a year in review
Seeing how this is my last tinyletter of the year I thought I'd reflect a little on what I've been up to in the last twelve months. I always feel like I don't do enough, a feeling compounded by going back into higher education when there is always more you "could be doing". So to combat that, here's a list of things I've done this year:
Produced a zine with a bunch of awesome contributors and sold 300 copies
Ran workshops for the first time about writing and making zines
Changed my full time job and learnt how to buy books
Wrote an essay and creative piece for my MA, and I'm in the middle of writing ANOTHER essay
Was on the Editorial board of a lit mag, which involved a lot of reading, editing, meeting and organising, plus writing a monthly blog and I hosted my first event for them
Performed work at salons like Untitled Writing and the Alternative Art School Weekender
Did my first zine fair and had my zines collected to be part of zine libraries like Queer Zine Library and The Reading Room
Written game reviews for Jump Dash Roll
Made an interactive fiction prototype for a uni project that didn't go anywhere (oops)
Had my work published in the National Flash-Fiction Day Anthology and Token Magazine
Finished my first writing residency, which I'm extremely proud of, you can read my blog about the experience here and the final pieces from all the writers on the residency here.
Moved in with my girlfriend and settled into a shared life (she just brought me tea and toast at 7.45am so I can finish writing this -- it's been both incredibly easy living together and a steep learning curve)
Had my own desk for the first time <3
Wrote and read out a piece for my brother's wedding that made everyone cry :')
Read 44 books and way too much critical theory
Written 19 out of these 23 tinyletters, which have now become monthly (given the above list I think that was a sensible move)
I'm not listing my achievements here to brag, I still feel very very very small fry and a squib of a writer (I think I will always feel this way, especially while writing is still something that is done in the gaps around my working life). I'm also very tired, this last week of work feels long (it's only Wednesday!!) and I'm ready for a Christmas break (despite the fact I have to write an essay). I think the way I'm doing this isn't really sustainable. Somehow, I have probably written more year than I ever have, I've certainly done more "writer" type things this year, which is why I want to pause and see how I got here. A lot of time alone at my desk of course, and time not spent with friends or in front of the telly. BUT I did none of this alone, could do none of it alone. Every published piece of work was read and critiqued by my writing friends and colleagues and made infinitely better. People have shared and supported my work by reading it or coming to see it performed. I've been mentored by an author who has generously shared her knowledge with me and included me in offers of work. Organisations like Spread the Word have championed my work and been a partner in my residency. Similarly, other colleagues and friends have made space in their funding so that I could run workshops, an incredibly humbling and kind gesture. My friends have been patient and kind to me when I have cancelled plans. My parents have not complained once about the fact I have visited them less this year. Thanks also of course, to you, for reading this tinyletter, for writing notes back and those of you have retweeted, shared and encouraged others to sign up <3
Last Friday, when our country voted for more austerity, more cuts and even more of the precarity that infects out lives, I felt heartbroken. But the sense of community is what stops me despairing, I am reminded that I'm surrounded by people who are willing to share their knowledge, time and funds to help others. That there is still so much work to do, that the arts play a vital role in changing the way people think and who they think about. Next year I want to write more, I want to run more workshops, I want to be involved in my local community more. I want to give more of my time, money and skills to causes that make things better for people in real, meaningful ways.
On that note, if you’re able, some publishers and writers have started a justgiving page for The Trussell Trust who run food banks in the UK, they raised over 5k yesterday and are still taking donations.
Have a good Christmas break every one, watch some TV, play some video games, read that book you've been meaning to. Tell people you love them.
Elizabeth x
If you have a tiny narrative to share please get in touch at thetinynarrative@gmail.com