ANDRE BEGIN

When I retired from my career and started freelancing as a writer, despite my three decades of experience writing for the public sector, I knew I had a lot to learn when it came to creative writing.

I started by devouring a mountain of books that were recommended to help me hone my craft.

Next, I fell down the rabbit hole of free instructional advice to writers, through YouTube videos, TED talks and writers on social media.

I then investigated online courses and workshops that were geared toward the type of writing that was calling to me. When I chose one, imposter syndrome held me back at first, then had me cringing when I hit the “pay” button at the time of registration. I shook off the feeling and bargained with myself that specialized training is what I needed, it comes with a price, and it would be an excellent complement to the strong foundation I had already established.

Was I ever happy I took that bold step in investing in myself?!

That workshop led to another, and then another. Not only was there a wealth of information to gain from great workshops, but the ripple effect of inspiration, motivation and improved technique was unmistakable and lasted for weeks after.

Over the course of workshops I have attended, guest speakers have shared best practices that we might incorporate to help sharpen our creative processes. They have also shared their favourite tools that can help make the job easier. I also admired their dedication to their craft when discussing the fact that we all have lives outside of writing and the delicate balance we need to maintain to meet those commitments while staying true to ourselves.

A great keynote speaker can be an inspirational leader, sharing the rules of the road when working on projects, the challenges they’ve encountered and met head-on, as well as the behind-the-scenes stories that make me fall in love with the process even more.

Even if a guest speaker is not specifically in the same writing discipline as me, I still get something new out of every workshop. As creative writers, there is much commonality in what we do, whether we are authors, screenwriters, playwrights or editors. The right words at the right time can make such a difference in the world of a new writer.

Also, to recognize aptitudes in a guest speaker that I recognize in myself, reassures me that I am probably on the right track, which inspires me even more to stick with it.

A great part of participating in a workshop is being surrounded by peers. Writing can be a lonely pursuit at times, but to be able to network with people who are just like us, who are at different stages of their journeys, helps us to see that we aren’t quite so alone. The passion for creativity connects us.

When I step away from a workshop, I always feel recharged and motivated to keep doing what I love doing. With renewed inspiration, I reconnect with my sense of purpose and find myself more focused and more disciplined to chase my dreams.

The net result is a boost to my confidence for sharing stories that I hope, in turn, will have a positive ripple effect on my audience.

Did you enjoy this post? If you did, your likes and shares are most appreciated. If you haven’t already, please check out the rest of my blog at andrebegin.blog.
Sincere thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
André