Exciting writing

I spent a lovely bookish morning yesterday. It was a beautiful spring morning as I headed into town on the train.

The first stop in town was a quick browse round a bookshop, where a couple of purchases were made.

 

Two of my favourite poems from childhood are from TS Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.' They are now in this series of beautifully illustrated picture books, making these fabulous  poems even more appealing to younger children.

 

They will soon be winging their way to my cat-loving nieces....... if I can bear to part with them.
The next stop was the Linenhall library for a SCBWI meet up. Over coffee we chatted with new and old faces, exchanging our writing news. It's encouraging to meet up with fellow writers and great that this group is expanding - there is so much local talent. And I got to touch this new book by fellow writer Kelly!

It's coming out on 1st March. I can't wait to get my hands on my own copy and read it.
Then onwards to another bookshop and, of course, another purchase. It seems impossible to go into 'No Alibis' and come out empty-handed.

I've been meaning to buy this book for some time - it's great to see work by one of my old school pals included in this anthology. The icing on the cake on the bookish day was picking up a few copies of the 'Answer the Call' anthology in which I have a short story.

This is available in 'No Alibis' bookshop with any purchase. It was lovely to speak to David and hear that he had chosen my story to be included in the book. Now to get on with all this reading..... and some writing....

Back at Coney

It was lovely to be back at Coney Island on Saturday in the spring sunshine. It was great catching up with everyone - new and older faces, sharing stories old and new and our recent successes. We also managed to cram in some editing! We celebrated in the obligatory way with chocanana muffins, choc ginger biccies and coffee,

and toasted our successes with some fizzy pop. Here's to more writing successes in the group this year!

Awards Season

It's that time of the year when award ceremonies are taking place - the Grammys, Golden Globes, Oscars etc.
Last night I attended the Lagan Navigation Trust's 'Where My River Flows' Storymaking Festival Celebration in Lisburn.

 

 

It was a fantastic evening where people came together with their rich collection of tapestries, poems, songs and stories celebrating the river.

I was delighted to participate in the evening by reading my poem 'Riverdance' which will be included in the forthcoming anthology.

 

I was even more delighted to win the poetry category in the festival. Thanks to all involved for organising such a splendid festival and a memorable evening.

 

 

I'm looking forward to the next festival already!

 



Great excuse to go to the bookshop

I've got the best excuse ever to go to the bookshop. I heard today that a story I submitted in a competition last year is to be included in a book :-)

The Bushmills #AnswerTheCall book is set to be released this week and will be available for free with every purchase from my favourite bookshop in the whole world - 'No Alibis' in Belfast.

Looking forward to calling in to make a purchase and pick my copy up

A busy writerly day

Yesterday was a busy writerly day.

Over coffee and scones I met up with my critique group in the morning, providing feedback to each other and sharing news. It's so valuable to be part of such a group.

Around lunchtime I received more positive, encouraging feedback from my editor on a work in progress. :-)

Late afternoon I attended an event, 'The Power of Words' at Amy and Paul's Blackberry Path Art Studio in Bangor to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

 

The event was very moving. It was a humbling experience to take part in it - no words seem adequate to express the horror of holocaust. I read a couple of my poems - 'August' and 'Dancing with Death' at the event.

 

 

It was lovely to meet other writers, artists and poets and be inspired by their work. Many thanks to Amy and Paul for organising this event.

 

 

The busy day was rounded off by a lovely meal with friends who'd come along to the event in Bangor. As a result I didn't write anything at all yesterday, so now it's time to get on with some writing today.

Notes from the editor...

It's a great start to any weekend when you receive positive feedback from your editor. It's especially welcome when it's the first time you've been working with a 'real life' editor, and at the start of a new writing year. There's still lots of work to do on the story, I'm learning a lot but I'm buzzing! :-)

shortlisted poem

I received exciting news today - my entry in the Lagan Navigation Trust Storymaking festival has been shortlisted 😃