As a teen, I wrote poetry, and organised a poetry club at a local cafe. Later, I was involved with organising folk clubs. i.e. accoustic nights for singer songwriters. 
After a stint in my early adulthood trying to be "normal" while getting on with life, I broke out again in search of lively conversation, and started writing and performing stand up poetry, as well as organising sketch, poetry and accoustic music nights. It was very much "The fringe" or edge, rather than mainstream commercial, i.e. totally free from the direction and manipulation from the hidden heavy hand of the establishment. 
During this time, I was also involved in writer's groups, as I've got certain organising talents that suit the sort of folk involved.
I've met many wonderful and inspiring people through all of these experiences, some of whom became famous and had careers in music, the media and writing, as well as some who didn't, and probably never wanted to. I'm not going to mention their names. To me, they are all part of the adventures and wonderful conversations I have had, and they all deserve to be honoured, regardless of their subsequent fame.
Eventually, I got around to writing a novel. I'd always fancied doing it, but wasn't really ready to. I had other things I wanted to explore first. Then when I was ready, life got in the way, and there just wasn't enough of me for such pursuits. Now, this first one is done, and I'm well into the next one.