Inspiration Defeats Inferiority

We all have those moments as writers where we look at the wider world around us and think that we really aren't meant to be trying to put our own work out there. I get that way too often, but after attending Birmingham Literature Festival, everything has changed.

This past week, I decided to take a giant leap and do something I never could have possibly done before, attending an event for writers. Back in August, I caught wind of the Birmingham Literature Festival, an apparent week long celebration of creative writing in all its forms, featuring talks from a variety of writers, editors and others in the industry (all of which I never heard of, which spoke of how out of touch with my own industry I am).

Unfortunately, I couldn't attend every single event. Not because I couldn't but I really didn't want to. This is by no means a jab at the organisers who did a wonderful job organising this, nor the panellists who I'm sure were all absolutely fantastic. But with the overwhelming amount of seminars that felt, truthfully, very targeted for the modern ears and minds, I personally felt I wouldn't feel very inspired or filled to the brim with new knowledge. Still, I was able to attend two of the events, one of which I still didn't avoid the targeting, but both were extremely worthwhile.

I was granted the opportunity to hear the poems of Birmingham's Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate, Jasmine Gardosi and Iona Mandal. Both of these women were very talented, bringing their own experiences and unique ways of viewing the world and poetry itself into their readings and it was such a pleasure to hear from both of them. After that, I was present to witness the announcing of the new Laureates, though their names have escaped me now. Still, they showed why they were selected in the first place, with their very inspirational and somewhat unconventional forms of poetry.

Though this was fun, the real excitement arrived at the Writers Meet Up on Saturday 5th. There I listened to a stirring chat with author Fran Hill and her journey to becoming an author. It was there when I asked my question about working with editors that I leapt on the opportunity to broadcast myself as a writer, and I had no idea what that would lead to. Immediately after the talk was over, I was engaged by another fellow writer (a brilliant gentleman named M.F. Alfrey, be sure to check out his work) who told me that he suspected I was a fantasy writer. It's nice to know I apparently radiate a fantasy author vibe.

Before I knew it, I was chatting with numerous different people, authors and editors alike sharing their experiences, ideas and exchanging information. For the first time since I was in high school, I truly felt like I'd found my crowd. Likeminded people who had stories to share with the world and wanted to create amazing things. My only regret is that I didn't note down the names of all the people I talked to so that I could share their names here and encourage more people to see their work (also be sure to go to https://humourmemag.co.uk and support another author I met there). Needless to say, this event gave me a revitalised vigour and motivation to become an author and I've already began slithering around the internet for more events like this.

To any other authors out there, don't keep yourself sheltered behind the screen. There are so many people out there like you that want to know you, know your work, and be a part of the rising tide that lifts all other boats. I'm certainly anticipating my next event.