The Word Cloud

My face dropped, blood drained to my feet, “Go on, it’s only 15 minutes” they said, “It’ll be fine, we’ll be there to support you” they said. “Go on, go on, go on” they continued until all I could see in my mind was Mrs. Doyle pushing a tray of cakes into my hand but instead of a delicious ice bun I was being offered the chance to perform my writing in front of…other writers and performers.

 I tried desperately not to look them in the eye, scared that their extreme enthusiasm would jump out and bite me on the ass, infecting me with a sudden desire to embarrass and possibly scar myself for life. There were 3 of us and 2 of them.

 One by one they fell, until I was the last woman standing. The word ‘Yes’ eventually prized itself out of my mouth, falling upon a table of very satisfied people. My only saving grace is I have until June to write something that can warrant an audience and luckily I won’t be alone.

 This has led me to ponder the question “Am I a face or am I a voice? Can we actually be one or the other to make it as successful writers or do we have to be both?”