Updates

As some of you may have noticed, it’s been awhile since my last post. As my Creative Writing MLitt drew to a close I had to take some time away to focus solely on my final portfolio. Needless to say, this has now been submitted, which means I’ve completed my MLitt! Yay! Woo-hoo! 🙂

Of course, I have yet to graduate and receive my degree so perhaps it is a bit early to celebrate. Still, it certainly feels like a huge milestone to have submitted my final assignment. I’ve really enjoyed the programme at University of Glasgow and will miss both the courses as well as my tutors and classmates. Hopefully we will stay in touch via social media.

So…what was this ‘final portfolio’ and what did it consist of? Well, my second novel, of course! The subject of which will be revealed at a later date. For now, all I’ll say is that it is set in a completely different location to The Forest King’s Daughter and, although it’s also historical fiction, it takes place in a much more recent time period.

Right after submitting my portfolio I assisted with a children’s literacy event called Make a Play which was run by Artburst, a local arts and children’s literacy organisation (you can read about them here: http://www.artburst.co.uk/ ). Make a Play consists of an entire week where children from the age of eight to twelve design and write their own play, based on a traditional children’s story. The play was a variation on The Wizard of Oz, except that this version took place in Forest Gate, East London, the wizard was actually a superstar DJ wizard and the scarecrow realised that not only did she have a brain all along, but she was very good at math. It was lots of fun, and I think the kids enjoyed it too. 😉

I’ve also been reading some fantastic new mystery novels, including The Shoeshine Killer by Marianne Wheelaghan which is set in Fiji (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shoeshine-Killer-Scottish-Detective-mysteries-ebook/dp/B012TN8PM0 ) and The Second Path by Virginia King which is set in France (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Path-Selkie-Mystery-Series-ebook/dp/B0139IAN56 ). I’d highly recommend them both. They’ve been the perfect books to take my mind off of all those university deadlines. 🙂

Oh yes, and I have a brand new Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendra-Olson/1479392189025196 Do check it out and ‘like’ if you can. I’m still in the process of adding updates and finding my way around.

Until next time!