This is a tag taken up from The Rotten Correspondent.
My first job was as a waitress in a nearby pub when I was 14. Being the smallest there, I was chased round the kitchen by the German chef, who was permanently drunk. He would deposit me over the chip fryer before retiring elsewhere with his bottle.
My mother used to work as a marriage guidance counsellor for what is now called Relate. But whenever my marriage has hit problems, I never felt I wanted to talk to her about it. One, she would have worried too much and two, it felt disloyal to Himself.
I’m a late starter in life: I was 41 when I got married, in my mid thirties when I got something published.
If I could change one thing about my life so far it would be to have started writing earlier. I never felt able to write all the time I lived and worked in London, so I evidently should have got out of there earlier. On the other hand, I had a career I loved.
I was made redundant at the age of 30. Overnight my world crashed. I couldn’t get another job, couldn’t pay the mortgage and didn’t know what to do. So I rented the flat out and came to Cornwall, knowing no one. It was very hard, but I'm glad I did.
Since arriving in Cornwall I have realised that I can sing. I had no idea. Rehearsals start next week for Pyjama Game and I can’t wait to get singing again.
I’ve always been unconventional. This isn’t always a good thing in life. It make for endless problems particularly when you’re growing up. However, now I’m older it doesn’t worry me so much. It’s part of who I am.
I don’t really enjoy eating out. We went for a meal last night with some people we don’t have much in common with and it was awful. Our hostess had cooked loads of food but my stomach twisted into knots and I couldn’t eat. I could see she thought I didn’t like it/was being rude and she looked upset, so my stomach twisted even more. I was worried about the animals because of the fireworks and as I don’t have anything in common with our hosts, there was nothing I could say that would interest them and vice versa. Boy was I glad to get home!
Like most of us, I have times of chronic insecurity, particularly to do with my writing. I think it’s like being an actor – they’re all paranoid as well, but I guess you have to be if you inhabit a different world for most of your life.
I hate shopping. More than that, I hate shops and cities. I have to go to London in a few weeks and I’m dreading it! But if I’m well enough to go, it will be great to meet some fellow writers. It’s called networking…..
Anyone else want to have a go?
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14 comments:
Might take you up on the challenge... haven't been inspired for a few days, maybe this would be a good way back into the blog... :D
Em - I thought you'd been a bit quiet. Hope you aren;t too down. We had a sunny day yesterday and it made such a difference. Here's a bit of Cornish cheer for you.
those were all interesting. i was 41 when i got married, too.
and i hate to shop. hate it.
but i can't sing a note!
That was an interesting read Flowerpot. Can I just say if there's one thing you should not feel insecure about it's your writing - it's fabulous! x
laurie - glad to meet another late wife who hates shopping. Most people look at me in horror when I say that!
Ak - thank you for that, it's very cheering indeed!
What happened that made you redundant? I'm assuming it had to do with your job.
Cool list. I love these random things about people.
Correspondent - it was the big slump of 1990. Jobs were going, businesses collapsed, houses being repossessed, chaos in Britain everywhere. Very frightening particularly as I loved my job.
I love learning more about my blogfriends.
I would take you up on it, but I think everyone knows everything there is to know now!
I think most writers are insecure. I read somewhere we should be termed, an Insecurity of writers.', which I like. Did you know that a flock of ravens is called an Unkindness of ravens?
Sorry way off point here.
Me and my dogs are dressed up to scare tonight - pics on blog.
MissU - I'm sure you could come up with something!
Fiona - will go and have a look at you and yuor dogs in a minute. I LOVE the unkindness of ravens! And an insecurity of writers is spot on I think...
Another late-starting, insecure one here:-) Am also not that keen at eating out with people I have nothing in common with.
Great list flowerpot:-)
x
lane - welcome to the late starting insecure brigade!
Great list FP, interesting too. Yes, I think all writers must suffer from times of insecurity. I know I do...most of the time (or so it seems).
RT
I won't have a go but great post. Hope you make it to London but if not I will be in Cornwall too :-)
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