A Place to Write Good Stories
Making space to write
In the beginning
It’s almost two months since I published this piece about my first tentative steps into the unknown…
I’m all a Bit New to This… Leaping into the great abyss | by Debra Urbacz | May, 2023 | Medium
but I am definitely finding my feet on this platform!
So far I have read some incredibly interesting, well crafted and moving stories. I have also been fortunate to connect with some fantastic humans, some of whom have said rather lovely things about my writing too. So thank you Medium for that, it’s given me a huge boost!
Joining a publication
One of the most gratifying things to happen for me, in the past two months is discovering the Medium publication The Narrative Arc. I think this was originally through another member’s writing, but I can’t remember exactly, but thank you to whoever that was. However I joined after the power of the algorithm led me to a call out for stories, on the Summer Love theme.
I’ve been working on my narrative voice for a while now, so writing short stories instead of articles will be great practice for me. This particular theme did stir up some vivid memories from the past. I have also learned that reliving experiences through my adult eyes has given me a fresh perspective on my childhood experiences, which has the benefit of allowing me to present them well — I hope.
What will I write about?
I feel so lucky. I had a beautiful childhood. We had our problems, like other families, there was unemployment, revoked driving licenses, post natal depression, to name a few. But in the main we were a tight knit family unit, that was until my dad died.
I might write about all that one day, but for now I will write for him. In as much as he was a man of the world that encouraged all three of his children to become their own people. He gave us all the opportunities he was able to, with limited resources.
His constant reminders that ‘if you want something in life, you are going to have to work for it because nobody is going to give it to you’ nurtured deep within me the incentive to graft. So I am not put off by putting hours and hours into something for little short-term rewards — I am happy playing the long game. I am going to continue to enjoy the process.
Writing spaces
Like many writers I have a designated area in my home to write. Its a perfectly compact mid-century teak writing desk, tucked away in the corner of the dining room. We barely use that room since the pandemic though, so it had become something of a dumping ground for half finished craft projects and other random stuff.
As the summer break approaches, I have spent time clearing out and reclaiming this space. I have been balancing my laptop on my knee on the sofa for the best part of this year, as well as escaping to coffee shops and the writer’s studio to write.
My space is illuminated by light from the cleverly converted vintage camera that my husband made for me. It’s the body of the same make and model that I inherited from my dad, which was bought as ‘spares and repairs’ when the original stopped working.
It’s one of my most treasured possessions because it represents to me the genuine love of two people that gave me their unfailing support and encouragement, even when I appeared to be wandering in the wrong direction. They were always there when I got back.
A summer for writing
As the school year comes to a close, the windows opportunity are about to be thrown wide open. I plan to use much of that freedom to work on my writing.
I am curious to see what this period of leisurely reflection will allow me to achieve. Meanwhile it’s time to familiarise myself with submission guidelines and catch up on some weekend reading.
Thank you for reading ❤
DU
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