I’ve had a challenging year, with betrayal of one kind or another, but in spite of that there have been highlights. Three poems were accepted for Highveld Poetry Review and a flash fiction story published in ‘Through the Looking Glass: an anthology’. I found an editor for my upcoming poetry collection, had an order for my book, ‘Eye of a Needle: And other stories’ from the Department of Arts and Culture, donated five books to Johannesburg township libraries, attended the Romance Writers Conference online and started regular posting on my blog which I also tried to monetize. I finished three online courses: How to make a poem, History of fashion and The Tudors.
I wrote a book review and 30 000 words on my new work in progress, ‘The Weight of Bodies’ – a historical novel for my PhD at the University of the Western Cape; got an encouraging poetry review https://corneliafick.com/2019/08/25/the-nicest-rejection-letter/ had an interview on Marylee McDonald’s blog and a story on Taylor Woodland’s podcast
Among the darker experiences, I struggled with ill-health and was admitted to hospital, applied and was rejected for a residency in Switzerland, and was rejected by Modjaji, a woman’s publisher.
Thankfully I’m still standing, battered but still upright. Here’s wishing for a good year in 2020 for you and for the planet. Aluta continua
Cornelia Smith Fick 