Writing Retreat

It was lovely to be back down in Coney Island again - this time for a bit longer than normal.

It was our Writing Retreat - a relaxing and productive way to spend the bank holiday weekend.

How could you not be inspired to write in such beautiful surroundings?

Even in the cloud and rain it's a beautiful spot.

I'm pleased to say I've progressed a number of pieces I was working on.

It was great getting time to focus on them without the normal distractions of everyday life.

And of course, as always, we needed lots of writing fuel to keep the creative juices flowing!

Bangor Poetry Competition - launch night

Get down to Bangor tonight to the launch of this year's Poetry Competition - and don't forget to vote for my poem on display 'Are we nearly there?'  

https://www.facebook.com/events/278587519286816/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A3%2C%22source_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22newsfeed%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22feed_story%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A[]%7D]%22%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D&source=3&source_newsfeed_story_type=regular&action_history=[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22feed_story%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A[]%7D]&has_source=1&hc_ref=ARTKb-419Mh-hjN4uv_F15a3KK0DqouCv69i-GNlQeRJd95aJOYWMlme67pmsS2nP_M


http://aspectsfestival.com/programme/

Fearless Fergus, King of the Castle

Here's a link to one of my children's stories. If you like it, please give it a 'Like' via Facebook - so that its considered in the Fairytalez competition. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks

http://fairytalez.com/user-tales/fearless-fergus-king-of-the-castle/

Are we nearly there?

Here's the poem I've had shortlisted in the Fifth Bangor Poetry competition:

“Are we nearly there?”

 “Will you keep me warm?”

“I’m tired. Can you carry me?”

“Where are we now?”

“Can I have something to eat?”

 

These are the easy ones,

The questions he can answer.

They become more difficult each day

As each step gets harder.

 

“But why did we leave?”

“Where is our car?”

“Why can’t we use it?”

“Where are we going?”

 

Silently he plods on

Exhausted and unable to give her

Answers to the incessant questions

He’s asking in his head too.

 

“When will we be going home?”

“Where are all my friends?”

“Why is it so cold here?”

“Are we nearly there?”

 

He wishes he knew.

It breaks his heart

He feels he has failed her

He prays it will be better.

“Why is everything so different?”

“Why does no one like us?”

“Why is there no food?”

“Why don’t you know Dad?”

 

His answers are more questions.

“Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?”

 

 

shortlisted!

I've just heard tonight that one of my poems, 'Are We Nearly There?' has been shortlisted in the 5th Bangor Poetry competition, which is part of the Aspects Festival. I'm delighted! :-) The poem will be on display in The Blackberry Path Studio, Bangor in a few weeks' time and you'll be able to come along, read it and vote for it!

http://aspectsfestival.com/

Back at the beach

 

It was lovely being back down at Coney Island yesterday - lovely to see Fionnuala, Mairi, Rhonda and Maddie.

It was good to get stuck into some writing, as well as catching up with everyone over coffee and muffins.

 

 

After writing, we enjoyed taking a break and strolling on the beach. Bring on a summer of writing and beaches!

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Mr Bond

I was so sorry to hear of Michael Bond's death today. I loved reading all the Paddington books as a child. Michael Bond brought Paddington to life - creating a larger than life character. I loved the books so much I actually believed (as a child) that Paddington was real - so much so I hoped I would bump into him at London's Edgware Road market on my first visit to London aged 8.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36428937