Primarily as a direct result of Ripon's fifth Poetry Festival (RPF), I have read at four events over the past week. So how was it? Thursday: RPF - Open Mic. In many ways it was a typical open mic: massive variety in terms of style, content and quality. The most jarring element of the event … Continue reading A week of Readings: how was it?
Category: Poetry
When you’re only half-way through…
After far too long I have finally completed the first draft of a long sonnet sequence which has been rumbling along, largely as a background task, since March 2019. If not before. Having consciously given the project a degree of focus over the last few months, I have been able to cover the last of … Continue reading When you’re only half-way through…
Write-on Ripon: Found Poetry workshop
I'm looking forward to running a Found Poetry workshop tomorrow afternoon at our weekly 'Write-on Ripon' session. The workshop will be based on one I have already successfully run on writers' retreats. The challenge this time will be that we'll be writing found poems in real time! The session will cover: What is Found Poetry? … Continue reading Write-on Ripon: Found Poetry workshop
Does our writing need a regular service?
Driving home the other day, unbeknownst to me the front passenger-side suspension spring broke on my car. I only realised the extent of the damage once I'd got home, when I saw the virtual zero clearance between tyre and wheel arch. Without doubt something nasty could have happened during those last few miles home... The … Continue reading Does our writing need a regular service?
when death comes knocking
when death comes knocking is it better to be prepared have an appointment so you can be packed and ready watch him as he saunters self-assured up the garden path or be taken by surprise the sudden rap at the door like an unexpected delivery you assume is a scam
Podcast episodes
I have just reissued some of my earlier podcast episodes. You can find them here.
New Podcast Episodes
I have just reissued some of my earlier podcast episodes. You can find them here.
Swanwick Summer School, 2022
It seems appropriate to briefly reflect on my first experience of Swanwick Summer School, a week spent with like-minded and friendly folk immersed in all things writing. There's no point beating about the bush, the highlight of the week for me was reading my prize-winning short story Park'n'Ride at the prize winners' event - and … Continue reading Swanwick Summer School, 2022
No such thing as bad press?
My Swanwick Summer School short story competition first prize has been picked up by a local news outlet and they have written a piece on me. You can read it here. Note: although the article says most of the US attendees to my monthly virtual poetry events come from California, for the anthologies contributors come … Continue reading No such thing as bad press?
Poetry: writing about what you know – blessing or curse?
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?
Ian Gouge - Writer 