A Student’s Narrative.

By Mechelle McDonald

A WAVE of soft inhalations echo through the beige colored classroom where the Bahamian sun beamed brightly onto wooden desks, cushioned chairs and patterned tiles.

"Go into your body", the words of Marion Bethel echoed through the room, " feel and embrace the senses and thoughts flowing through you." This was an odd act for me and reminded me of the meditation moments that the yogi and yoga enthusiasts perform before and after sessions. Its aim was to calm and centre us; create a mode of focus, but my thoughts of curiosity raced erratically. After peeping around briefly to ensure that I was not left behind in my own thoughts, we all  closed  our eyes to the harsh sunlight. We faced each other and our lecturers with overall optimism for this crafty workshop that would challenge, mold and stimulate all levels of creativity and determination. The sea of unfamiliar faces wore short looks and vague expressions tailored with widened eyes and pressed lips; showing the signs of discomfort among the new group. The unspoken bond was one of seamless artistry. For some it is kept in private, under beds , in well worn books and locked boxes. For others it is familiar and unrestricted. It is something that cannot be touched or smelt but it can be felt on many levels and described with simple eloquence. It makes us gasp, laugh, tremble, hope, remember and reveal with ease. It’s an art whose creation has evolved from inked feathers, dusty chalk and chipped pencils to typewriters, ball pointed pens and electronic keys. Construction by nimble fingers and abstract minds seen on blogs, scripts, magazines and novels throughout. It has no prerequisite but thirst; the thirst to want more. The bond of Writing.

As a poet of fifteen years, I sought a new challenge when I signed up with the Bahamas Writers Summer Institute (BWSI). Gliding my finger down the crisp white page of choices, my eyes rested squarely on the printed version of my jumbled thoughts: NONFICTION/MEMOIR. This was the right choice for me, I decided. The world of fiction is unique indeed, but I felt that it was time to deliver a heavy dose of truth; my truth. Admittedly, I had not considered the non-fiction part of the equation: ever. My form of writing  had  mostly been truth but also raw, direct and narrative. I was unfamiliar with the depths that a memoir required to be filling for the reader and satisfying for the writing.

Of the five published Bahamian writers who led the BWSI, Ms. Helen Klonaris led the Memoir class. She began our first session by asking for the names of the eight women who sat before her with eager faces. We shared a brief introduction of ourselves that developed into a community of sisters who shared, reflected, inspired and accepted each other through the use of words, tones and a unique blend of harmonious linguistics. With guest speakers, famed COB Lecturers and skilled persons from abroad, participants were treated to a variety of writing wisdom. The workshop not only gave us a greater love for their talent but also gave us a voice behind our statements. It allowed us to confirm our purpose as writers. The experience was at times painful, deep and unnerving but the end result is one of a clearer understanding, redefined craft and becoming one with your body through your writing. It inspires you to delve deeper into your genesis and psyche through the expression of words.

This life changing experience ended in the warm ambiance of the scenic National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Adorned with violet and green plants that accented both the bright sun and ember effects of the night lights during the in-depth presentations and pieces by lecturers and certified members alike. Being surrounded by fellow writers, women and scholars gave a feeling of familiarity and comfort. There was support and acceptance always.

"If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it." -Toni Morrison

I ask you to challenge yourself, search your soul and find that thirst for more at the Bahamas Writers’ Summer Institute’s Workshop. Find your community of writers, supporters and friends who will redefine the concept of writing; shaping it into a true expression of you.♦bf