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.
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