About Agnieszka Dryjas-Makhloufi
Agnieszka is a teacher, poet, writer, and author of the debut novel, The Journey of Seagulls. She holds an MA in American literature and studied creative writing in the workshops run by Pen To Print for 4 years. She teaches ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), Health and Social Care at Southwark College in the UK.
“The first thing I learned about writing, life and myself. . . be courageous. Be brave because writing might seem scary, like life. You don’t know what’s going to happen. . . . Just tune in to your soul, the beautiful melody of your heart, and write.”
Vocabulary from our conversation
debut – in public for the first time
philology – the study of a language and its literature
mentor – an experienced and trusted person who advises, counsels and sometimes trains a younger or less-experienced person
tap one’s creative power – to access or connect to creative energy
squabbling – quarreling noisily
shrieking – making high-pitched cries or sounds
liberated – free; to be freed
to follow one’s heart – to pursue one’s deepest desire
to step out of one’s comfort zone – to try something new and uncomfortable
to be shortlisted – to be a finalist
a calling – a strong urge to a certain way of life
epitome – perfect example of a quality or type
to be distracted – to have one’s focus broken; unable to concentrate because one’s attention is drawn elsewhere
to edit – to change something in writing or life
“Another thing. It’s connected, sort of. Stepping out of your comfort zone. . . . You don’t know what’s going to happen. Things are unpredictable. . . . The book is teaching me constantly to not be stuck in my little (comfort) zone. Constantly challenge yourself. . . . I’m not talking about a big leap. . . Little steps can lead to something big.”
-Agnieszka Dryjas-Makhloufi
Organize your Language Learning – with Tetiana Bilokin