The Writer’s Joy

Feature Image: Wicklow Times Tuesday August 2023

It’s not all a matter of slaving away in the lonely writer’s den for those who have writing passions and want to share their writing with others.

Many people dream of writing books, and some aspire to become famous. As time passes by and dreams fade the world loses their talent.

My research tells me that most who aspire to writing books never do write books. As a writer I find this information disheartening. It’s disappointing to hear of those who have dreams and never see them fulfilled. More so, as I have had such enjoyment, excitement, and fulfilment as a writer; I’m left longing to help those who wish to write and don’t.

Back to my opening statement; as a writer scrolls away their thoughts on paper, it’s not always a lonely place – being in a writer’s den that is. There is a magic in enjoying the freedom of your mind. A mind in which one can imagine whatever you wish, where nothing is impossible. Creating and changing characters at will – villains and heroes on the same page pulling in different directions. There is no hurdle that cannot be leapt over – no mountain, however high, to daunt you from the climb.

Mixing with characters in faraway places and strange sounding names. Running away from characters who are chasing you, looking for shelter in a thunderous storm. Meeting someone who is your perfect match and walking on an idyllic tropical beach; white sands and lapping blue waves. And at any time, the writer can fine-tune the story-line, characters, location, or a scene to suit themselves. Who could desire more? An enormous change from our lives on Earth, do you agree?

So why did I post a picture of a group of people with a placard displaying the letters ‘SSE’ inscribed on it?

Because it was the dream of a small group of writers who wanted to publish an anthology. A book of stories and poems with no particular theme except what the writer wished to pen.

The group sat down and decided to plan the process for producing and publishing a book. To begin with, a decision was made to donate all proceeds from the sale of the book to the RNLI lifeboat association. Members were invited to make submissions. A small steering group was set up and each person volunteered to perform different tasks.

There were those who sought for and arranged financial assistance, those that liaised with the lifeboat association. Those that arranged for a printer. One member designed the cover, edited the stories, set up the book layout and prepared for the printer; also, newspaper coverage and photography, which was provided by the Wicklow Times. SSE Renewables sponsored a generous funding. Finally, the Arklow Library, who sponsored the printing costs and promoted the book launch, also accommodating and catering for the event.

What was the significance of the book publishing? Firstly, was the accomplishment by a small group of writers who were able to see their stories and poems published, when publishing a book might have been out of their reach. A small-town community benefitted by displaying their creativity in and beyond their borders. A vital service to the country – the RNLI lifeboat association benefitted financially and publicity-wise. The library benefitted by displaying its willingness and ability to innovatively perform its purpose. SSE renewables benefitted in supporting a local community with the growth of its artistic culture and to raising awareness of their environmental contribution to Ireland’s power grid.

If you have a dream to be a writer – join a writer’s group, it’s an excellent place to begin. You might be published sooner than you think.