I had a very enjoyable evening running an editing workshop, online, for The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press family. We looked at different techniques for editing, how a poem builds connection with its reader, and what to look for when reading poetry - to inform your own work. The Q&A section was very interesting, with thought provoking questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.