The need to belong is a strong impulse and it's a rare person who deliberately refuses all ties. It was a joy to me this morning to sit in Attibassi and chat to familiar people, many of whom are now supporters. This part of Chichester is like a small village; friendlier than the actual village we moved from because you get to meet people every day. There's no doubt that social media aids any crowd funding campaign and yet the vast majority of support has come from ties I've made over the years of family, profession, sport, drama, neighbours and other friendships. It causes me to consider why we connect to some people and not others; to try to strengthen those connections because they are what counts.
Today is the day I'd set myself to be fully funded and I'm not (so far!) But the support I've had from people who have been bothered to pledge is at least as valuable as getting published. Today's photo shows a kind of perfect circle and it's what keeps me motivated when I want to lay my head on my keyboard and sob with frustration. Supporters will recognise the drawing: it's from the photo I posted on my birthday. So a real friendship provides a tangible act of kindness via an online blog. One sponsor, just one, would get me over the line now. Chin up, Suzie Wilde, and crack on.