A Story Written Especially for Me!

Last weekend, it was my birthday. It was a special birthday too, and I was so very lucky that my entire day was… perfect! Not only did family and friends join in to celebrate my special day, but I got to spend hours with bookish people whom I treasure. And they surprised me too…

Every month, I lead a critique group called the Northern Beaches Writers’ Group. We help each other improve our writing and share bookish news. You can read more about us here. I started the group five years ago and now I love Saturdays down in Manly talking all things writing, reading and books!

Last Saturday, we had our usual meeting and a few members suggested hanging back afterwards for a celebratory drink. Great idea! One of them also offered me a lift home (because I don’t drive – see here!!), as long as I didn’t mind first popping into Hemingway’s (a Manly cafe) to pick something up. No problem.

Except… there was nothing to pick up! A group of members had snuck into Hemingway’s to surprise me with lunch, drinks… and a story written especially for me!

Each member had each written a part of the story, which features an ancient being soaked in the blood of millions and a woman sitting astride a giant mechanical ant (I think she was supposed to be me!).

I have never ever been surprised like that before, and my face was soon soaked in tears of gratitude.

Thank you so much, NBWG, for the hundreds of emails it apparently took you all to write and organise this story, for my lovely champers, yummy lunch and chocolately cake. I will never forget my special day!

Presented to Zena Shapter by her friends in the NBWG, for her tireless dedication and outstanding leadership. Mirabile Scriptor.