Something Happened

Writing is a strange beast at times. Just when you think you have it sorted, an epic moment strikes and you are on a different route.

This has happened to me this week. I love taking part in the Curtis Brown Creative Twitter exercises. This week I submitted the following;

I can hear her words echoing around my brain. ‘I’m your sister.’ What? I’m an only child. Why has no one ever said anything? Jessie, she is called Jessie, mum’s middle name. Oh mum, what happened that you kept it a secret?’

It suddenly dawned on me that most of my writing involves a mystery. Something from way back that comes up in the present and impacts the future.

Perhaps it stems from events in my life, perhaps it is simply, I like to explore the reason behind things. I am forever saying to friends and family there is always a back story.

Writing and art allow people to express what they are unable to verbalise. Through unlocking those emotions and exploring them sometimes there is something deep seated, a connection which helps unravel the distress, the confusion.

So it is I think for an author, seeking the story that will unlock their potential and bring their words to life.

I love a good romance and had visions of writing a great one, however during my latest piece of work I understand I am drawn to the back story, the reasons why. It has focused my creative spirit and am now travelling another path.

Much as in life, we set off in one direction and veer off because we spot something interesting or are tempted by what we think may be at the end of it. Often never reaching the end because we veer off again. I can hear my mother saying to me, stay focused and concentrate on reaching the end. For some things this would be sound advice, not so with writing I believe because as you write, you discover something of yourself and your own back story.

Human nature and behaviour is a complex mix. How many times has someone surprised you? How many times have you thought, yep, that doesn’t surprise me? I am making an assumption it is because of the diversity of life and the paths we take which often lead to this thinking.

The key is writing fluently and smoothly to achieve it. I continue to hone my craft and admire those who make it look so easy. My own back story is no less simple and I draw from my own experiences to inform some of my writing.

One thing is for certain, determination, struggle, the willingness not to give up are all parts of me, driving me forward.

The words from my story above are from Tilly Acklam, she lives in Beech Gate and is about to discover her family are not at all what they thought they were.

Maybe I will share more next time.

Thank you for stopping by.

Stay Safe.

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