I needed clarity, something to hold amid this uncertain time.
In keeping with a promise, I made to myself at the beginning of our current ‘situation’, Saturdays are for shredding old documents.
I started this area with determination and a time frame in mind.
Within 45 minutes of sorting documents to shred, I hit an excitement booster, a letter from Ms Terri Martini.
This ‘excitement booster’ needs an introduction.
Sometime in 1996, I learnt about The Institute of Children’s Literature.
How did I know about it? The recollection is not clear.
It was an opportunity to learn something I love – writing.
Whether it was for Children or Adults was not my concern. They were uncertain times, and I was yearning for something familiar.
This program is a movement away from my reality. One of which I was still questioning was my decision to migrate.
I got clarity, and I could live in my head, and then putting my thoughts on paper was my focus.
I received my initial packet of instructions; It included a binder, welcome letter, course outline and mail-in assignments. Also, I introduced Ms Terri Martini as my Instructor.
Sitting on my bedroom/home office floor brought back great memories. Most of all, there was a connection between different times in my life.
I wrote plays and skits in high school with a desire and intention to continue after High School.
Due to a series of incidents, in other words, life, the alluring writing bug, went to sleep.
So in 1996, the writing bug was once again active.
The process was easy at first. I would submit an assignment.
Ms Martini reads and corrects any mistakes. I will fix and resubmit based on Her corrections and suggestions.
I will receive a new assignment after the completion of the previous one. The first three assignments were handwritten. I knew the other submissions had to be typewritten.
They were Microsoft Word or some other way to get my assignments done. But I wasn’t aware of it, and it was urgent.
As you can imagine, I didn’t have a computer.
I was in a shamble, and my Instructor was following the rules.
I purchased my electric Smith-Corona correcting cassette typewriter from Popular Club Plan.
Oh my! I am ready for my submissions but must familiarize myself with a typewriter.
After several mistakes, my first typewritten story, with errors, reached my Instructor.
Browsing through the drafts and finished stories was a walk down memory lane. It highlighted the areas I have improved but still struggle with; writing in an ” Active” voice.
I have acquired certificates, awards, diplomas, degrees and licences. I am confident my Diploma from the Institute of Children’s Literature is my proudest. I earned it through my creativity.
The ability to use your imagination, moving between continents, if you wish, is magical.
The incredible way of taking everyday occurrences or situations, adding your perception and creating a story with little or no resemblance to the former is rewarding.
I found my typewriter in its original box, working like new after all these years. I finally got my Diploma in March 2000.
I had a few lapses along the way. In the midst of whatever was happening, the completion of the program was on my mind.
My favourite is Assignment #8. It is about Christmas, as I remember as a child in Guyana. The biggest challenge was keeping the story within the assigned word count.
It was a challenge, one which I conquered. I had several corrections, more than any before or after.
I wanted to put EVERYTHING on paper; Ms Martini thought otherwise.
I’m writing again a decade later with more experience and much more to say.
I know God is speaking to us every day. The Holy Spirit drops little nuggets of inspiration, and interest in our Souls, sometimes, we take note, and sometimes we don’t.
It is my third notification, and I got the message
https://thinkingandlivingboldly.com/books-a-momentary-escape/
This is beautiful
Thank you.