Remember just before Christmas when Dougie and I helped the Spanish lorry driver find his way to the correct flower factory? – A tale of goodwill to all men at Christmas
A few days later our local paper, the Lincolnshire Free Press, were looking for examples of random acts of kindness and, on a whim, I sent them a link to my blog post. They were interested in the story, arranged for Dougie and I to be photographed and published this article, using quotes from my post to tell the tale: Couple save festive flower deliveries
Soon after I was approached by one of the reporters at the paper and asked if I would like to have a weekly column of my own as the editor liked the humour he had seen in my blog. At first I was immensely flattered and excited and then I came over all unnecessary as I realised I would have to produce weekly content, to a deadline, not just blog when the fancy took me. Also, it would have to be relevant to the readership. I can’t imagine they want to know about fancy holidays.
After initially wanting to run away and hide, I decided to man up and accept the challenge. I’m not being paid (shame) but they will link to my blog so it seemed churlish to not grab the opportunity and see where it leads. I’ve got nothing to lose except my husband’s reputation in the community.
This week they introduced me to their readers with this article and, following a brainstorming session on Facebook, we came up with the name, Trish Takes Five. I did fool with Geordie Shorts for a time which made me laugh but I realised my exploits weren’t in the same league as that of my Newcastle compatriots. (For the uninitiated, just search Geordie Shore on the internet to be enlightened!)
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| Â Lincolnshire Free Press announces new column |
I seem to have lopped off a few lines in the above photo but, as I can’t be doing with photographing it again, you can read the article here
My first column will be published on Tuesday, maybe earlier online, and is a gentle start, with me talking about my role as Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques. I was quite restricted with the word count but have now been told they can let me have more so next week’s column, which I’m just polishing up this weekend, will be more the length of a regular blog post. I think next week’s is funnier, but I suppose that’s subjective.
So wish me luck and let’s hope my local friends and neighbours are kind to me. Certainly I’ve had a lovely response from people so far – but then, I haven’t written anything yet….
Congratulations! They're lucky to get you!
You're too kind. Right, of course… ;-))
If it were me, I'd pay you double the money!
I knew I should have negotiated the figure!
Oh Trish that's fantastic, how exciting & loads of luck! Keep us posted.
I will! I will have to juggle the blog and the column but I will put links on here when I think I've written a decent one!
Best of luck, Trish, really hope it leads to to bigger (and wage paying) things!
Thanks Steve. I hope so too. The paper has always been good to me with regard to AmDram publicity etc but I'm conscious of the fact that there are freelancers/journalists who are let down by people like me doing work for nothing. On the other hand I'm feeling less pressured about things because of the arrangement. Will see how it goes.
What great news! I will make sure to read your column online. :o) xx
Thanks Katia xx
This is great news Trish, I'm really excited for you and I know your column will be lovely to read.
That's a lovely thing to say, Gretta. Much appreciated x
That's a fantastic opportunity – I'm really excited for you. You'll do a brilliant job and who knows where it'll lead eh?
It's certainly come along at the right time. Needed a fresh challenge. I'm wandering around with a notebook, constantly writing ideas down!
Nice one Trish. Break a leg… oh hang on, that's just for the theatre… 🙂
A friend of mine on Facebook said, 'Break a pen!' which I thought was rather apt!
Well done on being talent spotted! Good luck with the column
Thanks so much. Nervous but excited.
ooh how exciting! I was going to say break a pen too, always just a little bit slow me 🙂 xx
It hadn't dawned on me either. May write it down for future reference!
It really is exciting and well done you on grabbing the opportunity. You'll be fab. I can't wait to read your first column!
I thought it was worth giving it a go, after an initial panic. Let's see how it works out 🙂
Well done you!! I shall have to make sure I get my hands on that paper now! All the best. x
Thank you!
First column was today and they had a pic of me on the front page too. I have a clearer idea of how much space I have to work with so feel much easier about it now.
ohhhh get you! Blimey! Well done and break a leg (again – you'll have none left soon) and all that. (PS I'm sure someone else in Lincolnshire took a posh holiday once or twice!!)
I'm not sure what to do about holiday posts. They want a local feel to the column but there's a limit to funny stories I can tell about trips to the Tesco. I think, once I've got myself settled, and they are happy to keep me, I may just write about other non-parochial topics, submit them and see what they say. If they aren't right, then they will go on the blog as usual.
Good luck and good luck, not that you will need it, you are perfect for it, your writing always makes me laugh! Congratulations by the way! 🙂 xx
Thank you so much. I will have to keep the rude bits out but I'm hoping I can come up with the goods on a regular basis (that's the hard bit!)
Given the pen is mightier than the sword I hope you've been pumping a bit of iron for all this break a pen malarchy, Well done,
Well done you – more power to your keyboard!! x
Just tried to comment but Google is playing up (just for a change). All I wanted to say was well done and more power to your keyboard. Look forward to hearing howit goes! x
Congrats Trish – they are very lucky to have you!!! You have great sense of humour and take on life!