I was all set to go with another topic in today’s post, but have decided to set that aside for the moment.
Why, you ask? I wanted to share with you some news from Jo Parfitt, my writing mentor, expat author of 28 books and publisher (Summertime Publishing) of the non-fiction book I’m trudging along on writing on emotional resilience in expat life.
I’ve written many times before about Jo, and for good reason. This smart, savvy, hard-working force of nature realized long ago that if she wanted to have an interesting career while living abroad as the wife of/plus one/significant other/accompanying partner of her darling husband, she’d need to take matters into her own hands.
Well, Jo not only grabbed matters by the throat, she’s throttled them handily and subdued them into compliant submission. As she lived and moved, moved and lived in foreign cultures, she has carved out an impressive career as a serial expat entrepreneur extraordinaire.
Look it up in the dictionary. You’ll see a photo of Jo next to the phrase. Really.
In addition to writing her own books, Jo began a career that has stretched from journalist and freelance writer, writing instructor and popular blogger, magazine editor to publisher and writing mentor. Along the way, she developed her own courses and instructional materials, and has taught hundreds of others how to launch their own writing careers in classes taught here in The Hague as well as programs around the globe.
Any time she hit a road block (the interruption of yet another pending international move, the ever-changing employment terrain), she merely redoubled her efforts and bulldozed over it.
Later this year, Jo will be the writer-in-residence for one week in Posaro, Italy. Writers of all stripes – aspiring, frustrated, flourishing – will be there for her residential course. They’ll have seven days of creative opportunity to write, learn, and write some more. All amid the sumptuous beauty of the Italian countryside. Don’t get me started on the luscious food, cappuccino, wine.
There is only a spot or two left. It’s still seven months away and yet almost fully booked. Oh how I wish it were me that could grab that last spot.
There are two reasons why I hold Jo in such high esteem. Not because she is highly successful. Or a talented writer. Or a well regarded, down-to-earth writing instructor able to coax the most nervous and timid into turning their thoughts into vivid prose.
She is all that, and more. Much more.
But the two reasons why I am in awe of her?
First, she never stops learning, stretching, growing. She hasn’t sat on her laurels, doing the same thing, year in and year out. You do that and accolades may come and life may be cozy, but at some point you’ll find yourself out of touch, soon to be out-of-date. Jo is always tracking the latest industry development, the newest technology and current trends. She is a consummate networker, not simply because she’s knowledgeable but because she’s fun. When she teaches a writing class, it comes with an indepth, up-to-the-minute understanding of what’s going on around the world in writing, publishing, book marketing and promotion.
The second reason is that with her own hyper-hyphenated career of many colors, Jo embodies the concept of embracing change and casting aside preconceptions.
You want to write articles for magazines, newspapers, websites? Let’s go! Do you have a novel in you, dying to get out? No time like the present. Been exploring the idea of a memoir/life story? Non-fiction how to book? Short stories? Poetry?
Jo sees the possible, and in true Nike style, says ‘just do it’. She gets that we are all different. More importantly, she understands that we may have several interests. No one was ever able to successfully tell Jo she ‘couldn’t’ do something; she just figured out a way to move forward. No one told her she couldn’t write across genres; she just did it.
I think of the dozen or so others I’ve met through Jo’s classes. We’re all unique individuals with different backgrounds, interests and stories to tell. We’ve all gone down different paths, have found our own ways to express ourselves. When I think about what we are all doing, the careers we’ve developed, I get goosebumps. Imagine being Jo, having lit the lamp of possibility in us and hundreds more!
So whether your aspirations are writing a paragraph, a poem or a published book, you could not be in better hands.
If this is what you truly want to do, why not learn from the best in the most amazing environment imaginable?
I am humbled, honoured, grateful, buoyed, by your kind kind words, Linda. I do what I do because I have no choice. without it I ‘d be ‘a resounding drum, a clanging cymbal, as Khalil Gibran wrote.
You know, I am smiling now, because I wanted to check I got the wording right for that quote and so googled it. It led to a blog about honesty.. I was intrigued. The image of the honesty plant seemed familiar… oh, I wrote that blog!
Thanks, Linda!
You’re more than welcome Jo. The way things are going, you’ll be in Italy for two weeks 😉
‘Hear! Hear!’ as they say in the House of Lords. Jo truly is a force of nature – not in a Hurricane Katrina way but in a replenishing rains on a partched plain way.
Oh I like that ‘in a replenshing rains on a parched plain’ way!
Except I’ve spelled parched wrong! Opps.
I wish you could go, Linda, and I wish I could join you there! If anyone deserves a working holiday in Italy, it’s you. But actually (and selfishly) I’m glad you’re devoting so much time to your book — I’m so looking forward to reading it. Soon, I hope?
