Issue 9 Writer Spotlight | Mark Blackburn
C+B: Tell us about yourself, Mark!
MB: I was a shoe-seller and property expert in London until I escaped to the countryside and started writing. When I'm not writing, I'm likely to be driving around in old cars and hoping they don't break down!
I used to write before the world of work got in the way; I started evening classes in creative writing towards the end of my professional career and soon began having stories published. Now I'm writing more or less full-time and loving it!
C+B: Describe a time when you doubted yourself. Explain the scenario and how you were able to work through it.
MB: When did I ever not doubt myself? I think the change came for the better when I started writing and became the person I wanted to be rather than the person (Ifelt?) others wanted me to be. The more you are your 'authentic' self (sorry for that word!) the easier it becomes to prosper, in the widest sense.
C+B: Describe a time when you felt successful in your creative pursuits. Explain the scenario and what was so impactful for you.
MB: When I was runner-up in the Interact Ruth Rendell Short Story Prize. I attended the ceremony and my story was read by a professional actor. The judge, Dame Margaret Drabble, told me personally how much she related to and loved my story. I did feel that day that if Dame Margaret loves my writing, what else do I have to prove!
C+B: What do you think makes a creator or their work impactful?
MB: Relatability. When they can somehow identify and communicate some aspect of the human condition and render a potentially cathartic or inspiring take on it.
Find and support Mark here:
IG: @mdhblackburn
Website: mark-blackburn-writer.sumupstore.com
Me in 3 words: Older, liberal, resilient - I started writing seriously in my 50s and I'm getting over prostate cancer!
My favorite creator of all time: David Bowie, not just for his creative content but for the person he was. Even he said that as you grow older you become the person you wanted to be, and that does encourage and inspire me.
A medium I’ve never tried but want to: I would like to engage with screenwriting or some form of writing for performance. But my current writing efforts use nearly all my time and energy.
