Read Share Reflect
Reading Our History, Sharing Our Stories: A Day as a Writer
By Sarah Seaton
Yesterday was a reminder of why reading, writing, and sharing our stories is so important; it matters.
I had the opportunity to speak at a seminar about reading Black history and to share my own journey as a writer. It gave me a chance to reflect on two things that are important to me: the stories we learn from and the stories we choose to tell ourselves.
The stories you remember as a child are not just the stories you read, but the stories you remember being told as a child by your relatives, elders, siblings, aunties, uncles, the stories you shared with your peers, your children, or people around you when we all socialise.
The importance of reading Black history
Reading history allows us to learn about the people, experiences, and contributions that have helped shape the world we live in. It encourages us to look beyond what we already know, ask questions, and understand perspectives that may be different from our own.
Black history is not just something to acknowledge on a particular day or during a particular month. It is part of our wider history, and continuing to read, learn and share these experiences matters.
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Books can introduce us to people whose stories have been overlooked, give context to the present and encourage meaningful conversations between generations.
Sharing my own writing journey
As a self-published author, I also had the opportunity to speak about my own writing.
My first novel, Queenies: When The Glitter Fades, represents a journey from an idea to a published book. Writing has given me a way to explore relationships, sisterhood, family, and the different experiences women navigate throughout their lives.
Publishing a novel has taught me that writing is not only about putting words on a page. It is also about believing in an idea, learning along the way, and finding the confidence to share your work with other people.
Every writer begins somewhere. Sometimes, the most important step is deciding to take your own ideas seriously.
Why conversations like this matter
Having the opportunity to speak about reading and writing reminded me that stories can connect people in different ways.
Some books teach us about history. Others help us recognise ourselves in a character. Some introduce us to experiences we have never encountered before. All can give us something to think about.
As writers and readers, we have opportunities to keep asking questions, discovering new perspectives and encouraging the next person to pick up a book or begin writing their own story.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and contribute to a conversation about reading, Black history and creativity.
I hope to continue learning, writing, and encouraging others to recognise the value of their own stories.
Over to you: Is there a book that has changed the way you see history, inspired your creativity, or helped you understand someone else’s experience? I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Sarah Seaton is the self-published author of Queenies: When the Glitter Fades.
