As soon as I began this project, I knew I wanted to do it properly, to create a book worthy of people’s hard earned money, and worthy of the memory of my brother. A big part of this is getting the look and feel of the book spot on. I’m grateful for the skills ofContinue reading “What are endorsements and why are they important for this poetry pamphlet?”
Glimmers
Yesterday I had the privilege of leading a poetry workshop for a local sixth form. It was a joy. A nerve-wracking joy, but a joy nonetheless. In a previous life I worked as a tutor for a major optical retailer and one of my favourite things was reaching what I think of as the “aha”Continue reading “Glimmers”
Soothing an introverted soul
I’ve had a little holiday this week. I’ve been to very few places, talked to very few people and existed in a quiet calm I’ve not enjoyed for months. Being introverted is doesn’t mean I don’t like people, parties and the general bonhomie of a crowd. It means that too much bonhomie is exhausting. It’sContinue reading “Soothing an introverted soul”
Happy Valentine’s Day
Here’s two poems about hearts Located in the chest, somewhere between the lungs and slightly to the left, this muddle mass of bleeding ache this muddle filled with mitre gates this pump to redistribute the energy for breath located in the chest somewhere between the lungs and slightly to the left barrier to head farrierContinue reading “Happy Valentine’s Day”
Looking through a skylight
Yesterday evening saw an exciting event – the official launch of my exhibition with Maggie Cameron. What grew from a fun exercise for us both has become something that is bring genuine joy to people, and that is a wonderful thing. Our Inktober poetry and art collaboration began by accident. I noticed Maggie had setContinue reading “Looking through a skylight”
A belated New Year post and news of an exhibition
New Year is somewhat delayed for me. As many of you know my Dad died over Christmas and the busyness of handling his affairs, supporting mom and the general work of grief has taken up much of my time. Writing has been present as a comfort and means of clarifying emotion, but other than thatContinue reading “A belated New Year post and news of an exhibition”
A new poetry film and other thoughts
I’ve spent my morning creating a poetry film. It uses a piece I wrote about twelve months ago. based on the charming tale of the tiny owl found in the Rockefeller Christmas tree. The original poem is a “blackout” poem inspired by a transcript of one of the many news reports at the time andContinue reading “A new poetry film and other thoughts”
A whistle stop post
It never rains eh? I’m back to work after a very extended birthday break and suddenly swimming in a whole heap of work, which is a wonderful thing, if a little chaotic. I’m having to put poetry on the backburner for a while, but never fear there are plenty of ideas bubbling up between theContinue reading “A whistle stop post”
My first poetry film
Oh wow oh wow oh wow This is never the easiest weekend – it marks the anniversary of the last time I saw my brother before…well, before. Yesterday I did something I’ve never done about these anniversaries – I reached out on social media. I was on my own this weekend and wanted to tellContinue reading “My first poetry film”
And so we writers keep going
Inner critic. Inner cricket. Which would be worse? One spends its time pulling apart each morsel of effort, one, I imagine, spends its time attempting to fell stumps and win points. So much work is disregarded because I think it is trite, obvious, too simple. Yet I read prize winning pieces that seem to meContinue reading “And so we writers keep going”
Autumn sees a return to writing
I had an interesting conversation with a friend this week, asking if writing about trauma is cathartic. My answer was not really. Now this is surprising, because of course it is – the very act of writing means I remove worries, thoughts, feelings from my head and place them on a page. That is aContinue reading “Autumn sees a return to writing”
Kathryn Anna Marshall 