It's an old adage: write what you know about. And for very many poets, doing so forms the heart of their oeuvre. And why not? In addition to known subject matter providing a solid foundation for 'authentic' work, poetry can act as a kind of confidante when it comes to 'working stuff out': you only … Continue reading Poetry: writing about what you know – blessing or curse?
Category: Books
Poetry: Chew don’t Swallow…
I attended half of an on-line multi-poet poetry reading the other day - and it was like being machine-gunned with poetry. "Here's a poem; here's a poem; here's a poem; here's a poem" ... a rat-a-tat-tat of quick-fire delivery, one piece after the other. A session for the readers themselves, not really for the listeners. … Continue reading Poetry: Chew don’t Swallow…
“Late City”
Robert Olen Butler's "Late City" is quite simply fantastic. It is a novel full of depth and feeling and passion; it is truly inventive, superbly written, fluid yet really well structured; and somewhat amazingly - given its subject - something of a page-turner. The ending made me cry. This is the first time I have … Continue reading “Late City”
“Ox-Eye”
There is something quite enigmatic and magical about Anne Rouse’s latest collection, “Ox-Eye”. Many of her images are nuanced, coded, almost just out of reach. It is as if she has an idea, taken one step away from it to ‘make it poetic’ (as is the way with poets!), and then taken another step away … Continue reading “Ox-Eye”
“Contacts”
The premise for Mark Watson's "Contacts" is original and intriguing, and one filled with real potential - especially for the writer. Unfortunately, to my mind, this potential is never quite realised. I'm afraid I found the narrative a little flimsy and, in spite of the book's 370 pages, for me the characters never made it … Continue reading “Contacts”
Finally – A FIRST PRIZE!
I am delighted to announce that I have won First Prize in the Short Story category for the 2022 Swanwick Writers' Summer school. This is a prestigious prize, and I am absolutely thrilled! Swanwick Writers’ Summer School has been captivating audiences for over 70 years. Believed to be the longest running residential writers’ school in … Continue reading Finally – A FIRST PRIZE!
‘Welshman’ – new podcast episode
Many years ago when I was studying at University, during holidays I used to work in a bookmakers. It was a wonderful experience for a young man learning about people and life. 'Welshman' is a short story based on those experiences, and whilst it is not a retelling of a specific event nor portraying real … Continue reading ‘Welshman’ – new podcast episode
“The Kingdoms”
If you've read my previous reviews - all the way back into 2018! - you'll know that I loved Natasha Pulley's "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street" and "The Bedlam Stacks". Sadly I can't say the same of "The Kingdoms". The beginning of the book is something of a confused muddle. I know the main character … Continue reading “The Kingdoms”
Another great mentoring experience!
Last week I had the great privilege of mentoring at another Writers' Retreat. In addition to a couple of workshop sessions, at the core of my mentoring are 1-2-1 sessions with each of the attendees during which we discuss their current and future projects. Sometimes they arrived burdened with uncertainty over what to do next, … Continue reading Another great mentoring experience!
“Lean Fall Stand”
Jon McGregor is nothing if not inventive and challenging - and "Lean Fall Stand" is both of those things. Spoiler alert! The primary action of the novel (covered in the 'Lean' part of the story) concerns an ill-fated expedition in Antarctica. The rest of the novel - 'Fall' and 'Stand' - narrates the post-expedition experiences … Continue reading “Lean Fall Stand”
Ian Gouge - Writer 