A Memorable ACW Event in London by Peculiar Medinus

 

Every now and then, life throws at us moments that are both unexpected and profoundly meaningful. For me, one such moment unfolded during an Association of Christian Writers (ACW) event in London. It was a day coinciding with the poignant anniversary of my father's passing—a man fondly remembered as 'the grammar box' due to his unparalleled speaking and writing prowess. Though he never had the opportunity to publish his work, his legacy lives on through the love for words he instilled in me. This blog isn't solely about my father but rather about an experience that reaffirmed a simple truth: unseen eyes are always watching, capturing moments we might otherwise overlook.

The ACW event was a confluence of writers from diverse backgrounds. A melting pot of creativity where stories flowed like rivers converging into an ocean of imagination. I attended with the hope that being surrounded by fellow writers would infuse meaning into what could have been a sombre day. As I mingled and listened to speakers share their wisdom, I felt my spirit lift with each passing moment. 

It was during the lunch break when something truly unexpected happened. Upon returning, I was ushered over to see this candid image—a snapshot that captured not just my likeness but something more profound: an unguarded piece of myself. I stared at it silently; despite considering myself unphotogenic, there was something undeniably authentic about how it portrayed me.

Sophie Neville was behind the lens—someone whose writing later caught my attention due to its depth and eloquence. Her eye for photography matched her literary talents; she seemed to capture the very essence of people through her lens just as she did with words on paper. Little did I know then how significant Sophie would become in my life journey two years down the line, when she, alongside Wendy Jones and Fiona Lloyd, graciously endorsed my memoir dedicated to my late mother’s memory after her passing.

This unexpected connection taught me invaluable lessons about the serendipity inherent within creative spaces like ACW events—the understanding that every encounter holds potential beyond our immediate comprehension. Whether it’s sharing ideas over coffee or exchanging glances across a crowded room, you never quite know who’s observing or what impact they might have on your future endeavours.

For aspiring writers or indeed anyone navigating the writing world, it serves as a gentle reminder: Be present yet open; cultivate connections without preconceived notions because those seemingly inconsequential interactions may blossom into meaningful alliances later down your path. In creating art or expressing oneself authentically, others may find inspiration unbeknownst even unto themselves until much later revealed by time's unfolding tapestry.

Peculiar Medinus has embraced a variety of professional roles, each enriching her extensive skill set. Beyond the written word, she has carved out a unique space as a community connector, offering opportunities for collaboration and growth to those within her network. Her experience as a funding panel member highlights her strategic decision-making abilities and her dedication to supporting impactful initiatives. Peculiar is experienced as an operations customer expert, further demonstrating her versatility and deep understanding of operational excellence. Additionally, volunteering as a career coach has allowed her to mentor countless individuals, enabling them to achieve their creative and professional ambitions. Through her multifaceted professional roles, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering creativity, building meaningful connections, and guiding others toward success. Whether through her writing, mentorship, or strategic leadership, Peculiar’s unwavering dedication continues to leave a lasting impact on those she serves. Connect with Peculiar on instagram @peculiarmedinus 😊