On Monday evening I was lucky enough to be invited to do my very first reading at The MAC. This amazing arena for the artistic community in Belfast was opened in 2012 and is a standout venue in terms of both its impressive architecture and the events held within its walls.I had heard about an opportunity to meet with Damian Gorman, who was completing his Artist-in-Residence term, and I jumped at the opportunity to get as much as much advice as possible from the BAFTA winning writer. After a fantastic one-to-one meeting I felt truly motivated and inspired.
Damian has helped encourage and engage local writers throughout his career and it will be sad to see him leave these shores shortly. However, it will be possible to bid him a fond farewell at his last appearance Saying Things.
With such a great host and wonderful venue I was enthralled to join other local writers to offer up an extract from SHATTERED. I have to admit that my nerves were jangling but after a hasty introduction to the work and a plea for patience (in case my aphasia kicked in) I started into the prologue. It all went well thankfully. With a two-pronged technique of taking my time and remembering to breathe I managed to read the introduction to the upcoming novella and after speaking with audience members after the event I was pleased to find that it was enjoyed. Comments included "very scary", "chilling"and "gruesome" and that was the reaction after hearing only the first few pages. I don't think I'd be able to do it every day but the response really was music to a the ears of this horror writer.There was some amazing talent in the room and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting back and listening to the readings from the other writers. With a huge variety in content and format the evening was very interesting and intimate. I wish the best for all the participants and of course to Damian who has brought so much to the writing community here in Northern Ireland.
