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
Category: Poetry
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?
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…
“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”
