This story was read for Bravewords Live in June 2023 at Avoca Beach Theatre as part of the 5 Lands Walk Festival.

“In the back of my mind I thought I’d write a book one day. I didn’t know for sure what I wanted to write about, fiction or nonfiction. But the course just let me explore what I could write.”

“Some of the most painful moments in a relationship come from a dud gift. I was pretty disappointed to receive a watch on my birthday when what I wanted was an engagement ring.”

“Even the youngest have outgrown their belief.”

“All the joy of the previous evening dissolves as you realise what you have written is crap. You are embarrassed and sad. You thought you were smart, but you’re clearly deluded.”

“Sometime in your twenties a friend will ask you to help them move house. Say yes. The only thing worse than helping someone move house is having to move on your own. This friend will now owe you.”

“All I wanted was for someone to bring me coffee and leave me alone to sit in the sun with my eyes closed. I started to wonder if Yogi Tim was a misogynist.”

“I had the whole world in my head, but it wouldn’t come out. I was deeply confused. Then I became paralysed with fear. Why couldn’t I write? And if I wasn’t a writer, who was I?”