Alan Stapleton: On Penning a Squash Short Story May 19, 2015
For the last X years, I have been
threatening to write a book. But then I ask myself , ..." About what
?"... "I can't afford to "... "who would want to read my trash ?"
I realised at school that I enjoyed
writing. Uninhibited stuff. Actually wanted to go into Journalism but
my folks pointed me elsewhere. To teaching. And somehow, my love for
writing became stymied ? Into marking ? Into the moosh of life ? I
don't know.
Then, I was offered a position in
Marketing. Retail. And somehow, by mistake, a candle was re-lit. And I
started writing. My family said they so enjoyed my Family letters. So I
sent them to my friends. And they said the same. And I
thought.....maybe I do have a talent, but I still didn't believe.
really. And I didn't knmow what to write about
So, I have continued to dabble, mostly in
and around squash with a monthly Balls to the Wall article which
somehow found its way into Ted's paws. And the world started to open.
A Short Story about Squash ?
Give it a go. I still struggle to loosen
myself from reality, into creativity, to find a story, afresh, in my
mind... so most of what I have written is (semi) autobiographical. But
the Short Story Challenge. It challenged me. I wrote, and re-wrote,
Read, and re-read. Asked for advice, from wife and friend. And rejected
it. The judges told me the same !!
I wanted to win. Hoped that I would. Not
for the prizes. Just for the self-belief. And the pride. But I didn't,
and I am still happy.
I have jumped over a little wall , and feel like I am out in a field. Starting to run. Is this a new beginning ?
I feel as if I have competed. I have not
met the 12 other writers ( though I have read , and admired some of
their stuff) but I feel as if I have met them. That we were in a team.
That we have played against one another. Competed. We have shaked
hands, and met each other in the eye. Unknown friends.Arm-in-arm
I feel as If I have been coached. I have
not met the 4 judges ( though I have read, and admired some of their
stuff) but I feel as if I have been mentored, guided. Has a key been
found to open a door to take me towards a road, that I actually want to
travel
