They say everyone has a story to tell, but most people shy away from self-exposure and from outing themselves as writers. Writing, for much of the time, feels far-fetched, pretentious; perhaps even a teeny bit self-indulgent. The perfect word, a clever plot, the most effective phrase — who has time to devote to finding them? Writing’s taught as a rote skill, but it isn’t like riding a bike. Experienced writers as well as novices face the same moments of dumbstruck paralysis, wearily wondering, “why isn’t my writing going the way I want it to with so many words at my disposal?”

Freud said that we can only deal with our issues by talking about them — by bringing them into language. So, if you're a writer, don't despair, stick your head in a gas oven or suggest to your loved ones, like Margaret Atwood, "please die ... so I can write about it!". Come to Sydney Writers' Festival, where they won't cure you of future crises of confidence but will showcase writing that has the power to carry you over the creative demons that claw and tear, and give us words to live by. A love of words is one of the loveliest things you can share and really, everyone is a writer these days; we all write blogs, emails, essays, presentations and status updates.

Bring your passion for narrative to the Festival’s free and ticketed events in May and you just might surface the unique story that has lain in your mind, ready to unfold.