The suitcases are unpacked, the new books neatly stacked on my shelf, and my mind has just started to settle and slow a little from the racing of new thoughts and ideas.
First and foremost, for anyone considering attending the The John Hewitt Society International Summer School next year, either as a bursary student or just someone who goes to a few of the events, do it!
When I packed my bags last Sunday, along with the clothes, toiletries, pens and notebooks, a little bit (or a big bit) of imposter syndrome and anxiety around possible home sickness quietly snuck their way in too.
The imposter syndrome stayed pretty much the whole week, peaking at various parts, but I managed it. The worry about possible home sickness scuppering the experience however did not materialise. I’d never been away from my little family, on my own, for so long. However the days at the John Hewitt International Summer School were so jam packed with interesting talks, be that at the events or over a cup of tea at the break, I don’t think my brain had enough spare time to register being away. And any free time I did have, I crammed it with reading and writing, taking full advantage of not being disturbed by the shouts of “Mummy…” from a neighbouring room.
The mornings were filled with politics and poetry, the afternoons with fiction and opportunities to write, and the evenings kept up the momentum with panel discussions, drama, music and performances.
I had the excellent opportunity to attend three writing workshops with the very talented Derry based author Sue Divin where we learned the many different aspects of character development, progression of plot, voice and the importance of self editing. While my brain recollects itself, I’m already looking forward to trying to put into practice so many of the incredible lessons from all the information and practice wisdom Sue shared with us. I have so many takeaways, new ideas and new, better informed perceptions about the world of writing.
What will stay with me the most from the week are the conversations and experiences with all the incredible people I met. From those who organised such a fantastic week, to those who attended as speakers to those who attended as participants. There are some in particular who really made the week extra special, those I learned so much from in so little time, and those who truly showed me the meaning behind the saying “the kindness of strangers”. Hearing from everyone about their reason for being there, where they are in their writing journey and then having the absolute privilege of getting to hear them read their own writing at the end of week showcase was the ultimate highlight. Talking to someone over a cuppa is one thing, but getting to see a deeper version of them as they stand and read aloud their own writing is such an amazing opportunity!
Overall it was a pretty intense week, and for a bit of an introvert like myself, it was rather exhausting and by Friday my social battery was definitely running on almost empty. However I would recommend it one hundred times over, not only for those who enjoy writing, but for anyone who wants to experience the opportunity of seeing Northern Ireland and the arts through an informative, creative and highly engaging lens.
Such an inspiring, thought provoking and creative week!
Wee Bubble of Books 