An author’s tale
‘Through my writing I have changed. Through my writing I am empowered to reinvent my creativity; to improve my craft.’ Catherine Best
It can be overwhelming writing a book. It is most definitely not for the faint hearted. Even an article; a blog; a newspaper piece; a letter to the editor, can seem overwhelming when first embarking on that coveted journey of becoming a published author. A blank piece of paper or computer document teases. Where do I begin? It’s not easy. I’ve never sat all day staring, I have written something, unlike some I know.
I longed to be a writer and author and I now call myself both. I’m not in the category of the greats; not yet, but I don’t need to be. I just need to be me. I have no niche, instead an eclectic arena of possibilities; a panoply of opportunities enter my thoughts each day and I draw them in, explore them, discard them or more often than not, expand on them. Until they become a coveted piece of writing.
Writing for me has become a life strand. I write daily. Well mostly. Sometimes, it’s nonsense, sometimes it’s a line or two, but through my perseverance it builds and when it builds it takes shape, and when it takes shape it becomes my masterpiece.
Through my writing I have discovered my voice. Not that it was ever lost, some would say. And I have discovered I have a talent. Seeking to understand how I might develop my writing to illuminate an awareness of the impact of political agendas, social policy and decisions made I signed up to the ‘Writing for Social Impact’ course with the Irish Writers Centre and became an associate member. On the first day of the course I was nervous, did I really want my writing to be read and possibly challenged by my peers. I need not have worried. The feedback was amazing. Perfect. It was how I saw it myself.
I am truly inspired.
Good writing takes courage. It takes guts to have my name out there. Not everyone will like my work. But does it really matter? The yearning to write is my soul calling me towards a greater creative existence; pulling me towards a path of contagious enthusiasm where I experience a world less ordinary.
As a memoirist I am an expert in my own life. It’s true. No-one knows what I know. No-one interprets events the way I do. No-one feels the way I feel. Experiences life the way I do. Only I can bring my innermost thoughts to life.
When I write I write through reflection. Such a deep level of reflection has brought with it catharsis, creating a sense of peaceful knowing and a level of self-awareness, that opens up a positive and enlightening relationship with myself. When I eventually realised this, my narrative came to life. It set my writing free, allowing me to push my curiosity boundaries, strengthen my courage; generate a sense of adventure and a willingness to experience what lies beyond. There are still those secrets I need to keep hidden. Although being in the moment, allowing my story to unfold, at least for now, is all that truly matters.