Well, soon in a relative way, Maria. As in during this decade? Before Daughter graduates from high school? Yes and yes. This summer? No. So there you have it… between autumn 2012 and summer 2014.
Yes, Jo has pushed us forward in so many directions and still doing so. Thank you for the post and don’t forget yourself, Linda. You also are paving a way in all the possibilities that await you. Thank youxxNiamh
Niamh you always add such an interesting slant on things, thank you. I think that Jo’s example allows us all to feel freer in moving toward what we want to do.
Oh, how I wish I could go to that residential – it sounds like an absolute dream combination. The food, the landscape, the peace and quiet… and the tonic boost of Jo, one of the most energetic, inspiring and encouraging people I know!
Isn’t that the truth Sanda!
All I can say is ditto – bringing out the best in others is a true gift. It takes a rare person to recognise individuals have different strengths and nurture them accordingly. Jo does this by instinct with a genuine caring and interest in those she mentors. Long may she continue!
Which brings us ’round to Jack’s ‘Here here!’
All so very true.
Except that it makes Jo sound forceful and possibly a bit of a hard taskmaster, when in fact nothing could be further from the truth.
Jo guides gently, suggests, requests patiently – even with her most recalcitrant author (probably me) – when what she probably wants to do in truth is rip off a stubborn head and ram it where it seems to be happiest anyway!
Way to go, Jo. And kudos to Linda for standing up and saying it for all of us!
Sorry if you read it that way Deb
Oh! It was not in any way a criticism of your portrayal!
I’m just saying that it is difficult for people who don’t actually know Jo to hear about this driven, committed go-getter without picturing someone who cracks the whip – whereas we all know that that is as far from the truth as is possible.
No – your accolade was spot-on!
Sorry to make you think otherwise!!
xx
Deb, you are correct that Jo is kind, caring and encouraging with her interactions. I would never imply otherwise. She is a considerate soul who brings out the best in people. It’s unfortunate that you have read into my portrayal of her anything more than the admiration I feel. She is certainly deserving of many accolades.
Makes me want to drop everything and go right this minute. Except, I’m sitting in South AFrica! Any chance you’ll be coming here Jo? And Jo, what you wrote in your comment is so the thing I would do. Be inspired to say something and wanting to make sure it comes out right and there you have a whole new story already half-written. I have about 20 new blog posts sitting in my drafts, none of them ever quite finished because a new idea comes along that must be addressed. Writing a book? Sure, but my only question is, in what time? I suppose blogging is one addiction you’d have to cut back on to make room.
Not sure whether South Africa is on her itinerary for the year Sine, but knowing her, she’s more than willing. Whether her schedule allows is another matter. I hear you about juggling writing projects competing for limited time, it’s always a challenge!
Continue to be humbled. Is this me you are talking about? Mostly I suffer from imposter syndrome and don’t honestly think I deserve your eulogies. My motto, as you know, is ‘sharing what I know to help others to grow’ and that is all it boils down to.
South Africa? Would love to… organise me a course and I am there. Oh, and Sine, unfinished unposted blogs are a waste of your effort. A blog, an article, a book, a painting are never finished, never perfect ‘ they just stop in an interesting place’. Get it said, get it out there.. the words you are most shy to share are probably those that will resonate with more people.
Thanks guys
Jo
Hi Linda,
Ooooo….I wish I could be that last spot! It just won’t fit in the calendar but I know that the participants will have an amazing experience with Jo! It was a pleasure to host (and participate in) two of her workshops in Dubai so Sine, if you can get a group together, I highly recommend bringing her to South Africa.
I enthusiastically add my love and support to this discussion string and happily look forward continuing to work with Jo on many more projects myself.
Anne 🙂
Especially with your second @Home book in the works AND your new role as series editor, Anne! I’m sure Jo is starting to feel like it’s ‘homecoming’ around here with so many people she knows and has worked with popping in.
Wow! There’s nothing more for me to say, apart from to add my voice to the clamor lauding the talents of a versatile driven woman who did what she wanted to without letting life get in the way, and also another talented woman whose voice of considered reason is a bouy in the raging waters of the blogosphere. Here’s to Jo (all the best with the residential course) and Linda.
Too kind, too kind Aisha. Some days I feel as though I’m in the water swirling around, looking for a branch to grab, lol!
Beautifully written, Linda! Jo must be one incredible person, and you and she are equally lucky to know one another.
Wow… a trip to Italy to learn about all things- writing!!!! Are you going? Could you make “How I Wish It Were Me” come true?!?!?
Thanks Carol, wish I could. But I will be back in your neck of the woods this summer. Let’s plan on Bruegger’s Bagels, shall we? We’ll go early and have coffee, bagels and lots of time to chat.
Oh, I can’t wait to see you!!!!!!! Let me know when you arrive~