My surprising inner Circle

Last year, for the first time, the Winchester Writer’s Weekend decided to trial a Writer’s Circle package as part of their online offering. I was grouped in with several others, who’s only commonality was the sci-fi/fantasy/horror genre we specified.

Having never been part of such a thing before, I was a little reticent. I had several fears: would I be exposed as a sham? Would they belittle my work and discourage my enthusiastic attempts? Would they take my story and use it for themselves? Would they like me? (Always a big one!) I logged on tentatively and tried to hide my concerns behind a pleasant smile.

It quickly became apparent that I was not alone in my anxieties. Throughout the following weeks, we gradually began to relax and open up to each other. I looked forward to their submissions every week, enjoying the hugely differing style and stories. In return, instead of the discouragement I was bracing myself for, I received a warm and encouraging welcome. So much so, that five weeks began to seem like too short a time.

After approaching the others after the event, four of us decided to continue meeting and I have to say our little writing circle has become one of the highlights of my writing career. So, what is it they give me that is so valuable?

Firstly, they get me. When I talk about my frustrations and stress, they understand where I am coming from. Friends and family try, but they can’t really understand the difficulties of surmounting a creative curtain wall or trying to form a character’s motivations. Neither can they truly appreciate those Eureka moments (usually at 3am) or the constant voices in your head vying to be heard.

Secondly, they give me a combined knowledge and experience that I could never have on my own. The primary school teacher pointed out to me that the children in my story were unnaturally compliant. The science-fiction writer, who has never read fantasy, asks very insightful and interesting questions which make me look deeper at my story. All of them in their feedback approach it from different viewpoints and each one of them has something unique to offer.

Finally, they have become my cheerleaders, encouraging me to keep going, applauding my efforts and spurring me on to greater things. I want to do my very best as an offering to them.

We started off as wary strangers and have become good friends, despite the fact that we have only met virtually and come from completely different places. As our friendship has deepened, so has the trust between us. I can be more open in my struggles and accepting of their criticisms. I don’t fear what they have to say, but instead embrace it with thankfulness. Because of their input, my story has become a better tale, my worlds richer and my characters more believable.

In a world where covid seems to have taken so much away from us, I have found a wonderful blessing that I could never have discovered without it. For that, I will always be grateful.