While working on my new website, I found something I’d tucked away — a newsletter and feedback from my first proper author reading in 2015. It was at The Space, where I was invited to share my book Saint or Sinner.

I remember being nervous. I’d written the book to tell my truth, but standing in front of a room of people reading passages about trauma, addiction, crime, and recovery felt exposing. What happened instead was powerful. People listened, then they opened up. They shared their own struggles and spoke about how the story reassured them that they weren’t alone.

The Space captured the night in their newsletter, calling it “an amazing success,” and members’ words have stayed with me:

“Wayne showed great courage in sharing his life experience with us… a truly amazing and touching story.” – Anita Carter

“His reading was very powerful and moving… a worthwhile event for many people.” – Leanne Winfield

“Thought provoking, emotive and informative.” – Graham Hale

Reading this back nearly ten years later reminded me of two things. First, that writing is about more than books — it’s about connection. And second, that I’ve been on this path much longer than I realised. The seeds of my author journey were planted back then, even if it’s only now I’m beginning to see them grow.