Randoms by Rach

Reflections On The Last Six Months

I am officially rubbish at this blogging lark. It's ages since I've written anything. But I thought today was probably a good day to break the dry spell. Firstly, because today is my last day as a newbie. It's hard to believe I have been a member of WDC for six months. I still feel like I am in no way qualified to call myself a fully fledged member - I still know so little about writing. I read the work of others and realise just how "newbie-ish" I am. But then, on the other hand, it feels like I have been here forever. I feel completely at home, completely welcome. I have met some wonderful, talented people and made some lovely friends. I can honestly say I have never felt like I fitted in as much as I do here. But no longer being a newbie? Aaargghhh. Sounds scary. No more excuses, I have to know what I'm doing from now on. Yeah, maybe...

The other reason today is a good day to blog is because I validated my NaNo novel on the official NaNo website. I have written 53,392 words! Unbelievable. I almost didn't sign up for NaNo because I thought there was no way I could ever get to 50,000. But I did sign up, and I have made it. I've printed my Winner certificate and put it on the wall, next to my desk. It has pride of place, next to my postcard I received from WDC a couple of weeks ago.

Six months. I can't stop thinking about it. When I think of the things (no matter how small) I have achieved in that time, I actually feel a little bit of pride. That's new to me. I've written numerous poems and short stories, won or been placed in a lot of competitions, been nominated for (and won!) Newbies in the Spotlight twice, been featured in a few newsletters, learned how to review, taken a poetry class and written an entire novel. Wowsers! When I consider this time last year. I was so severely depressed, suffering terrible PTSD, I couldn't leave the flat. Now, everything has changed. And it genuinely is thanks to WDC and all its lovely members.

So, as I leave my newbie-hood behind, I want to say thanks, to everyone on WDC. You've saved my life. (Apologies if this sounded a little like an Oscar speech )