Loving what you do for a living is one of life’s greatest gifts. Before I took up writing professionally I worked in all sorts of industrial and corporate jobs, many of which sapped my soul and made me wonder whether life was worth the effort.
In all those jobs I felt like a visitor in someone else’s world. Yet sitting here at my keyboard in a typically ungainly position, with my ankles badly twisted underneath my desk, I feel completely comfortable.
Some of you already know what I’m on about. If you love your work then you know how lucky I feel.
Although I’m pretty much retired now (a vocational writer never stops writing!) I had the best gig in the world: I paid my rent for three decades by writing 1,000 words each week, about anything I wanted.
From the age of 15 I wrote every single day, keeping a diary until the age of 21. Those diaries contained as much fiction as fact. As a precocious teenager I thought it might be interesting for an ‘older me’ to look back and see what I was like in adolescence.
In truth those 6 volumes constitute a terrifying journey into petulance, paranoia and sexual fantasy, but their making instilled within me the discipline of a lifetime: to sit and write each day.
Since then I’ve had over two million words published in Ireland and the UK, and three plays performed. A month after I arrived in Galway in 1992, my one-woman show ‘Aileen Stays In’ won a Punchbag Theatre competition.
Alongside Double Vision I had a column in the Irish Examiner, and many features published in the Irish Times, Irish Post and other media.
I have dedicated my life to learning my craft. I’m still learning, and hopefully will always learn, because you never know it all.
Now I love to pass on what I’ve learned, through my Craft of Writing Course.
My course has been enjoyed by everyone from fresh 20 year-olds to wise souls in their 80s, who have plenty of stories to tell; from complete novices to published novelists.
Nobody can teach talent, but skills can be nurtured and imaginations stimulated.
More importantly, while mystery and wonder certainly inhabit the process of creative writing, everyone benefits from understanding the craft of writing.
Before you can paint a portrait in oils, you have to learn how to draw a straight line. Writing is like every other art form. All writers benefit from learning the craft of writing.
Anyone can master this craft.
There is no mystery to it.
Some of you will have talent, which cannot be taught, but talent is wasted without craft.
In fun, safe and supportive lessons I will show you how to overcome fear and write a first draft.
You’ll learn how to develop characters, structure, plot and voice, while discovering how to use shape, pace, tense and dialogue to enhance the power of your words.
My enjoyable Craft of Writing Course will boost your confidence, enabling you to write as you’ve always wished.
I will also share advice about how to sell your writing.
Come and join me in the Killala Community Centre this Spring, and together we’ll have fun learning the Craft of Writing.
Places are limited, so book your seat at the table NOW!
Call Charlie on: 085 729 4204
Or email: cadley1@icloud.com
Killala Community Centre
7:15 - 9:00pm Tuesday March 3rd - Tuesday April 28th.
€150 for 8 weeks (there's a break for St. Patricks Day)
*****
Here are some student testimonials:
“Thanks for a fabulous course. It was practical, factual, educational and jovial - a masterclass in how to teach with fun - and you managed to get stories from us each week!” - John.
“I was very familiar with the language of can't and couldn’t, but in your creative classes I have learned a vocabulary that involves embracing the terms can and could. Thank you for sharing your time, thoughts and energy and thanks for helping me to see life with a new perspective.” - Niall.
“The course was fabulous. I learned a great deal about the skills and techniques of writing. I have enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you so much for all your feedback.” - Gerry.
“I am learning so much. Thank you. You have an amazing passion for words - it oozes out of you - and a great energy that is wonderful to be around.” - Sindy.
“Many thanks for the excellent course. I found it thoroughly revealing. Thanks once again for the enlightenment and the fun.” - Frank.
“Your enthusiasm runs deep. It’s clear that you do this for the love of the craft. You have so much to give to people and are so generous with your time and passion. I can only offer you my gratitude for a wonderfully inspiring, educational and thought-provoking eight weeks.” - George.
“I booked this course with no real expectations. Little did I know that it was going to be one of the most enjoyable courses I have ever attended and that I was going to learn so much. The course layout, notes and your personal involvement made it a very easy and enjoyable way to learn.” - Walter.
No comments:
Post a Comment