It is Day 4 here on the stunning island of Inis Mor. I feel like it has been much longer. The group of 16 writers have quickly become friends and laughter rings throughout the hallways during the gathering times. I am a later riser so often when I leave my room and head towards the dining room several other people are already there. Every single time I can hear the talking, the story telling, but most of all, the laughter. I am not generally a morning person but I have found it easy to settle into the group and to join the conversations, ALL of which involve stories and laughter. It is a beautiful way to start the day!
While I don't identify as being a 'writer' I am quickly learning to try it on and see how it fits. Many of these women have published and one quiet, gentle woman has published FIVE novels. There is a mixture of writing styles; memoirs, biographies, fiction, educational material, poetry and historical novels that are all being produced on this little island at this time.
When we gathered the first morning to tell our stories of why we are here, what we hope to achieve, what we have overcome and where we are headed, as always, I was moved by the honesty and the courage to share in front of strangers. I was moved to tears more than once. My friend Sheila often said, 'if you throw your troubles into a pile with everyone else's you will almost always take back your own'. And yet, there was not an ounce of self-pity. In fact, these women have demonstrated such strength of character in the face of so many challenges and have forged on, often inspired by the need to write. While each of the stories belonged to the individual there were common themes of passion for writing, the need to stretch themselves to learn, along with wanting to live life to the fullest. It is always a good thing to have your life put back into perspective.
Janie and Gerard (the facilitators) have created an environment of safety. They are incredibly supportive yet are not afraid to challenge you as a writer. As a teacher for many years I know how difficult it is to achieve that balance between constructive criticism and encouragement yet they make it look easy.
Before the retreat each of us had to submit five writing samples. On the second day here each of us met with Gerard for one hour to discuss our writing, our motivations for writing and to create a bit of a plan on how to best make use of our two weeks on Inis Mor. No lie, I was nervous about the feedback and I came into the meeting lacking a real plan for moving forward with my writing. I had made it clear in our initial zoom interview that writing was only a part of my reason to travel to Inis Mor, time for reflection and solitude were my main goals. I left the meeting so uplifted! I was validated as a writer, recognized as an artistic soul and encouraged to just BE while I was here. Now I was free to write!
Inis Mor itself has also welcomed me. The beach down the road calls to me and I may even go for a dip before I leave here. The steep climb up to Dun Aonghasa fills my lungs and tests my knees but when you reach the top and look over the ocean at the base of 100' cliffs you know the climb has been worth it. The walk down the road past the highland cattle, along the stone walls, past the ancient cemetery whispers the stories of those who have gone before. Ireland, as you know, is a land of saints and scholars, a land where stories, music and art are celebrated. The rocky hillsides and stone walls tell the tales of back breaking efforts to settle this harsh land. And yet, I have not met an Irish soul who has not been quick with a smile and even quicker with a story.
I came on this trip with a sliver of guilt, a feeling of perhaps being a bit selfish for wanting to take this journey alone. Not anymore. I feel my creative spark growing and the beginnings of a small flame poofing out from that spark. I have stories to tell and time to tell them. I feel blessed to have this opportunity and I will be making the most of it!
Slán go fóill
(goodby, for now)
