How lucky we are to be writers

Posted September 27, 2024

I’ve been having that feeling again. The sense that you exist on another plane from other people. That there’s no one on earth who can truly understand where you are right now.

Puffadder shyshark @comeseawithandy

For the longest time, I feared it would never return. But I felt it when I was buying yoghurt last week. And unpacking the dishwasher on Tuesday. And I laughed into my snorkel – overjoyed at spotting a perfectly camouflaged puffadder shyshark – but, mainly, because that feeling bubbled up within me.

It was joy, pure creative joy. It’s the feeling you get when you’ve been writing, and it flowed, when you felt untethered from solid ground and earthly troubles.

How lucky we are to be writers. From the dawn of time, stories have allowed us to rehearse our own lives and walk in the shoes of others, identify with them through their sorrows and triumphs, in order to better live our own.

As early as 335 BCE, Aristotle pointed out that literature seemed to make us happier and healthier. When people felt bored, or unhappy, or their lives lacked meaning, they turned to plays or poetry and, afterwards, felt better.

In recent years, neuroscientists and psychologists have provided scientific confirmation. Literature really does ease trauma, comfort the grief-stricken, lift depression and give us energy. It can, as weird as this sounds, make us better partners and kinder friends.

I know it’s hard to gather the discipline to get going, but when you are writing, you feel stronger in yourself. And, you might just have the chance to make multiple lives better and more meaningful. What could be more fortunate.

Next week we’ll be in Venice, running our eighth annual writing retreat in a 16th century palazzo. I hope we can provide the space and opportunity for our participants to feel that creative surge. I’m sure we will. The city will work its magic – it always does – as will the alchemy of a gathering of like-minded souls.

Our 2025 Venice dates are 1 to 8 and/or 8 to 15 October. If you book now and pay a deposit before the end of this year’s retreat, on 16 October, you will be able to attend next year at the 2024 prices – that’s a five percent saving on the 2025 price. (Not to mention the fact that flights are cheaper when you book ahead.) Have a look at the brochure here.

We’d love to have our entire community with us in Venice but since that’s not possible, here’s how you can join us virtually.

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming free writing webinar, broadcasting live from the inspiring city of Venice. This is your chance to tap into expert advice while virtually experiencing a tiny taste of one of the world’s most literary cities.

What we’re offering:

An open Q&A session on any aspect of creative writing – ask your questions live
Insights and practical advice to help you hone your craft whether you’re writing fiction, creative non-fiction, or for film and television
A supportive environment to discuss your writing challenges

Why join us?

Get your specific writing questions answered
Learn from experienced writers and mentors
Connect with a community of fellow writers
Gain inspiration from our Venetian setting

Our aim is to help you refine your skills and move forward on your writing journey, whatever stage you’re at. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, perfecting your dialogue, or navigating your story, we’re here to help.

Bring your curiosity and your questions. Together, we’ll explore the craft of writing and help you take steps towards becoming the writer you aspire to be.

Date and time: Monday 7 October 17:00 UK time / 18:00 Venice/South African time

We look forward to seeing you there and exploring the world of writing together.

Experience Venice through a writer’s eyes

We invite you to join us on a virtual journey through the enchanting city of Venice!

As we count down to our two-week writing retreat, and throughout our stay in the floating city, we’ll be sharing our experiences with you on social media. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Stunning pictures of Venice’s timeless beauty
Writing tips and craft advice inspired by our Venetian surroundings
Insights from our morning walks and talks
Reflections on the art and architecture that make Venice unique
Glimpses into Venice’s rich literary history

Follow along as we find inspiration in Venice’s winding canals, historic calle, and vibrant art scene, walking in the footsteps of the writers that have come before us. Whether you’re a writer seeking motivation, a lover of Italian culture, or simply in need of a virtual escape, our updates will bring a touch of Venetian magic to your day.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook or X to see Venice through a writer’s eyes and be part of our creative adventure.

Community news

Indie author (and former creative writing student and mentee) Jennifer Withers recently published her second book, Gloam. We ran a two-part Q&A with her that’s a must-read for aspiring authors and book lovers alike.

Part one looks into Jennifer’s writing process and the intriguing world of Gloam, while part two offers insights into the journey of an indie author.

But that’s not all – Jennifer also shares some wisdom on staying motivated and overcoming writing fears here:

Understand that you can’t wait for the muse to strike. Writing is like going to gym – the more you do it, the more you’ll exercise your (brain) muscles.

And here:

Repeat after me – there’s a backspace key on my keyboard. Nothing is permanent until you publish. With every book, you’ll improve. Make peace with the fact that you’ll always look at a previous work and see ways you could’ve done it better. This is a good thing – it means you’ve learned something since you last produced a book. Keep going.

Curious to learn more? Read both parts of our enlightening conversation with Jennifer. Whether you’re battling writer’s block, considering self-publishing, or simply love discovering new books, these blogs are full of inspiration and practical tips to fuel your writing journey.

Don’t miss out on Jennifer’s insights – they might just be the motivation you need to start or finish your next literary masterpiece!

Hope you’ll join us in spirit in Venice either through our writing webinar or through our social media posts on Instagram, Facebook or X.

Happy writing

Jo-Anne

Jo-Anne Richards

Jo-Anne Richards is an internationally published novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing from Wits University. Her first novel, The Innocence of Roast Chicken, was originally published by Headline Review in the UK, and has recently been rereleased as one of the prestigious Picador Africa Classics collection. She ran the Honours programme in Journalism & Media Studies at Wits University for fifteen years.