Strange times...

So, I haven't posted for a while, it seems. That's one of the resolutions missed, among others. Still, now we're in unprecedented times (lordy, how I've come to loathe that word).

As a freelance ELT writer, I think I can count myself luckier than most to still have some work coming in. I had one big project postponed due to the virus - it would've been lucrative but there's still hope it will get going sometime, maybe November. I do count myself lucky, as I've had some new work come in - and if I remember rightly, that's thanks to LinkedIn.

It appears that my exam writing experience is seeing me in good stead. I've written a set of tests for ESB B2 for a new book for a client of a client - I won't be on the cover, but that's ok. Just being able to work and get paid for it is more than enough. Thankfully, for the same company, I've been offered editing work as well. So I've got a couple of projects on at the moment; one for ECCE and the other for ECPE, which I'm enjoying. I must be doing something right, as I've been asked to copyedit for part of a primary ELT course, too, so I'm very happy about that.

It's also around this time that I'm thankful for the work I have with Anglia Examinations and Pearson. I've just finished my first commission with Anglia for 4 tests, and they have been sent off - will be looking forward to the next commission too. With Pearson, which is a relatively new endeavour for me, I've completed the first commission for the Academic Test (PTEA) and have just submitted second drafts for three lots of test items for commission two. As the name might suggest, it's much more academic in comparison to what I've done before, but I'm really enjoying it.

However, with the experience that I have, I'm wondering about whether to have my own little 'side' professional project. I'm thinking about creating some IELTS test practice books and self-publishing. If there are any ELT writers out there who have done something similar, I'd love to hear from you and hear your experiences.

Talking of side projects, I'm still very much interested in creative writing, especially short stories and poetry. I've only had one short story published, in Tempest published by Patrician Press, and I'd love to have some more out there, even if online only. I've got a couple that I think are ready to go, but then it's finding the right places and if they are accepted. I should also get down to writing more of them as I seem to have lots of ideas at the moment. As well as this, I'd like to explore more flash fiction too.

But oh, dear reader, I'm still fascinated by creative non-fiction! Have submitted to Hinterland magazine, and there's a slim chance of being in one of their issues - fingers crossed! I suppose this all stems from Virginia Woolf and the book I wrote, which seems like ages ago now. Saying that, I wonder if Hinterland would be interested in a piece about the Virginia Woolf Statue Campaign I'm involved in... that could work... Lots to think about.

To leave you, I'll post a little poem I wrote the other day - no title...

Horizon dips and disappears

behind the hill on the road

to Somewhere city,

but Somewhere city is invisible

to the eye in its current location.

There is nothing on this road.

Sparse, some would call it isolating.

I call it home.