One Cool Thing: Kerry Drewery

As part of this year's September Shorts I've asked writer friends to contribute posts inspired by the title One Cool Thing. They'll be telling you about one cool thing they're looking forward to as Autumn approaches. It might be a book or movie, a tabletop or computer game, an event or visit to a special place, a chance to achieve something... or perhaps even an exciting new project.
​
Today is the turn of Kerry Drewery, writer of the remarkable trilogy Cell 7, Day 7 and Final 7. Her new novel is being raved about; The Last Paper Crane. You can find out more about Kerry here.
​
Kerry Drewery: Cold Water Wild Swimming

My one cool thing I'm looking forward to in autumn is literally cool.

Last year I did cold water swimming with some friends. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone but once I got into the water, I enjoyed it so much. I made some new friends too, people I wouldn't have met otherwise, and I've kept in touch with them since and chatted to them over lockdown.

I've swum in warm water over the summer, but cold water is a very different thing. I'm not a fan of winter and find the long, dark evenings can be quite hard, but this is something that is often the highlight of my week.

There is nothing like it. And nothing like shivering at the side of a pond in the middle of the muddy countryside, wearing woollies and wellies, and laughing with friends while sharing coffee and biscuits.