Nice Surprises

Well actually just one surprise, but it was such a nice one I wanted to share.

At work I tell my closest colleagues all about what I am up to with my writing, and anyone else who asks me.  Often at conferences, during coffee breaks I can be seen with a notepad and pen. (I never was much good at networking), and this in the past has generated questions about what I do.

At a spring conference earlier this year I was sat with one of the senior managers, who took an interest in my writing.  At the time I was working on my novel and hadn't really started much with my shorts in terms of publishing attempts.  But, because of her interest and encouragement,which was so lovely to receive, she was one of the people I e-mailed to tell when 'A Daughter's Love' went live.

Yesterday, our Director held a team day about working together and improving service.  In case you wondered, using the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument I am an accommodating colleague, who does not favour the collaborative method of working together - just about sums me up as a writer too: accommodate the editor's needs, but work by myself. Lol.

Anyway, a colleague who I don't always have the opportunity to work with called my attention, and mentioned that his manager - the one I had spoken to at the conference - had forwarded my celebratory e-mail about 'A Daughter's Love' to all her direct reports.  He went on to say that he had purchased it to support me.  It was such a nice thing to hear.  Even though he said it wasn't his cup of tea, he complimented the writing and wished me lots of luck for the future.

I knew I worked with some great people, but I had no idea that a) this manager had been so nice as to forward my news, and b) a colleague had bought my story.  It was probably the high point of my day. Although I must admit it was also very interesting to find, through a NASA exercise, that my chances of survival on the moon are increased by 25% if I work as part of a team.