Friday 7 January 2011

Looking back over the past year...

I was just sitting here, watching a video on Youtube and it suddenly occurred to me how far I've come. This time last year my first (proper) story, Blood Moon would be in the middle of being written. At this point I would have only been posting on BBC Blast and gaining feedback from there. I enjoyed writing. I felt a buzz from the release it gave me. And it made me happy to see everyone's feedback and that people were actually going back into previous threads and trampling through thousands of words to catch up with the story from the beginning (as well as the small fact that the producers of BBC Blast asked my permission whether they could use/talk about my story in one of their meetings, so that was pretty cool) It was that feeling then, that made me want to be a writer - to provide an escape for readers. I gained joy from them enjoying the story. And I dont think I've ever said how much I appreciate the people who did read Blood Moon. I know it wasn't a brilliant story; there were so many errors in it, but yet, I look back at it fondly. I didn't care whether it was published and I knew it would never be, but I was ok with that, because it took me on a journey; I developed my writing in those seven months it took me to write it and it was worthwhile. It taught me that just because something isn't published doesn't mean it wasn't worth writing.

And am pretty sure everyone has had enough of me talking about my writing but...it defines me as a person. Its now part of who I am (as well as being a maniac when given too much sugar). I then (after much persuasion from people of said Blast) decided to have a look into a writers circle. In all honesty it sounded like a big step - from posting things from website to actually doing it front of people - and I wasn't overly sure I was ready for it. But I decided to give it a go.

Although I did drag one of my best friends with me along on the first meeting because I was too much of a coward to go on my own. It was interesting to say the least. And the quality of work I heard made me think that perhaps I was a bit err inexperienced to join. But I went again. And again. And again. I finally read out loud - one of the most nervewrecking experiences of my life. And since then I've *tried* to overcome my shyness but it really didn't work (Open Mic night springs to mind).

And my poem, Waiting, is going to be published in my writers circle anthology...A year later and I'm having something published. It's been a wonderful rollarcoaster of a year. I've met so many people who are brilliant and inspiring. They are my teachers but also my friends and I've been so lucky to have met them all.

So to Blast (which sadly has now closed but thankfully the boards have been relocated elsewhere) and to VWC - thank you. For everything.

Ellen x

2 comments:

  1. When you share your writing you stick your head above the parapet and hope your work doesn't get shot to pieces. Once your work is published it's out there at the mercy of the public and you have no control over what reviewers and readers are going to say. So I always give three pieces of advice to writers: work hard, be brave, and be lucky. It sounds like you're well on the way with all three! I hope to meet you when I next come to talk to Verulam Writers, or perhaps I'll see you at the Get Writing conference in February.

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  2. Ooh I am looking forward to meeting you too! When are you next coming to the VWC? I am definitely going to Get Writing, so I shall see you there. :)

    Take care,

    Ellen x

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