In order to write, one has to live. However, this can be a problem for us unsupported writers. By unsupported, I mean, those without any funding or independent means who are single and have no one else to pay the bills, shop, cook, clean, organise life etc… and must work to ensure income, plus write to ensure one remains a writer. This equation of needs often result in lack of, or at least a picaresque dance of, time and money and bill-paying – and there’s often little or no time or funds remain to have a social life.
Recently, however, something odd has happened. I’ve hardly been in any evening this week and am being brought to the Theatre Royal this arvo to see ‘One Man, Two Governors’, yet another party invite this evening, and a lunch tomorrow. I’m beginning to understand why people are so keen on this social life thang they’re always wittering about. Do hope I get spoiled and invited more over this festive season!
This new found social life may result in some material for my writing. It’s all in the name of research…
PS: Just got news that one of my short stories has made the Greenacre shortlist. Humdinger of a weekend, eh?
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About suehealy
I am a native of Waterford, Ireland and a journalist and editor since 1992. I am also an alumna of the UEA’s MA in Creative Writing. Since graduating in 2009, my short stories and drama have won the Molly Keane Memorial Award, the HISSAC Prize, the Sussex Playwrights’ Prize, the Meridian Prize, the Waterford-Annaghmakerrig Award and the Ted O’Regan Arts Award. I have also been short-listed for numerous other prizes including the Fish Short Story Competition and the BBC International Playwriting Award. I produced my own Broadcasting Authority of Ireland funded radio drama 'Cow', which was directed by Aosdana member Jim Nolan and broadcast on KCLR 96fm, April , 2013. My stageplay, 'Shellakybooky' was one of five plays selected for performance for the Contemporary European Drama Review at UEA, Norwich, April 13th, 2013. I playedn'Mar' in this production. To date, my prose has been anthologized /published in seven respected literary publications across the UK, Ireland, Hungary and Australia. I was artist-in-residence on Inis Oirr throughout January 2013 and am a 2013 Escalator Literature Artist. I currently teach creative writing to offenders, tutor online and run a creative writing consultation service. Additionally, I am an Associate member of the U.K.'s Institute for Learning, the further education professional body and am a qualified TEFL teacher. I am currently working on a novel and a screenplay.
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View all posts by suehealy
December 8th, 2012 at 13:39
Writing takes so much time! But the results are always worth it. Social life – for me – is a few very good friends and some red wine with dark chocolate!
December 8th, 2012 at 14:25
Research on, while it lasts! Being an introvert, I can only do the ‘social whirl’ a short while before I crave a quiet room and a book, or a computer. But that whirl is fun …
December 8th, 2012 at 16:19
Glad you’re out there…gaining fodder for your pen…enjoy living!
December 8th, 2012 at 19:34
Congrats on making the shortlist and may you continue enjoying the social butterfly lifestyle:-)
December 9th, 2012 at 01:30
Yes, living is research. I totally agree. Enjoy the parties and embellish the guests in your writing.
December 9th, 2012 at 11:50
Well-deserved…all around!
December 16th, 2012 at 01:58
Yes, I fully support research! You need the balance. There’s the saying about two lumberjacks: One spends half the day not working and instead ‘sharpens his saw’ while the other works non-stop. At the end of the day, the one who sharpened his saw frequently, although he didn’t work as much, had cut down more trees. He worked more efficiently and wasn’t exhausted!
December 17th, 2012 at 03:54
sometimes seems difficult to write AND live. Oh, and earn money. But what the hell, you’re having fun!
January 27th, 2013 at 14:06
Congratulations… enjoy…