by Maggie Fogarty | Jul 30, 2015 | Uncategorized |
The other day I got an unexpected but lovely email.
It was from a former student who I met a few years ago, when I was an occasional ‘Visiting Editor’ to Staffordshire University’s BA and MA degree journalism courses.
The message was to say thanks for some ‘inspirational’, (her word ), advice I gave at the time. It was along the lines of trying to build up her own specialist subject early on – something she could develop and go on to acquire some great contacts in her chosen field. She took that on board and it has worked well for her.
A kind gesture and it made my day – especially because I’m planning to do more work with undergraduate and post graduate journalism students.
It also got me thinking about how important it is to say ‘thank-you’ to people who have helped you along the way or have made an effort to do something nice, however small.
Too often we forget to pass on thanks, even if it is just for a card sent or for useful advice given.
There is a saying that you should always remember those people who helped you along the way. The ones who don’t just come out of the woodwork after you’ve reach your goals.
So here is a big thank you to all my supportive personal community who have been there with advice, assistance and encouragement. Trust me, it is appreciated.
Recently I’ve started an exciting collaboration with another talented and award winning fiction writer. His style differs from mine but somehow our writing works well together and we’re both enjoying the process.
We’re working on alternate chapters and it is a fast paced crime thriller. We don’t know how it will end – the story is unfolding as we write it – but we are off to a cracking start and aim to get a first rate literary agent on board. So watch this space for updates.
Now over to Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, for her latest take on life….
‘Hi ya folks,
I’ve been on guarding duty this week.
On the look-out for those cheeky field rabbits who keep getting into my garden.
I mean this is MY territory and they are invading MY space.
When I catch sight of one I let out a loud ‘woof’ or two, (well perhaps more like three or four), and they scoot off.
Trouble is the rents don’t seem too pleased and keep dragging me in from my guarding post on the balcony.
Come on, I’m only doing my pack duty – it’s what we mutts are born to do.
When I’m banished from the balcony, I head down to the hallway and take up my new post by the front door.
Intruders beware. You can’t fight nature. (See piccy below).
Come to think of it I haven’t clapped eyes on my new beau, the gorgeous Havanese called Tui, for a few days.
Perhaps he’s off on holidays with his folks.
Everyone seems to be on holiday right now, with my own home town full of visitors chomping on ice-creams and pasties.
Still, more admiring comments and pats for me from complete strangers.
I’m liking all the extra attention but hopefully I’ll bump into the lovely Tui soon. I think this gal’s in lurve….
Woof and out.’
by Maggie Fogarty | Jul 17, 2015 | Uncategorized |
As a documentary producer I’m well used to film shoots but drama productions are something else. More people, more equipment, more everything.
Recently I joined the set of a Rosamunde Pilcher drama, being filmed in various locations around our home town, Marazion. Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, tagged along and enjoyed all the attention of the film crew.
Anyone would think she was the star rather than the glamorous actress, Rebecca Immanuel.
This time, I was wearing my feature writer hat rather than TV producer role, but it was good to be an observer and interviewer rather than sorting out the crew. It was fascinating to stand back and enjoy the filming process, rather than worrying about camera angles and lighting.
A huge amount of work and dedication goes into film making, with so much potential for things going wrong. Everything from unpredictable weather problems, members of the public pulling stunts in the background, (why do some people feel they have to muck about when they see a TV camera?), and vehicles getting stuck.
Still, it kept the crowds entertained and on this occasion everyone was well behaved.
Then on the following day, more TV scenes were being shot on Folly Field overlooking Mounts Bay. This time it was for a BBC drama and the field was transformed into an impressive looking sporting track.
In fact the whole of Cornwall seems to be buzzing with film crews at the moment, with Poldark’s Aidan Turner spotted – fully clothed this time – being filmed just along the coast for an Agatha Christie drama.
Meantime, Bonnie dog has been preparing for her close up….in more ways than one
‘Hiya folks,
Well didn’t I just enjoy my time milling with the film crew lot? All the attention, the pampering and compliments.
By that I mean for little ‘ol me and not the actress they were filming.
No mark my words, this gal stole the show. In fact I think I made such a splash and I might even get my own walk on part one day – you never know.
My experience has certainly given me the acting bug. Surely there’s a role for a natural like me? Watch this space….
Now for a little confession. I think I’ve fallen just a little bit in love with someone I’ve met on one of my walkies. He’s a handsome brute called Tui and from what I understand he’s a Havanese.
Well I must say he’s a looker. Dark, handsome and exactly my type.
Walkies have become even more exciting as there is always a chance that I’ll bump into the lovely Tui. I think he feels the same about me too, so you might say he’s my new boyfriend.
Next time we’re out I’ll try to get one of the rents to take a piccy.
Never mind this Aidan Turner bloke the humans are going on about.
Tui beats him paws down on looks.
Woof and out…’
by Maggie Fogarty | Jul 3, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Yeh – summer has finally arrived with a heatwave across the country.
While it’s hot here in west Cornwall, living by the sea means that we get that lovely cooling breeze – it’s pleasantly warm rather than uncomfortably so.
Marazion has been busy but it’s very much a day visitor place, so things quieten down in the evening.
Early summer evenings are my favourite times, sitting on our balcony and staring out to sea. Of course the view is made better by a glass of chilled vino – but isn’t that always the case?
On the writing front, I’m now two thirds of the way through the second of the ‘Dilemma Novella’ trilogy. The plan is to get it out by the autumn and the final one of the series will be finished in time for Christmas.
Then the serious work of marketing all three books begins – a big step up from the more gentle ‘drip drip’ approach so far.
And after that? Well, there is an exciting prospect of collaborating with another award winning writer on a film screenplay and getting a literary agent on board. So with all that – and some other journalism/post graduate research work – things are only going to get busier.
Better make the most of this scorchio summer then.
Now over to Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, for her latest news….
‘Hiya folks,
Hey didn’t his girl I do well?
Yet another rosette to add to my stash….
This time it was in the ‘best cross-breed’ round of a local dog show and as usual, Bonnie was on sparkling form!
Though I did over hear someone saying that ‘cross breed’ is really a posh term for mongrel – the cheek of it.
Come on – it’s all just a bit of fun really, raising money for charity and mucking around with other mutts.
Yes, those doggy shows are great places to flirt and strut your stuff. What’s not to like?
Not too sure about this hot weather mind. At least I’ve got a nice short coat – I’m feeling sorry for those longer haired dudes huffing and puffing in the summer heat.
Anyway, here’s a piccy of little ol’ me and my latest rosette. Nice one eh?
Woof and out….’
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