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| Emma Petfield |
Last weekend
I experienced something very surreal for me. I never thought at the age of
nineteen I would be attending The Brit Writer’s Awards 2012. I would like to
start this blog by saying thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of
the event because I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I feel so much gratitude to
those that invited me and worked to make the event a success.
I was lucky
enough to be granted a behind the scenes look at the event arriving slightly
earlier than other guests. I filmed some of the preparation from sound checks
to last minute dance practices. It was very fun to see everyone rushing around
making sure all the last minute details were fixed and, after a slight
reception panic, I found myself meeting all of the guests in turn.
This was a
pleasant way to start the event because it eased my nerves and everyone was
very lovely to meet.
After this,
we were all lead into the dining area and I loved the table settings they were
simple with a three piece candle set in the centre that reminded my fondly of Lumière from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Everything was pristine and beautifully set out. I was actually sat with MaiaWalczak another blogger from this site and you can see her account of the night
here.
The event began and people from all ages, cultures and
continents joined together in celebrating the craft of writing and what it
means to write. The development of writers is key and I discovered just how
enabling Brit Writers are as a company but also as a community. Everyone was
supportive of the winners. I was just upset that I couldn’t hear any of their
work. I’m sure i twill be available at some point.
Winners were presented with opportunities as well as
recognition, but in my eyes all of the finalists were winners.
This event was mostly a chance for me to connect with
other writers and network because it was the first exposure I’ve had to writing
as a profession rather than a hobby. I must say that I was thrilled with the
diversity of people I had the opportunity to speak to and I look forward to
speaking to again.
Writers are often portrayed as solitary souls in previous
centuries and I think that writing has become a tighter community in the past
few decades. Especially with the innovation of the internet enabling writers to
communicate easily across countries.
I also attended my first creative writing workshop today.
I was so nervous because I had never had my writing critiqued in front of
strangers before. It’s different when you read a comment on a screen, but I’m
so glad I did. The nausea subsided when people started discussing my work in a
constructive way and I feel that I came away from the workshop feeling
confident and inspired to edit and review my work.
That is something that Brit Writers has created for me. A
community.
by Emma Petfield
Pictures courtesy of - RKL Photography
It was lovely to meet you at the event Emma! :)
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