WALK BEFORE YOU WRITE!

Four students was the perfect number for the first IN THE WRITE LIGHT session. No one could quite believe we had two Colms and two Orlas, but their distinctive personalities ensured we never confused them. A teacher, a professional, a retiree, a housewife, the number was small, but the experience immense. As soon as we greeted each other that first morning, barriers broke down; we shared a mission – to write! With acclaimed dramatist and writer, Nicole Rourke at the helm, the course was set for a smooth sail. Lunchtime, that first day, was a boisterous affair. Spirits were high. The setting, a beachside bodega, served up tasty tapas like grilled prawns, stuffed peppers, washed down with red Rioja. Occasionally some one mentioned writing. Evening time, we headed into Tarifa´s historic old town for fresh fish. Stories were swapped, books recommended, new flavours tried, wine enjoyed. The next few days continued thus, with the participants growing ever more enchanted with the thrill of writing and the charm of Tarifa. The highlight for everyone was the Saturday night roof-top barbeque. The evening was starry; the air was hot. After a feast of steak and salad, Dave, local expat, ex-car racing driver, talented guitar player serenaded us. Nicole and Andy bewitched us with Tango; one of the Orlas sang ‘as gaeilge’. We headed home in the wee hours of the morning, sleepy, giddy, content. Departure time came all too quickly. As we went our separate ways, everyone promising to keep in touch, we each knew we had discovered something special, a memory that would be cherished for years to come.