There are two things I want to ramble on about today. First is the importance of community, specifically, having the privilege of being a part of a community of writers. Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate to have three vehicles for developing such a community. The first, and most recent (and most obvious) is the blogging world. That’s you, guys. I’ve been doing this for a few months now and I can already see that my friendships are taking me from Thailand to South Africa to Germany to Birmingham…and beyond. My publisher, bluechrome, has also launched me into a circle of poets, short story writers and novelists which is cradling me through my entry into the wacky world of being a published novelist. But there is another vehicle towards the creation of my community which I really want to talk about today. I have had the incredible pleasure and privilege of going to the amazing Writer’s retreat, Anam C
ara, in West Cork. There, the creator of the space has lent me a home away from home, an ear, a hideaway, a boost. It is amazing to know that there are places like these in the world, and even more, people out there who create them. I’ve met many wonderful artists there, but today I am having the treat of seeing two of them. Tonight, I am meeting with a writer you will all be hearing great things from soon, I’m sure, called Kate Beswick. Although we live just a few miles away from each other, we met in Ireland and now we have a writer’s group together. Kate and the rest of the group are some of the most talented and generous writers I have ever met, and I really do count myself lucky to have fallen into their laps. But today, quite separately, I also had lunch with another fellow Anam Cara-ite, Vanessa Gebbie. Vanessa is another incredibly talented lady, but you don’t have to take my word for it. She has won or been a finalist in some of the most important fiction competitions around, including the Bridport and Fish, and has recently had her first short story collection published by Salt called Words from a Glass Bubble, (see the fantastic review in the latest MsLexia!). So why am I going on about all this? Well, as the launch of Tangled Roots gets closer and closer, and I get more and more susceptible to bouts of panic and hysteria, I am looking around for support and finding that my world these days is so much more full than it was a mere few years ago — although I’ve always been blessed with wonderful friends, I can now count among them people who truly understand the crazy task I have set for myself and the sometimes insane way I spend most of my time. I belong to a community of writers now, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank you Sue – that’s quite a vote of confidence! Especially from a writer like you – we all bless our luck in having you in the group. And amen ot anam cara!It’s a writer’s dream – the most inspiring place I know – And to Vanessa (what a blog today – how much wine did you guys put away!)Vanessa is one of the most remarkable writers around – her stories are absolutely brilliant – she has an enormous range and the ability to cut to the heart with accuracy and clear-edged prose. I hope everyone who writes, or reads, gets hold of this book! Aldo, she’s passionante about writing in general, and so generous to other writers.
Anam Cara sounds like the perfect place for a writing retreat. I’m sure you are right about lovely Kate Beswick, who I know from elsewhere!
Cx
Anam Cara looks gorgeous. What a wonderful place to have a writing retreat.
I want to echo you on several points, Sue. First, I have been to Anam Cara twice and it is literally – and literarily – heaven, it’s what I dream about in terms of a peaceful and productive oasis. Can’t wait to go back. And community, a wonderful thing, one of the better aspects of Internet addiction. Finally, Vanessa, what a star. We met several years ago and I felt I found a kindred writing spirit. She is such an inspiration, and quite modest with it! I bet your lunch was fun!
Tania
Sue it was LOVELY to see you… lunch went by far too fast. Tangled Roots will be a great book . I’ll repeat that. A great book. I found myself thinking afterwards about John, about him being Everyman… and thinking how extraordinary it is, this mind of yours, and these characters, and the thtmes they carry. I found myself feeling incredibly lucky… thank you for talking to me about the book, about your creative processes, and thank you for being such great comapny!!
And a proposal (not that sort!!)… I would love to see if we can”t all meet at Anam Cara again…? Kate?
That retreat looks like a little piece of heaven *sigh*. One day…..
I’m glad you’ve found plenty of support (quality support at that!) and I’m off to check out your links:-)
Lovely post – the internet is an amazing thing isn’t it!! I can’t believe the support that I’ve got from my blog friends over the last 18 months.
Your writers retreat looks fab – I might have to go in search of one for artists.
Like Lane I’m now going to go and have a look at the links 🙂
C x
Thanks, all. I must admit, it feels good to get mushy sometimes.
Tania — Vanessa explained to me who you are. I have a feeling we have lots in common. So glad to now “know”.
Vanessa — watch out – I’m going to facebook you…
Yea for Vanessa and for you!
I am looking forward to reading both of your books, and, as you know, I can also attest to the wonders of Anam Cara.