How Charlotte Mecklenburg Library helped me shine
April 17, 2020
Thursday mornings have been the best part of my week for more than four years now. The blank white paper invited me to write with a variety of pens to choose from, steaming hot coffee, snacks and, most importantly, my fellow writers. Pam Turner, the heart and soul of this group called Write Like You Mean It, works at Main Library, and this is where my association with the Library began.
In the year 2016, I moved to Charlotte. I had been in the United States just over eleven months. The people, the culture, the accents, everything felt as fresh as the smell of earth after the first rain of the season. I was trying to fit in and find a community that fits me. Given my professional writing background, it was no surprise that the Library was one of the first places on my list to visit.
At the library, my eyes darted to the flyer about the weekly writing group, Write Like You Mean It.
Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Luckily, my first experience at the group put my fears to rest. I felt welcome, comfortable and felt no pressure to share my writing. Soon, I moved ahead from merely listening to the fabulous words of other writers and grew brave enough to share my words, which earned me positive feedback that encouraged me to write more.
Enthused and motivated, I offered to volunteer for the group. This meant weekly meetings where Pam and I would discuss ideas about what prompts to use. My zeal to get creative and think out of the box doubled when Pam was supportive of my ideas and was willing to experiment with field trips and inviting guest speakers to the group. We take field trips to First Ward Park, art exhibits at Spirit Square, ride the streetcar to attend the Sensoria Festival at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and always return with tons of material to write about.
As my confidence grew, I became a self-appointed ambassador for Library writing programs.
I attended writing groups in other Library locations to compare notes and promote my own group. Clearly, the word spread because soon the number of participants in the group grew considerably. I participated in local writing groups outside of the Library and, when I met other writers who struck a chord with me, I invited them to be guest speakers at the Library. I started my own fiction writing group, a monthly group where I shared tips, techniques and videos with information that continued to benefit me as a writer. I am now on the Library’s presenter showcase, which I am proud to be a part of.
As a fresh off the boat immigrant, one of the challenges I faced was making good friends. Thanks to my writing group and my involvement in Library writing programs, I met many like-minded people. I now have a diverse and trustworthy group of friends, most of whom are writers. They have inspired me through their writing and supported me at my programs. I would love to mention all their names, but I am afraid I might forget someone. That gives you an idea of the number!
I would, however, like to mention two of my super special friends: Fandy, who also volunteered at Main library, and my writing buddy Vidya Murlidhar. These beautiful friendships have added joy to mundane days and have pulled me right back up in challenging times in my writing journey.
My current visa status does not allow me to work in the U.S., but I can certainly volunteer. I am grateful for the opportunity to do something important and meaningful to the community. Today, I am a better writer and in a position to enable others to do so. I am able to bridge resources and talent and contribute to building a welcoming and safe writing community. Special thanks to Becca Worthington, who works at ImaginOn's Spangler Library, for her infectious enthusiasm that motivates me to explore different types of writing, the entire staff ofthe Job Help Center at Main Library, Pam Turner, De’Trice Fox, Chantez Neymoss and Christine Bretz, who have been a pillar of strength in all my writing endeavors.
My heartfelt thanks to the Library for giving me a chance to shine by showcasing my talent and be a shining light for many others in the writing community.