I woke up to find notification this morning that a ‘vignette’ I wrote is going to appear in the July edition of an international literary journal, Vine Leaves. This visually beautiful journal publishes vignettes, art, photography and poetry.

‘A Drop of Red’ painting of grape vines and a vine leaf by artist Trevor O’Sullivan

If you’re wondering, this is the definition of a vignette (from the journal’s own website):

“Vignette” is a word that originally meant “something that may be written on a vine-leaf.” It’s a snapshot in words. It differs from flash fiction or a short story in that its aim doesn’t lie within the traditional realms of structure or plot. Instead, the vignette focuses on one element, mood, character, setting or object. It’s descriptive, excellent for character or theme exploration and wordplay. Through a vignette, you create an atmosphere.

The vignette I wrote is an adapted version of the opening scene in my latest work in progress. I’m thrilled that Vine Leaves thought it worth publishing – that’s a confidence boost for me when it comes to the rest of the manuscript! The manuscript is currently with a beta reader (it’s already been through two others) and I’m working very hard on the editing process. I’m excited about this one … I know, I get excited about all of them – but this one feels special, somehow.

What’s even more exciting is that my gorgeous partner who is an artist and photographer has also had work accepted for this issue of Vine Leaves: a photograph and an artwork. So we shall be side by side in a journal together!

The journal will be available free online or for order in hardcopy from the Vine Leaves Literary Journal website from July 17, 2015.