“I love that photo. You look like you’re in your element!”
This week I took part in my first ever panel event, all about the creative work of writing. I’ve chaired panels before and done a fair bit of interviewing, but I’ve never been the interviewee. This opportunity came up very last minute but I’m SO glad I said yes.
Listening to people talk about the things they love and are passionate about is one of my favourite things, and to have the chance to talk about writing myself was SUCH a joy.
My partner Tom told me on seeing a photo of me from the event that I looked like I was in my element. I felt it, too. I won’t lie, talking about myself and writing comes fairly easily to me (absolutely no shame here). I love sharing my creativity, talking about writing and creative work. One of my favourite film scenes is that bit at the start of The Commitments where Jimmy Rabbitte is in the bath, pretending to be interviewed on Wogan. I have definitely been Jimmy Rabbitte.
It’s also the first time I’ve ever spoken publicly about being a writer. Of course, I write about it here and elsewhere online, but being in a room full of strangers and calling myself a writer was empowering in a way I don’t think I’ve experienced before. I was legitimising myself and my work in public, standing up for the choice to pursue a creative career in the way I have. What a personal power-move.
It’s rare that we’re given an open platform to share our passions and celebrate the aspects of our lives we love and feel lucky to experience. I’m so grateful to have been included in such an interesting panel of writers and been able to speak to such a warm audience. I came away feeling so excited and inspired to do more events and public speaking. If you’re looking for someone to talk about writing and creative living - either asking the questions or answering them - then I’m your gal!
A huge thank you to Lynette for organising the event and for asking me to be part of it. If you’re Edinburgh-based, she runs a networking event every month, each with a different theme. Next month is Creative Ideas About Business and you can find out more here.
So, before I log off and head to IKEA, my question to you to ponder over the weekend is this: when do you feel like you’re in your element? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
See you next time!
Rebecca
Congratulations, Rebecca! That is fantastic. After a certain election in 2016, I lost the will to write. Not writer's block, not for a lack of ideas (those were still churning), but more WTF was the point. Then the pandemic hit, and lockdown came. What I was missing was the connection writing brought. So, alone in my teeny tiny place, having only listened to the first Serial, I started a podcast. Oddly, as an introvert who presents as extroverted, I quickly grew comfortable talking to people with the hope of helping listeners shift their perspectives in order to get over something (title of podcast was a riff on the title of my first book, which is also how my 'stack got its name). I love picking the human brain as much as I love to write. When I had to go back to work full full-time (my job during the pandemic was only 30 hrs/wk), I didn't have time for the pod (it was fun, but a helluva lot of work). Hoping to get back to it. sometime next year. Keep kicking ass, Rebecca. xo