So here it is……Not your usual ‘Editors letter’ by Steve but little me, Linda Rhodes, your new ‘What’s on’ Editor.
These last few weeks have been a whirlwind of events, interviews and writing which I have discovered I absolutely love. I’ve written a bit in the past and even had a piece published in a magazine but have never thought seriously about doing it on a regular basis and at the tender age of 50 never expected to be embarking on something as new and exciting as this.
I’ve had a pretty varied life so far, from being a Christian missionary abroad, a mum to my three children and also working in the arts and entertainment industry which I loved! However, life threw me a bit of a curve ball 4 years ago (as it often does) and I pretty much became a hermit, withdrew from ‘life’ and hid away to reassess my life and direction. I felt as though I had missed my chance to do something I really loved, felt like I had missed the boat.
Then in June everything changed after I bumped into Steve in our local Chippy. He asked me if I’d consider a part time role as ‘What’s on Editor’ for his magazine.
I would have never imagined a few months ago where this would take me but its that best thing that has happened to me in a long time and I just love how the universe knows exactly what is right for us and plonks it in our laps when we are ready for it (and not before).
After 4 years of virtual reclusiveness, I totally wasn’t prepared to see my face on the front cover of 40 000 magazines but hey if you are going to do something new do it with aplomb!
As well as editing the What’s on section I have attended events and a ball, done magazine editing training and even got to interview Dave Hill from the band Slade about their upcoming tour. That was a surreal moment and to be honest I was a little starstruck by the end of our chat.
The title of this editor’s letter is also the title of his autobiography and I urge you, even if you aren’t a Slade fan to read it. He is a gifted storyteller as well as musician and the book is full of amazing anecdotes about life in general. A quote from Dave during our interview about the fact that he is 76 but still Rockin’ , he said “There is joy in the journey, and the journey is still carrying on. There’s always new things to do and new people to meet whatever your age”.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C.S Lewis
So here it is. . . Your new exciting and dynamic What’s on pages.
Oh, and very nearly Merry Christmas of course.
autobiography
