teresa Ashby said...

I loved your seven things, Rosemary.
And it was so nice to be reminded of Ian Somerville - he was such a very lovely man wasn't he.
I'm now going to visit your recommended blogs - I already know Joanna's at Brightwriter which is a great one and looking forward to seeing the others :-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Teresa - I enjoyed reading yours too. It's a lovely idea. I was so sad when Ian S died - we were all shocked in Scotland as many of us had met him at our conference.

Bill Kirton said...

Thank you for the nomination, Rosemary. I now have to think of 7 things. As for yours, may I suggest you work on the exhibitionism - just to enliven our infrequent group lunches? And I have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone who completes an Open University degree. It's easy for students at 'normal' universities - they're surrounded by their fellows, have access to everything they need, and can always knock on their tutors' doors. OU students have to self-motivate and work in isolation. So chapeau.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Rosemary - appreciate the nomination. And like Bill, I'll need to go and think of interesting things to tell people. Not an easy task!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

You're welcome Bill and Michael, as yours are blogs that I always read and enjoy. Will try and become more of an exhibitionist, Bill!

That's the bit I spent far too long over, Michael - trying to think of 7 things to write!

Vikki said...

Thanks so much for the nomination. I enjoyed reading your 7 things, glad there was no shocking revelations in amongst it that a daughter wouldn't want to read about ;) Have the feeling I will be spending far too long thinking of my own 7 things now!!x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Ha, ha - that's a good one; never thought of it! Look forward to reading yours.

Janice said...

Thanks for the nomination Rosemary. I'm thrilled to accept and will try to think of 7 things I'm prepared to confess. I loved that you like to dance - me too - and I like to dance like no one is watching even when they are. Ooops, that's a confession!
Janice xx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Janice - I know what you mean!

Joanna said...

Thank you very much, Rosemary. I'm really thrilled to accept this lovely award and I shall look forward to thinking of seven things. I've enjoyed reading about yours too. It's good to have a picture of your life and I think your university success is absolutely fantastic and inspiring.
Many, many thanks. I shall start thinking!

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Popped over from Teresa's blog. Lots of good tips for aspiring writers. Always good to get reminders of what to do when getting lost in the fug of writing!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

You're very welcome, Joanna. I already feel I know you a little through your stories and your blog, but I'll enjoy reading your 7 things!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks a lot for dropping in, MOB - it's lovely to meet other writers this way.

joanne fox said...

I love anything by Bach. He never wrote a bad note. Look forward to hearing more about that novel when it comes out. You must be so excited. x

penandpaints said...

Hi Rosemary
Congratulations ont the award, and on your first novel, how exciting!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Joanne and penandpaints. Thanks for the messages (I was hoping Joanna would pass the award on to you!). Glad to hear you like Bach, Joanne.

Yes, May is getting closer, but what I'm most excited about just now is the book cover illustration - can't wait for that. Be sure it will be on my blog as soon as I have it!

suzy doodling said...

Hi Roseary,
Great to read your seven things, and look forward to checking out your suggested blogs.