Mimesis is a word I’ll never forget, as it was written in capital letters on a whiteboard in blue, as the subject of my first ever writing class at university. I sat in the auditorium waiting for the lecturer to appear, wondering what on earth I was doing there, as I was a ‘mature’ student and didn’t have a clue what the word meant. I think after all these years I have got a handle on its meaning. It is when life is mimicked through Art and Literature. Yesterday I reversed this process, when my life happened to imitate literature – through inadvertently copying a character’s behaviour from the novel I am currently writing. The problem might be different: solo travel for my character, and swimming alone, for me, but the underpinning for both women is anxiety, and the desire to change.

All my life I have not enjoyed the sea that much, probably because I was kept out of the water when young through constant earache, and sore throats. Anytime I went to the river or swimming baths, I was forced to wear a bathing cap, and told “Don’t put your head under the water!” I did learn to swim, but the head-out-of-the water variety, an ungainly look at best. You’ve seen others like me in the water I’m sure. Okay, let me get to the point. I often walk past Torpedo Bay, which is at the far end of our waterfront, where most days people are swimming. The weather has been very hot recently and I had begun to think I should join the swimmers.

And this is where my novel-in-progress comes into play. I have been writing daily, and my mind whirrs, constantly plotting and planning my main character’s next moves. Marjorie, is determined and capable, except that she has never flown, or travelled overseas alone, and currently I am writing of her wish to change the status quo.

Oh, I have certainly flown and travelled extensively by myself, but I have never gone swimming in the sea alone. But yesterday I did. Yes, I did, thanks to Marjorie. I read that high tide was around 10.30 am, and walked to Torpedo Bay, about 15 minutes away, with my togs on underneath my clothes. I can report the water was warm, the depth perfect for swimming, or larking around.

I confess it did take a couple of minutes to submerge myself to the neck, but I did, and floated on my back, kicked and splashed and did a version of sidestroke. And, of course I’ll do it all again tomorrow morning, this time with Kerry in tow. But I’ll be going by myself again sometime, don’t you worry.

You can learn a good deal through literature I am finding. If at first you don’t understand what mimesis means, you will soon come to know it, through literature or art, especially if it is your own. Ye Ha! And, the last words go to Oscar Wilde today, for his help towards this post.