Feedback - Brock White
It was quite daunting for a fellow in his later sixties to go on his own. I knew I was the only one from Scotland, and I had no idea whom I would be meeting. However I had the time, and my wife encouraged me, and I quite liked meeting new people anyway. In fact we didn’t have to pay, and this course was ‘on the house’. The next time we had to pay, but it wasn’t a huge amount considering all the expert help we were to receive.
I made the mistake of travelling by train, but the setting of the old house was wonderful. I soon forgot the journey. I had spent quite a lot of time in the Lakes as a boy, even three holidays during the war, and had imbibed the atmosphere of Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books, and it was lovely to be back amongst the lovely scenery. My bedroom had once been occupied by William Wordsworth! There was a warm and reassuring welcome from Mark and the other editors. Walking into a room full of strangers was difficult, but then I remembered that perhaps almost everyone else would feel as I did.
For me the world of writers and publishers was a new world. At first I found it confusing, although the foundation principles were covered. It was interesting to meet so many different people, many of them with stories to tell. Several seemed to be using their writing like a psychiatrist’s couch, and work through some of the terrible difficulties they faced. But I came away with a determination to have a go at writing myself.
The second course I attended was in May, and the weather and scenery were even better. Arriving by car was so much easier and pleasant, and this time I came with more confidence’ and knew the ropes. The games at the beginning to help with introductions were so very helpful in getting us used to one another, and I was soon feeling quite ‘at home’. The food at the first Writers’ Course had been sometimes ‘challenging’, but this time Joe did a wonderful job, and fed us like kings and queens.
I found the sessions made more sense, and guidance from ‘head girl’ Charlotte was first rate, and would have prevented earlier mistakes. Hearing from a full-time writer, how he managed, was both helpful and encouraging. Personal contacts throughout were warm, friendly and reassuring. The fun and banter of a quiz on the second evening set the seal on a thoroughly enjoyable course.
It was over almost too soon, and I was sorry to have to leave growing friendships. I wasn’t of course sorry to be going home, but it was with a heart thankful to the Lord, and challenges buzzing through my mind, that I sped back up the motorway.
Brock White