EDITOR’S LETTER
26 PRESTIGE JULY 2019 | #prestigesg
Grace Tay | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
[email protected]
HERE’S THE PLOT
Writer’s block is a thing. Dozens of journalists and writers I know, even the best of
them, attest to it. Our coping mechanisms are almost always the same: attempt to
write the perfect fi rst sentence; rewrite it 200 times; bang out some other key points
to include in the story; close the document and procrastinate till the very last minute
- then write under the pressure of a deadline hanging over our heads like the sword
of Damocles. I face writer’s block almost every month when it comes to writing my
editor’s note. This month, I’m overcoming it by writing about it. Bear with me.
I’ve always envied “natural writers” who have the clarity of thought to produce a
perfect piece of prose, whether 200 words long or 2,000, in a single sitting. I had an
ex-boss who could, when in the mood, produce bombastic essays on watches, with
Greek mythology, pop culture, technical information and opinion in the mix – in
two hours. I also really admire writer ex-colleagues who have gone on to become
full-fl edged book authors, as carrying a theme or plot line over chapters... how many
times would one need to plough through writer’s block for that?
Our cover girl Grace Thomas might be better known for her sartorial fl air than
her prowess with the pen. But this stylish lass, a fortnight after we “bump” into each
other on a dance fl oor at one of the balls (she was in her fi rst trimester, but whatever
baby bump that model-esque gal had was hidden under the cutest Saint Laurent
leather bustier dress with a huge lampshade skirt), sends me an article for my opinion.
She’d given up social media for Lent, which now appears to be for good – I’ll miss
her high fashion OOTDs! – and had penned her “thoughts and musings on the whole
ordeal”. Her writing is as lively and engaging as she is in person.
Already a personal stylist on the side, the self-described “stay-home wife” who
went to a liberal arts college, where she was on the school paper, is dusting off her
writing chops to write a coming-of-age novel inspired by her own experiences.
Nothing too serious, she says. But her motivation is thoughtful: Having her own
business and accomplishments is her way of being a good role model for her two,
soon-to-be three, young children. And that is as good a story as any.
Above: Ulysse
Nardin Freak NeXt
in platinum and
titanium with a
rubber strap
Left: Montblanc
StarWalker Metal
Fountain Pen