Behind the Screens – Part 1

I’ve never really been a fan of websites where the admin team remain resolutely behind their monitors, silently working away and refusing to come out of hiding, even when offered tea and biscuits.

That’s why I’ve decided to do this article, as the start of a series in order to keep you, dear readers, up to date with what’s happening ‘behind the screens’ here on Inspired-Quill. Now I suppose since this is an introductory article, I’d better actually offer an introduction, hadn’t I? Well, my name is Sara Slack, and I’m the ‘mother’ of Inspired-Quill. I’ve been an avid reader since the time I could figure out how to pronounce words, and even at the age of seven I was usually found either with my nose in a book or furiously scribbling down short story ideas. Nowadays, despite being on a rather hectic schedule with my myriad of different hobbies and University work, the above statement is usually true for whenever I have a spare moment, although I guess it’s more truthful to replace ‘scribbling’ with ‘typing’.

My writing ‘career’ has primarily been dribs and drabs of short stories and poetry up until the time when I started University…and now for some reason I find myself enjoying writing articles and reviews more than I have done previously. Writing styles are like anything else…they evolve and progress to different strengths and time goes on and you get more experience.

It probably won’t be much of a surprise to people when I say that this is the second incarnation of the I.Q. web site. The first site was boring, static and wholly unsatisfying in most every way. Back in February of this year, I began writing for a website that had constant content along with a great layout. Unfortunately, the site only lasted a few months.

One thing that I learned in my time there however, was how to be more organised. I had also begun to realise that instead of my web site being static, I needed a way to push it forwards. It needed a purpose instead of just sitting there, taking up space on the internet. Since I sat down and changed I.Q, writing for the site has given me the chance to talk about what I have a passion for. Namely forms of literature, and the different issues behind the topic. I’m not going to lie to you, dear reader. The journey I’ve taken so far with this website has certainly been a roller coaster. I guess that’s the upside of being passionate about what you do, nothing seems like too much hard work, even if there have been challenges along the way.

It’s been great being able to network with like-minded individuals who have rather scary amounts of energy and creativity. Trying to figure out which way to take Inspired Quill forwards in the future has been a challenge, but an infinitely enjoyable one, and hopefully the energy that has been put into the site shows through.

Our main goal is to allow I.Q. to become a platform for budding young writers and critics, and a way in which the older dab hands can promote themselves and help the next generation to keep the love of literature alive. We want to become a leading online community for literature enthusiasts, and the I.Q. team is of the opinion that whilst this is a big target to try and achieve, with hard work and continued enthusiasm, it will be well within our reach.

In my time with the site, I’ve learned a lot about prioritising and actually having the guts to stick to a plan of action. Not only that, but I’ve also had to think long and hard about the state of my own confidence as a writer and the reasons behind my passion for books.

These ‘Behind the Screens’ articles will be a regular feature, and will contain the news of what’s happening…well…’Behind the Screens’ on Inspired Quill. So stay tuned!

One Response to “Behind the Screens – Part 1”

1. Caterina Gandolfi says:

   January 25, 2010 at 4:50 am

   Hello. Thank you. I read it regularly to read the newest info. Very helpful entry.