Writing re-TREAT

I'm just back from our writing group's annual writing retreat. A high point of the summer, we look forward to it for months and it always seems to go in a flash. The weather had been looking ominous and while some areas experienced torrential showers and flooding, we managed to get outside for walks each day to re-energise in between our writing.

Inspired by beautiful surroundings, the best of company and great food, I made good progress against my plan for the weekend on a couple of writing projects. 

But a writing retreat and a writing group is so much more than writing. I believe our group is very special. We're still going strong after many years, ably led by Maddie. As well as writing our individual pieces, we help and support each other, we laugh together, we share experiences and learn so much from each other. 

With these views as a backdrop and a supportive group it is a real treat to be together for a few days. There's always something new to experience at Coney, whether that's identifying fresh footprints on the sea-washed shore or sampling a new recipe. 

It's all an idyllic treat. And it's always a treat to re-visit some of the recipes that now have become regular features at our writing retreat and workshops. Tasty starters, main courses and desserts as well as sweet treats are all part of the experience.

Over the weekend I missed a couple of other writing events which clashed with our retreat. One was the SCBWI virtual summer conference  - luckily I'll be able to watch the recordings of most sessions soon. The other event was a get-together in Belfast of Ulster Scots writers - hopefully the next time I'll be able to be there. But I wouldn't have missed our retreat for anything.

Hey ho, the wind and the rain

It's been a while since I've seen one of Shakespeare's plays on stage and last night was the first time I'd seen a Shakespeare play performed outdoors. But it wasn't for want of trying. Several years ago we booked to see 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at midsummer which should have been idyllic, but torrential rain and floods forced us to have our picnic in the kitchen and abandon going to the play.

So for the last few days we'd been watching the skies hoping that it would stay dry for Illyria's production of 'Twelfth Night' at Carrickfergus. We went prepared for all weather, with winter coats and gloves! It was still July though at times it felt distinctly autumnal.

As Orsino uttered the opening lines there was a glimpse of blue sky peeping between the clouds and it looked like we might be spared showers.

With only five actors in the troupe, each played several characters.

For me one of the highpoints had to be Malvolio appearing in his yellow stockings, brightening up what was becoming a darker evening as grey clouds gathered overhead.

Inevitably the rain arrived. We huddled down in our coats determined not to miss the fun, despite becoming a bit soggy. 

And if we were a bit soggy, the actors must have been too. They were all amazing, continuing to deliver their lines impeccably, despite a storm beginning to brew with leaves blowing off the trees and the rain becoming heavier.

I've seen several Illyria productions over the years and they never disappoint. Despite the weather, this had to be one of their best performances. It felt a perfect night, right from the beginning. Maybe it was because the play takes place in Illyria, or maybe because I'd finally got to see Shakespeare performed outdoors. And the words of Feste's final song could not have been more appropriate last night - it certainly felt it had raineth every day this July and it brought a smile to everyone's faces.

Writing Round Up

It's been a busy month with several enjoyable writing related meet-ups over the last few weekends. They started off with our SCBWI Ireland zoom session when we had the pleasure of welcoming Ashwin Chacko as our guest. He was an inspiring speaker and it was good to reconnect with SCBWI members across Ireland again. That weekend also involved catching up with some writing friends for afternoon tea. It was lovely to spend time together again sharing our news.

Last weekend I met up with local children's writers and Illustrators at our Belfast SCBWI social. It was good to meet some new faces and to welcome some more familiar faces as we spent the morning in Waterstone's cafe sharing news, experiences, ideas and tips. It's great being part of this supportive group and lovely to be back meeting in person.

Later that day I caught up with Jo and Chris in The Secret Bookshelf. Although they'd been rushed off their feet all day (it was the first day of Independent Bookshop Week) we had a good chat, including discussing some exciting plans (more news about those in due course) and I left with a bag full of books including a goody bag.

Yesterday I was back with my writing pals in Coney. Over summer berry muffins and coffee we shared our news, made plans and worked hard under Maddie's guidance.

