Creativity.

I am a published writer, technically.

When I as 18 or so I used to write poetry. I saw it as an easy way to an easy lifestyle. How difficult can it be to write a few lines?

It was pretty difficult, although, I actually came up with a decent thirty poems which I spent aound18 months trying to get published or even acknowledged. The trouble is any quasi-writer has the same dream of an easy way to literary fame and fortune so every publishing house is flooded by poetry submissions. Most big publishing houses even refuse submissions from poets. They are wise to do so.

However, one local paper took an interest in the 18 year old Duffy right on their doorstep and one day a photographer came round, and took my photo. A week later I was in the paper alongside one of my poems (it was about war or something, handy in 2003). If I remember correctly, the paper was the most popular local rag. I can legitimately say tens of thousands of people read (or ignored) that poem.

I became a celebrity for about a day, my family and friends called to congratulate me and I even heard somebody had produced a short critique on my work. My parents didn't really know I was a writer so they were obviously shocked to see their son in the local rag alongside one of his poems. One of my aunts came round with several copies for everyone to treasure.

I think my dad said he was proud of me that day, I am not sure he said it but I like to think he did.

I still have my poems hidden away in a filing cabinet in England, and I still have a paper cutout of me and my mug from the rag. When I get the opportunity to I will post the famous war poem here! for all to enjoy! (and critique).

I will never become a world famous poetry writer, but I had ago and got my fifteen minutes at least.