My Author Journey
There are many twists and turns on the author journey. Like any life and career choices you make you can head off in many different directions. I have spent this year diving into the craft of writing short stories and have discovered there is an art to cramming your story into a short 500 or 1000 words.
Unlike novels, where there’s room to explore subplots and secondary characters, short stories require you to focus on a single, concise narrative arc. I have learned to hone in on a central theme or conflict. You don’t have the luxury of long backstories, so characters need to come to life quickly, often through subtle hints in dialogue, actions, or settings. Show, don’t tell, is critical in short story writing. Like a novel a short story needs a beginning, middle, and end, but each section must serve the story’s momentum.
I sent out four short stories last month. I won first place in the Helensvale Writers’ Group, 1000-word short story competition themed ‘Fear’ with my story, One Flight at a Time. I received lovely verbal feedback from the independent judge from Brisbane, and the editing judge gave me ten out of ten, both of whom carried out a blind read.
I also received a Highly Commended Award for my short story, Slipping Away, about early-onset dementia in the Bookness Creative Writing Awards. There was only a first place awarded, in front of me, no second or third place.. My story honoured my grandma and my mum, both sufferers of this long goodbye disease. I received passionate written and verbal feedback from the judge Michael Brohier, the Artistic Director of Somerset Storyfest.
My story Slipping Away was deeply personal, the only other person having read it before the judge was my daughter. Sharing your writing with the world sometimes requires a deep level of vulnerability. Reading my story aloud on both occasions although a little challenging for me was a privilege. Whether submitting a story to a competition or reading it aloud to an audience, you’re exposing a part of yourself. Writing is often personal, even if it’s fiction. Your thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence the words on the page. Letting others see and critique your work can make you feel very exposed. But it’s also where growth happens. Putting yourself out there builds resilience. I’m proud of myself for facing the fear of being judged, rejected, or misunderstood, and still choosing to put my words out there. Each experience, whether positive or negative, adds to your development as a writer. Embracing vulnerability allows you to connect more deeply with your audience and grow not only as a writer but also as a person. When you take the leap to share your work, you give yourself the opportunity to learn from feedback, connect with others, and improve your craft.
Writing and the author journey can feel like a solitary endeavour, but being part of a writing community is invaluable. The camaraderie within a writing community helps you stay accountable and motivated. Critique groups and fellow writers offer fresh perspectives, constructive feedback, and encouragement when self-doubt creeps in. I shared my story, One Flight at a Time with my critique group. You can choose to take on whatever feedback you feel resonates with you. Sharing your work with others who understand the craft pushes you to improve and explore new ideas, but not all feedback sits well with you and that’s okay too, you don’t have to take it on board. It’s meant to be a safe space to experiment, receive honest critiques, and celebrate each others successes.
Being part of a supportive writing community enhances both your skills and your confidence as a writer. After serving for over 3 years on the committee of the Gold Coast Writers’ Association it’s time for me to move on and concentrate on my next adventure. Am I sad? Yes. Change is always a little scary. I have made lifelong friends and grown so much during this chapter, so although I’m stepping down, I will stay connected and attend as may events as I can while I continue to grow. I’ve always believed, ‘a win for one is a win for all’ and I will continue to support other writers through community events. Another way in which I do this is through my small business, Blott Business where I offer support to creatives, need help? Go here.
I’m honouring my own timeline. I’ve come to embrace the idea of being a late bloomer. For years, writing was something I dabbled in but never fully pursued. Life, work, and family all came first. But over the past few years, I’ve found my passion for writing reignited, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. There’s a certain beauty in discovering, or rediscovering, a creative outlet later in life. With age comes a wealth of experience, wisdom, and perspective that enriches my stories in ways I couldn’t have achieved in my younger years. My writing is finally finding its audience, and I’m gaining some recognition which I once thought was out of my reach. It’s never too late to chase a dream or to develop your craft. I intend to stay curious, open, and committed to growing as both a writer and a person. And as far as those two other stories I’ve put into the world I’m still waiting to hear back, fingers crossed.
Selena Jane 🙂
