The best part of a week since I returned from my retreat and, in terms of 'what next?', things are now clearly in focus. Which was one of the things the retreat was all about, to answer questions like that. And the 'what next' things are tangible and solid. Firstly: finish my next novel; second … Continue reading After the dust settles…
Category: Poetry
“Lockdown Journal”
At the beginning of the UK's first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, Hamish Wilson began writing a series of sonnets. With one a day for the first twenty-five days of the period, these poems eventually became "Lockdown Journal". Many single Covid / lockdown poems written at the time seem to me to fail for two main … Continue reading “Lockdown Journal”
Retreat – Day 3
06:55 - 13th May 2022 Another decent day yesterday with the majority of my time spent on editing 'Reunion'. Some work on the Sonnets as I edge closer to drafting #80. Plus I started work on my Reviewers' list by reestablishing control over my Goodreads author profile. I think I'll be doing some work on … Continue reading Retreat – Day 3
Retreat – Day 2
A good day yesterday. Most of the creative effort went into editing "Reunion" plus some sonnet-dabbling. Had a snooze after lunch to try and catch-up on Tuesday's poor night's sleep, and another short walk before dinner for cobweb-blowing. The highlight was the 'open mic' though. I read my short story "Downsizing", two sonnets - "Pilgrimage" … Continue reading Retreat – Day 2
Retreat – Day 1
07:15 - 10th May 2022 (Day 1) So what does today hold? A walk up to the station after lunch to remind myself of the genesis of 'Degrees of Separation'. A certainty if it's dry (it was damp yesterday eve and is gusty this morning - typical edge of Pennines/Cumbria weather). Options: start revision of … Continue reading Retreat – Day 1
New Podcast Episode
I have just added readings of a few selected poems from my collection First-Time Visions of Earth from Space to my podcast "Walking Thru Fire". You can find this episode - and many others! - on Buzzsprout, and it should find its way onto other podcast platforms - such as Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music etc. … Continue reading New Podcast Episode
the old life – a poem
the old life in almost every kind of light his forearms mimic the skin of a snake about to slough or a paper-bag used too many times wrinkle-thin about to crack wide open yet it teases at a capacity for something else as if waiting to be filled with what all that’s left are memories … Continue reading the old life – a poem
Imposter Syndrome – the worst possible thing for a Writer?
For as long as I can remember, when it comes to my writing I have always found myself desperate for positive endorsement - both my own and from others. In the first instance we're talking about self-esteem; in the second, about reviews, comments, feedback, sales. Actually in my case it's about more than just endorsement; … Continue reading Imposter Syndrome – the worst possible thing for a Writer?
Mid-June Writers’ Retreat
A small number of places remain on Writers' Retreat UK's June retreat in Lincolnshire. Having been on a number of retreats now, I know just how stimulating and rewarding - and productive! - such retreats can be. You can find details of the retreat here.
Trying to build something…
I have been wondering how I would answer if someone asked me what I was up to - in a literary sense, of course! In the broadest sense I think I am trying to build something, firstly in relation to my own writing, and secondly with Coverstory books. In many respects the second is easier … Continue reading Trying to build something…
Ian Gouge - Writer 