Fancy a re-introduction to poetry? I've been asked to host a session on Monday 27 Jan, 2pm, at Lisvane Library, Cardiff. Come along and be reacquainted! More details below. Register at the library or via their Facebook page. Donations to the library welcome. I'm really looking forward to the afternoon.
For National Poetry Day this year I visited 90 children in Year 3 (3 groups of 30!) at Rhiwbeina Primary School. We had a wonderful time talking about being a poet and writing 'Long Thin poems' together, inspired by this prompt from Micheal Rosen. We talking about what makes something special, made 'word ponds', wrote long thin poems, edited them, and then performed some aloud. A fabulous morning.
On Tuesday 8 October I took part in the Friends of Rhiwbeina Library Author talk series at Hyb Rhiwbeina Hub. I read a few poems from my forthcoming hybrid art and poem micro pamphlet 'City Companions' from Hedgehog Press, and talked about the collaboration process with the artist Karen Pierce-Gonzalez. Also my Bridport Prize shortlist poem 'Dad was a typesetter', 'Arcade Hopping' which is on display in Cardiff City Centre, 'Weeping Willow' from a Dylan Thomas anthology, 'Day trip to the mountains' from the Cambrian Mountains Society poetry competition, among others.
We talked about the creative process, editing, being a literacy citizen, the place for poetry in the modern world, as well as how themes and preoccupations run as a thread through collections. I finished with the benefits of guest editing and reading my Best of the Net, and Pushcart Prize nominated poems from Black Bough Poetry.
There were some really interesting questions in the Q&A, which I am still pondering. It was a lovely evening, and a privilege to poetry, place and inheritance, and hopefully convert a few attendess to have another look at poetry.
Delighted to have made it to the longlist for the Outspoken Press Emerging Poets Scheme 24-25, many thanks to Anthony Anaxagorou and Sandeep Parmar. It's a year long scheme with two writers from 'The North' and two others. Best of luck to the recipients.
Its a bit of a way off yet, but really pleased to be on Cardiff Library Service authors talk programme this year, with a poetry talk and reading in early October, at my nearest library Rhiwbeina Hyb.
More details to follow.
Wonderful writing weekend away at St Davids, West Wales. Swam in the sea everyday, despite the drizzle, and walked the coastal path from St Non’s Well.
Workshops facilitated by the generous Claire Syder, fantastic company too.
Exciting news today. I have been accepted on the Spring Masterclass 2023 at Ty Newydd Writing Centre, run by Literature Wales. This year the class is hosted by Gillian Clarke and Carol Ann Duffy (2 previous poet laureates). One of twelve poets, I will be taking part in the week long residential, at the end of May. Time to stock up on new notepads!
Geopoetics Wales - Geopoetic Adventures - Snowdonia – open access.
On Saturday 10th September 2022, 11.00 - 16.00 The Scottish Centre for Geopoetics will host a day out: Geopoetics Wales - Geopoetic Adventures, exploring the local Snowdonian lead mines, with an expert guide, starting from Betws-Y-Coed.
Marika Gates is a geologist working for the Coal Authority, she will be with us throughout the day, Marika is a project manager on the Welsh Metal Mines Programme. She has a degree in geology, a Masters in Environmental Geology and 16 years of environmental consultancy experience; the majority in contaminated land assessment.
We are delighted to be hosting the first event in Wales, more information is available, and a free place can be reserved, via Eventbrite, or by emailing marcellenewbold@gmail.com.
I’ve always been interested in ekphrastic poetry, and was lucky enough to attend some of Rachel Carney’s inspiring sessions in Cardiff. My poem ‘Walking Home’ inspired by Moses Salihou‘s ‘Unbreakable’ artwork (below) has been accepted for publication in The Ekphrastic Review‘s 5 year anniversary anthology, which I’m very excited about. The free ebook can be downloaded here.
I’m excited to say the delightful Christina Thatcher has agreed to be my poetry mentor. I was keen to reach out to Christina – I have heard her read many times in Cardiff (the 1st time was in Penarth in September 2018) including at her collection launches, Roath Writers, and Cardiff Poetry Festival amongst others. I have always been completely engrossed in her delivery, subject matter and succinct style. Bit more about Christina, taken from her website, below:
‘Christina Thatcher is a Creative Writing Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She keeps busy off campus as Poetry Editor for The Cardiff Review, a tutor for The Poetry School, a member of the Literature Wales Management Board and as a freelance workshop facilitator across the UK.’
This month I sent her my first batch of poems for critique and discussion over a zoom cuppa. We will be working together regularly throughout the year.
What an inspiring travelling exhibition housed temporarily at the National Museum Cardiff. Claire Syder facilitated a day of wonder, writing and sharing.
St David’s, West Wales
Renee Stanton and Claire Syder ran a wonderful weekend retreat in a blustery St David’s at The Court House. Food, wine, new and old friends and of course some poetry.
I’ve started attending the incredibly generous Claire Syder‘s weekly writing group. What a cathartic and wonderful experience! I’ll be posting some words shortly.