New poetry writing classes in Trowbridge

From September, 2016, I'll be teaching weekly poetry writing classes in Trowbridge at the old Town Hall. All courses are five weeks long and are for people aged 16+ Starting September 20 TUESDAYS 10.30am - 12.30pm: Start Writing Poetry £50 (for 5 sessions). More details and how to book here.  Class size 8 - 12. This course… Continue reading New poetry writing classes in Trowbridge

Pamphlet or full collection?

Can I sound you out about something? What do you prefer reading, pamphlets or full collections?  Do you buy either, both, or none? What about writing?  Have you published a pamphlet or a full collection or both?  Which came first? Why?  Have you published more than one pamphlet?  Have you NEVER published a pamphlet?  Did… Continue reading Pamphlet or full collection?

My writer’s diary this week

I was lucky enough to read at Buzzwords in Cheltenham last Sunday night. Cheltenham is about an hour and twenty minutes away by car and Andrew, my husband, kindly offered to drive. It might sound strange, but sometimes car journeys are the only times we spend quality time together these days. Andrew tends to work… Continue reading My writer’s diary this week

Win £2,000 and a week’s residency at Charles Causley’s house

 The Charles Causley Poetry Competition 2015 Closing Date 3rd November 2015 Entries by post.  Entry fee £7 per poem.  1st Prize 2,000 plus one week's residency at 2, Cyprus Well, Charles Causley's house. 2nd Prize £250. 3rd Prize £100. Now in its third year, with poets Jo Bell and Angela Readman the previous winners, there is… Continue reading Win £2,000 and a week’s residency at Charles Causley’s house

Thoughts about workshopping poems

As I've mentioned before, I've been selected to take part in this year's Aldeburgh Eight Advanced Seminar. In just over two weeks I'll head off for three days at Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, followed by five days living at Bruisyard Hall with the other seven people in my seminar group and our two tutors, Peter Sansom… Continue reading Thoughts about workshopping poems

On not blogging and putting your poems first

I've been absent from here of late, really since I got back from my holiday in Portugal, and it's mainly because I'm trying to plough on with my poetry writing, especially as I'm taking a break from paid work.  I feel that I need to make the most of my free time as I'm never too… Continue reading On not blogging and putting your poems first

What are your writing plans for the summer?

What are your plans for the summer? Are things staying the same or do you have a project in mind? Maybe it isn't summer where you are but what are your plans, anyway? Here in the UK, I've been away from a regular, paid job since 1st May. This is intentional, I'm trying to use… Continue reading What are your writing plans for the summer?

Writing an author bio that won’t date (much).

If you're sending out your poetry or short fiction for publication in a magazine, online or in print, you'll want to include a short, third person biography with your submission.  Not only is this a professional approach, it also shows consideration to the editor/s since not chasing you for the information will be one less administrative task… Continue reading Writing an author bio that won’t date (much).

Dear Editors – Here are my Poems!

  I had a bit of a chuckle at this Facebook post from poet and Editor of Prole magazine, Brett Evans: Are there any fellow editors out there who find submissions without so much as a hello rude? No cover letter or bio I can forgive but no hello! I know the work should speak… Continue reading Dear Editors – Here are my Poems!

Six month pamphlet anniversary

It's been six months since my poetry pamphlet The Misplaced House was published by tall-lighthouse.  Here's what I've learned, so far: Just because a poem is published in a collection doesn't mean it's completely finished, never to be changed again.  I think I agree with whoever it was who said "a poem is never finished."*… Continue reading Six month pamphlet anniversary