Why I Write
I think I have always been addicted to the written word, and books have been my treasure. As a child I was taught to read and write before I was four years of age. In those days, children were allowed to start school early if they could prove to the Principal and the teachers that they could manage to read and write. This 'proof' for me came in the form of a test in the principal's office the day after my fourth birthday. The Principal thumped a huge white family bible on the table in front of me and asked me to read a specific portion of scripture out loud. I was then asked to explain what I had just read to prove to the Principal and other teachers in the room that my comprehension was good. The Principal and the teachers were astounded at my ability and level of comprehension, and I was given permission to start school the following week.
It was easy for me because this is what I had been doing at home with my mum each day. As she would prepare dinner each evening I would sit on a chair next to her and read her a story. Afterwards we would talk about the story, then I would open the same book at the beginning once again and make up my own story to go with the pictures. So right from that young age reading and writing has been fun and exciting for me. Now in later life, I am still just as passionate about reading and writing, and I love to help others to write their own stories to share with others. This is being done through a regular blog on my website and also through teaching writing classes twice a week in my local community. I love what I do, and I have seen some amazing stories come to light with most of my class members now being published authors themselves. To make my writing course more accessible I am moving towards putting it up as an online course, which will make use of hyperlinks, images, and video webinars. Those who do the course will also have access to me through Skype for some one on one sessions to discuss their writing projects in more detail so that they too, can tell their stories.
Recently, I have just started a whole new writing group called, 'The Write Road to Recovery', as the local hospital here has been referring lots of people to my classes who have come through all kinds of problems including PTSD, alcohol and substance abuse, depression and anxiety, social isolation...and the list goes on. This new group allows me to work with members one on one and give them concentrated time to help them tell their stories and to walk the road to recovery with them to help them find healing and wholeness once again.