The writing exercises were difficult because they really made us think about how we tend to describe objects and how we can improve our writing craft in this area.

And the added bonus of beautiful sunshine made this a perfect way to spend a morning. For a bit of fun, I totalled up the number of people in the writing community I've connected with directly so far this month. I was surprised that the total was as high as 77. I feel very fortunate to know 77 other writers, illustrators and creatives and privileged that I am part of a number of groups which are nurturing and supportive.

Independent Bookshop Week

It's time to support your local independent bookstore. 

Yesterday Independent Bookshop Week kicked off and I paid a visit to my local bookshop. They are such Aladdin's caves with treasures waiting to be discovered in every nook and cranny. As well as having a lovely chat with The Secret Bookshelf 's owners Jo and Chris, I came away  with a goody bag and a few more books than planned (nothing new there!)

I also treated myself to a 'blind date with a book'  - you can select a wrapped up book based on the hand written description 

not knowing the author or title. I did have a go at guessing some but was stumped with this one so I picked it.

When I returned home I couldn’t wait to open it - it was like receiving an unexpected present. It's been added to the TBR pile, while I'm currently reading this fabulous YA book written by one of my writing friends. 

I missed Jenny's book launch at our local bookshop a couple of months ago so was really glad to catch up with her yesterday to get my copy signed.

There are loads of events on throughout this week at local independent bookshops - check them out - you won't regret it.

Bank holiday sunshine

It's another bank holiday weekend  - the third this month and even better that the sun has been shining so we can get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  The long weekend got off to a fine start yesterday when I was back with my writing pals at Coney Island. 

Over homemade blueberry and ginger muffins and coffee we caught up on each other's news (and there's always lots to catch up on) and watched boats heading out on adventures on a sea sparkling in the sunshine.

We did some writing exercises to keep those creative minds ticking over, shared some of our work and received helpful feedback. After catching up on more news over lunch we departed buzzing with inspiration and ideas and enthused and supported on our writing projects. 

We didn't leave empty handed - I'm now the proud owner of some back issues of The Author which I've been dipping into. There are some interesting articles about contracts, which I'm finding very useful. The weather is looking good for the rest of the long weekend so you're likely to find me in the garden reading these magazines with my coffee and a wee bun.

Coney beach, far away in time

Earlier I had a lovely Bank Holiday Saturday morning with my writing pals at Coney, including Maddie and muffins. While the mist was enveloping Belfast and heavy rain was making driving difficult on our way there, the sun was shining at Coney. Often it feels like a magical, mythical place and today was special.

Armed with freshly baked blueberry and ginger muffins I made my way to Coney to meet up with my writing pals. As we scoffed goodies and coffee we caught up on each others' news - some very exciting! 

Maddie had some challenging writing exercises for us today, which really made us think. All of these exercises are invaluable in improving and honing our work. Along with the encouragement and support from fellow writers, time spent at Coney is always special.

I always come away from this writing group enthused and invigorated for my writing and today was no different.

And knowing I'll be back at Coney beach someday will help sustain the momentum until then.

World Book Night Eve

On the eve of World Book Night I'm planning on spending some time over this wet weekend getting caught up on the books I'm currently reading. I'm loving all three books so choosing which one to read will be difficult. What are you reading?

A turn in the weather has forced me back indoors after some gorgeous sunshine earlier in the month when I was able to read and write outdoors again. It definitely felt like spring was on the way. And it definitely feels like things are getting back to normal again. It's hard to believe that three years ago we were confined to our gardens.

Over the last few weeks I've been back at the theatre a couple of times catching two superb productions at Belfast's Grand Opera House. The Ocean at the End of the Lane based on Neil Gaiman's novel was amazing and Titanic the Musical was brilliant. It was lovely to get back to first class theatre in person again.

And this week I took part in a networking event hosted by NI Screen's Ulster Scots Broadcasting Fund getting to meet other creatives and hear what they're working on. It was lovely to be back meeting people in person again. Now to get on with some writing......