In all my years of teaching I have only ever had one student who has refused to take those first terrifying steps towards sharing her work. But those who do dare to be brave, who summon up every ounce of courage and start to read are the lucky ones. No step is ever more daunting than that first one.

Despite more than 25 years as a professional writer now, I still belong to a writers’ circle. It is my talisman, my lifeline, my own personal place of safety. It is here that I dare to share the words that expose me and make me vulnerable. It is here, that, without doubt, I find my best [...]