You don’t need to be able to see well to write well. That’s one of the things I love most about writing—it’s always accessible. Even on days when my visual fatigue and eye pain is too bad to open my eyes, I can still create stories, explore new ideas, and express myself. Writing is my escape, my creative outlet, and, more than anything, a way to connect with others.
Writing as a Way to Build Community
One of the most amazing things about writing is how it brings people together. Many of my closest friends have come from studying creative writing at university, joining local writing groups, or attending open mic nights. I have found that writers are a very accepting and inclusive bunch of people who just want to talk about writing and meet others who are passionate about words.
If you’re interested in writing, I really recommend getting involved in your local writing scene. There are so many opportunities to meet fellow writers, from book clubs to spoken word nights and writing competitions. You don’t have to be the next bestselling author—if you love words and stories, that’s enough!
Discovering My Love for Writing
I didn’t always want to be a writer. As a kid, I dreamed of being an archaeologist—until I realised that meant spending a lot of time cold and muddy! My love for writing started around the age of ten when I became obsessed with books, particularly The Spiderwick Chronicles and the Inkheart trilogy. I remember thinking, maybe I could write books like this one day!
At that age, I could still read standard print, and I’d devour books at every opportunity—on the bus home, during breaks at school, and in any quiet moment I could find. I’d often get through three or four books a week. I wish I had that much reading time now!
Reading with Sight Loss
My vision is very different now, and I can no longer read standard-size print comfortably. These days, I access books through large print on my Kindle or, more often, through audiobooks.
Last year, I read 132 books—which sounds a bit ridiculous, I know! This year, I’m already about ten books in. I usually read multiple books at once because I get bored if I stick to just one.
In addition to audiobooks, I’ve also found ways to adapt my writing process. In this video tutorial, I share how I use Goodnotes to support my creative writing, which has given me back the opportunity to write by hand.
Finding Your Writing Community
If you love writing, don’t keep it to yourself! There are so many ways to connect with other writers and share your work. Look for local writing groups, book clubs, and creative writing charities. Enter writing competitions—you never know what ideas they might spark! And if you’re nervous about sharing your work, remember that every writer starts somewhere. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and keep writing.
Reading Your Way – World Book Day
Creative writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about storytelling, self-expression, and finding a community of people who share your passion. This World Book Day, why not pick up a pen, open a new document, or record a voice note and start writing? You never know where your words might take you.