Believe the truth and be free...

Modern life seems to have stripped people of a sense of self-worth. External influences such as social media have their advantages, and we enjoy using them, but it can also make it harder for people to escape criticism, peer pressure, or feelings of inadequacy. I think our young people are particularly vulnerable. School was hard enough, especially if you were bullied like I was. I can't imagine what it would be like now with the power of social media. Not even being able to escape the bullies in your own home.

I was saddened recently hearing a report on the radio that said self-poisoning was becoming a big problem. My heart went out to those who feel they have so little self-worth that they turn to hurting themselves. No one should have to feel that way.

The world's a tough place. Growing up in it is tough, it always has been, but I suppose each generation faces different and similar difficulties.
Young people are still trying to find their place in a world that tells them all sorts of lies.

Whatever your age, if you’re reading this and are struggling with self-worth, remember you are special and beautiful in your own way. The opinions of those who put you down won't matter one day. Even though today they seem like they are the only opinion.

You matter to someone, don't ignore that! More importantly, learn what it means to matter to yourself. Respect yourself, love yourself, and ignore negative influences. No one should get to make you feel worthless.

You are awesome! Anything else is a lie.
Believe the truth and be free!

KT x

A bit of spirit and determination... #worldbookday

Writing for me is an escape, much like reading a book or being immersed in a film. It’s a place where I can choose what happens and when; as opposed to in life where things just happen- chosen or not. Writing gives me the space to be myself, to delve into my inner most thoughts, memories and experiences, and hopefully create a story that is not only worth telling, but brings inspiration to those who read it. I don’t want to write for the sake of it; I want people to have an emotional reaction to my writing. It may be fiction, but I want to create characters and experiences that resonate with readers. 

I feel content when I write; it’s what I want to do. I’ve had my nose in a book my whole life, turning page after page of my favourite author’s books; willing characters on and shedding tears at heart-warming tales. A good book leaves you with that satisfied feeling of being taken on a journey, followed by the sadness that the journey has come to an end. I love how books have made me feel over the years, and I want to inspire that feeling in a reader.

In the beginning I wrote as a way of healing, it was an emotional anchor for me. I didn’t envisage it being very good, or that people would enjoy my story. I remember showing the first draft of my novel to a friend, and she lost track of time while reading it-which I knew was a good sign. Then she sent me a message saying ‘I love, love, love your book’. Later she confessed that she had worried, if it had been awful, she'd have had to break the news to me. Instead, with surprise in her voice she said: ‘you can actually write!’ I can’t explain how it felt to hear her confirm it was actually good and the characters, that were real in my mind, had come to life in the way I had intended.

Writing is a long journey that teaches many things; dedication, perseverance, self-belief, self-doubt, frustration (and how much chocolate you can actually consume!) I love to write, so even after my novel is finished, whatever the outcome, I will keep writing. I cannot pretend that it isn’t my dream to walk into a book shop one day and see my novel on a shelf, or in the window display. I get goose bumps when I imagine how it would feel to see my story in print and know that people were actually reading my work.

Above all, I want to make my family and friends, who have supported me in life, proud. I want to show my son that dreams are important and that with a bit of spirit and determination, he can be anything he wants to be.

KT x