Storymaking

This year my entry in the Lagan Navigation Trust's Storymaking festival didn't win a prize. But it is only fair that someone else did win this year, given I won first prize in the poetry category in February 2018 with 'Riverdance' and second prize in the short story category in February 2019 with 'A Breath of Fresh Air'.

This is a great creative writing event and I'm delighted to be part of it. I wasn't able to get along to the awards event at the weekend but I'm still, excited that my poem 'Synchronicity' will be included in the forthcoming anthology.

Books, Books, Books!

I called in today to 'The Secret Bookshelf' in Carrickfergus, a new book shop which opened today.

Situated (upstairs) in the Courtyard area in the town, close to a number of lovely coffee shops and restaurants it was a lovely way to while away a few hours. Book browsing, chatting and shopping followed by lunch with a good friend is a perfect pick-me-up in January.

Local writer Jo Zebedee and her family are behind this exciting venture in Co. Antrim's historic town. The shop is a welcome addition to the area. With a number of roons dedicated to specific themes in the shop my first stop was in the children's book room. Beautifully accessorise with hand made felted characters from well known children's books (I spotted the hungry caterpillar and Mole) it is well stocked with a range of classic and modern children's books across all ages.

And of course I made a purchase,

If I'm honest it included two books,

And I predict it won't be too long before I'm back in 'The Secret Bookshelf' again for more browsing, shopping and a coffee later

The Christmas present

In the run up to Christmas I'm delighted one of my stories has been selected to be published by CafeLit in their Christmas selection. You can read 'The Christmas present' here http://cafelitcreativecafe.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-christmas-present.html?m=1

Still a longlisted travel writer

So I didn't make it off the longlist to the Bradt New travel writer 2020 shortlist today, but my story 'Return to Sorrento' was commended. I'm still thrilled to have been commended and longlisted in this international travel writing competition for the second year running. 

Christmas at Coney

It's hard to believe we're in December already - it only seems a blink since summer and before we know it the man with the bag will have been and gone for another year.
Yesterday  we held our Christmas celebrations in Coney, commencing with coffee and cranberry and orange muffins.

Before we got tucked into our sumptious Christmas dinner (a veritable feast -as always) we reviewed our writing year -highpoints and successes. Within our small group we have all progressed well on our separate writing journeys during the year and collectively achieved a great deal including publication, competition wins and public performances of our stories.

Our review of the year was followed by an intimate book signing by Maddie who this week is publishing her book on the San Damiano cross. This has been a real labour of love for her. It was very special for all of us to celebrate this achievement with her.

As our writing year at Coney draws to a close, we're looking forward to more enjoyable meet-ups and writing in 2020!

longlisted travel writer

I found out today my story 'Return to Sorrento' has been longlisted in the Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year 2020 competition.

It's exciting to be longlisted in this for a second year and especially as one of my writing pals, Mairi, also has a story longlisted in this. Fingers crossed for both of us and may the best story win!

We're going on a bear hunt...

Yesterday a few Coney writers were allowed out for the day. Instead of meeting up in our usual location we ventured into the big smoke, rendezvousing in the Ulster Museum for a very sociable lunch and some giggles before going to listen to former children's laureate Michael Rosen speak.

He entertained us (a packed audience ranging from toddlers to pensioners) for over an hour with stories from his childhood, taught us a couple of poems in a very short time and demonstrated throughout the session the key elements of good storytelling. He held everyone's attention (including the youngest members) throughout the session. 

Without mentioning the phrase, he demonstrated the importance of 'showing' and 'not telling'. His poems speak for themselves in terms of what works - rhythm, repetition and simplicity. We were all feeling the rhythm of the train in the room as he taught us 'Hand on the Bridge'. His presence and big personality was evident as he spoke. I was delighted to meet him after the talk and have a quick chat.