"I can't believe I've published a book!"

maryjane414
Oct 24, 2023
2 min read

Vida Cody had never written before she joined GCDA's Creative Writing course, but within a year she had published her first book. She shares her own story with Made in Greenwich.

Vida started GCDA’s creative writing course in September 2022. She immediately loved the sessions with the tutor Amanda pictured here on the right.

"People kept telling me they liked my stories and my characters,” says Vida. “At first, I just laughed. But then I began to listen to the positive comments and my stories just kept flowing. It was like a tap had been turned on."

I had never thought about publishing a book before, but one day in Eltham library I saw a collection of short stories by Brown Dog Books, a self-publishing company, and so I sent them an email on a whim. Everyone had told me that publishing a book can take months if not years, but within just a few weeks I had signed a contract for my first book, Shorts. It was extraordinary! When it came out earlier this year, I just felt so proud. I’ve had wonderful feedback from friends as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, and they’re now buying the book for their friends. It’s truly humbling to feel I can bring a smile to someone’s face. on the other side of the world.”

Vida has already got a second book called Baker’s Dozen in the pipeline and is keen to encourage others to explore their potential.

“If you’re thinking of taking one of GCDA’s courses, I would just say do it! You never know what’s inside you waiting to come out. I’m just so very grateful for GCDA. The creative writing course has truly changed my life. I found lockdown a very lonely time, but now I feel I’m never alone because I’ve got a pen and paper in my hand. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”