I slipped out of the room, near the end of a discussion on writing inspiration, straining my ears as the voice of Louis de Bernieres faded gradually. In no time I was on my way to Mandalay airport. I could scarcely breathe. My heart was fluttering and my pulse racing. And for once this was not a medical problem!
On my flight to Bangkok, I found myself in a strange middle space still airborne from the inspirational weekend, yet on the brink of an intense week of work and travel. I closed my eyes, clasping the memories of the weekend, and those cherished moments, the very ones you keep safely in a little imaginary memory jar, in the mind’s eye.
I was leaving Mandalay, where the Second Irrawaddy Literary Festival was coming to a close and I was fired with enthusiasm and inspiration strangely edged with disbelief. Crammed into just over two days, I had gathered many magical conversations to be treasured and precious moments to immortalise, dialogues with like minds and unexpected connections in the organised sessions as well as impromptu exchanges.
Moments such as:
- Listening to Polly Devlin talk about her memories and experiences as Seamus Heaney’s sister in law and her own writing. Laughing out loud as she said “you don’t write poetry if you are Seamus Heaney’s sister in law!”
- Chatting with Jung Chang, her beckoning me over to sit with her when she saw me sitting apart, her kindness and thoughtfulness warming me.
- Discovering that not only am I sitting next to Jung Chang, I am also sitting very close to Louis de Bernieres!
- Listening to Karen Connelly read her extract from The Lizard’s Cage and compelling me to read it as soon as I can.
- Polly Devlin gifting me her memoir because I told her how much her session had moved me.
- Hearing the wisdom of great and revered writers on writing. “If you are “stuck” as Louis de Bernieres said, “just go shopping”, anything rather than sit there and look at a blank screen, or piece of paper. Keep thinking, jot down ideas and use your dreams”.
- Sitting at the table next to Thant Myint U, listening to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in conversation with Joan Bakewell (and avoiding being well baked in the room where it was held)
- Saying “Good morning” to the Lady as she swept past after her talk.
- Meeting a Yangon friend and learning that he is an acclaimed Irish Poet.
- Pausing on the staircase to chat with Ko Ko Thett and share a love of poetry.
- Spending time in the passageway for a conversation with Pascal Khoo Thwe and being able to tell him that his “From the Land of Green Ghosts” is one of the few books I have read twice.
- Admiring the beautiful handwriting of Lous de Bernieres as he signed my copies of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and we chatted about education in Nepal following the conflict.
- Being able to talk with Karen Connelly and sharing contact details in the hope that we can meet for coffee and writerly chat in Yangon.
Similarly to my experience of the Literary Festival last year, I found the authors and speakers incredibly approachable and unassuming. I still struggle a little to believe that I was able to talk with and listen to such esteemed figures. This year the Festival had been itself the subject of some discussions and changes but I remained largely oblivious to that as I was swept along by the tide of creativity.
I am now back in Yangon, my case is unpacked and a number of new books are trying to find a space to squeeze in to the bookcase. Ideas are flowing and a breeze of new energy is breathing fresh life into my writing projects.
Wow. Sounds like a steam come true. I admire your meeting such wonderful authors. Those are certainly moments to cherish.
It was, I cannot believe how fortunate I was. I took lots of notes, and jotted down the memorable things from the conversations to keep them fresh in my mind. So inspiring 🙂
I share your awe.
It was totally awesome and i am so happy to share 🙂 Thanks, Lois 🙂
I am quite literally speechless – I can only utter a WOW! in response to this. Wow!
Wasn’t it amazing? I am usually not confident and do not like to approach people I don’t know, but there was just such a sense of appropriateness and opportunity that nudged me and enabled me to connect. And I am SO glad I did 🙂
Pingback: Weekly Round Up: Our Stories Edition | Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer
dear Phillipa,
a good one-word title to this post – just reading it made me breathless! I am so happy for you, and I know the memories of this extraordinary experience will stay close to your heart for a very long time.
much love and light,
Karen xoxo
Thank you so much, Karen – it still feels surreal. I enjoyed the festival so much last year, I could not have imagined that this year’s would have been even more special. What a privilege.
Love and light to you, and warm Yangon sunshine too xoxox
FABULOUS! Xx
Thank you Audrey 🙂 I am one very lucky woman!