Cold moon – Winter solstice from our garden
How do we describe the break between Christmas and New Year? The French use an expression, ‘la trève de confiseurs’, which roughly translated means ‘the lull for the confectioners.’ There is a history to this expression. In 1875 debates in the French parliament (the Chamber) were becoming what Wikipedia describes as ‘lively.’ We know the sort of thing. One party shouts insults at others and no one listens to anyone else.
In 1875 the Monarchists, the Bona partists and the Republicans were debating the future constitution of the Third Republic. It was agreed that anger and shouting did not fit in with the spirit of Christmas. The Chamber decided on a lull. During the closing of parliament, confectioners could quietly and peacefully get on with their business.
On Christmas Day we stopped on our walk to admire the pretty church at Ashow, near Kenilworh
Our parliamentarians take a Christmas break. Some give us a break from their disagreements. Some of us – writers and readers included – also take time out.
River Avon from the bridge by Chesford Hotel – seen on our Christmas Day walk
I don’t stop writing entirely but I don’t have a schedule. Instead, I read, meet and chat to friends and family. I dream about the novel in progress, play with ideas as to how to develop the second draft – without being too earnest about it. The Warwick and Leamington Society of Authors met to share what we’d done during 2024, and our hopes and intentions for 2025. Overall, we celebrated those whose books have been published in 2024 and those whose books will be published in 2025. Mainly, we encouraged each other to keep on writing despite the challenges and setbacks.
And where did we meet? Where else – A book shop. This year at Kenilworth Books in Talisman Square where many of us have been welcomed as readers and writers.
We all need a break from the serious (or not) business of writing. Some of us continue paid work, but at some point during the year, we all need to pause. Perhaps to encourage the confectioners, we eat cake, or chocolates or fancy breads. This is not the time for Resolutions!
New bridge for walkers and cyclists at Newbold Comyn, Leamington
Reading: Dipped into Opening the Present: Poems for York – John Benyon, a Cannon Poet based in Moseley, May Day – Jackie Kay, Blackbird Singing at Dusk – Wendy Pratt. (published by Nine Arches Press) Highly recommended.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, The First 3 Miss Marple Mysteries – Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie loved puzzles and all these were perfect ‘whodunnits’. Described as ‘cosy crime’, Christie’s books were set against the reality that the murderer would be hanged. Finished, Weathering – Ruth Allen and Perfect – Rachel Joyce. Started and finished Anne Michael’s Held. Many years ago I read her, Fugitive Pieces. I’d forgotten how she wrote – poetically and not sequentially. I struggled a bit in the middle. Nonetheless I’d recommend the novel as utterly beautiful. About love, and of course, being held. Just started In Memoriam – Alice Winn. Another historical novel set in WW1. This time telling the story of Public School boys who served in France, some of them under age.
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