The Writer's Corner

It’s been a while (about five years roughly) but I’m back ready to give writing another go. When I talk about writing, what I mean is creative writing. Fiction, that’s my ultimate goal.

Like many aspiring writers I have lots of unfinished stories hanging about somewhere. (Writer tip: keep everything you write, no matter what!). The problem I have is that I don’t want to write in that genre anymore. I did the usual try a few genres, both in reading and creative writing, and now my my goals are different. But I don’t think my previous writing has been for nothing. I learnt that I could write and I could write to length. (Thanks to the Open University’s numerous assignments!).

What happened to make me stop writing? A little something called life and a few curveballs that I never envisioned. But that’s life as they say.

I think we all remember 2020; I remember it for so many more reasons than just a worldwide pandemic. (although that did affect me personally too).

First off, I have a rare kidney disease that eventually caused kidney failure and with it brain fog, fatigue and memory issues. Not good if you’re a writer working on your first novel.

Then a family crisis meant I became a parent carer practically overnight. It was like having a newborn baby all over again. But I’m not complaining, I’d do it all over again if I had too. I love being a mum.

And if that wasn’t enough, I’m at that age a woman goes through menopause, with symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, insomnia and concentration problems. So double trouble for a writer!

I was also trying to juggle a full-time job during this time too.

Thanks to the lock down and being chronically vulnerable, I had to self isolate for eight months, but that gave me a chance to focus on what was important, and unfortunately writing was not one of those things.

I ended the year minus the job as my health was affecting my attendance and my long term prospects. I couldn’t manage it with not sleeping much, feeling exhausted all of the time, and now suffering from a little bit of anxiety about germs. My kidney disease tends to flare up if I get a cold or chest infection and as my health declined so did the medication options. It also meant that it took me far longer to get over any illness. I still have that anxiety but I don’t think I’m has paranoid about it as much as I was.

The following year was no better. In fact I had several trips to the hospital and was told that dialysis would be on the cards in the next couple of years. In fact, two years and one month later, I started dialysis and ended up with a whole host of new health issues.

But there is good news; dialysis is going okay and I’m feeling a little more like my old self and wanting to get back my creativity. I will write that book!

Like most writers I’m an avid reader too. So I revived an old book review blog that I sadly had to give up due to the reasons above. It has been going really well and I have managed to publish on a regular basis. I also feel I have a clearer idea of content and have enjoyed working on the design aspect of the blog. It has given me confidence and a desire to give creative writing another chance. Hence why I’ve decided to get this blog up and running.

I’m might not be an expert but I am passionate about writing. (English was always (and still is) my best subject). I’ve even got a degree in English Literature, that’s how much I love books.

I think I’ve waffled along enough don’t you and I hope that you find my future writings interesting and, hopefully, amusing.

My first writing project, after my blogs, is going to be a non fiction book about my kidney journey so far. I think it’s good to share the ups and downs of a health condition to help others who may be at the beginning of their journey. I have a few pages mapped out and a rough plan so all I need to do is get writing, editing and publishing. Wish me luck!