Friday 27 July 2018

Writers and radio

I think the idea expressed in that last post - that life was getting back to normal - was just too tempting for Fate! Instead life continues on something of a roller-coaster here and the protracted heatwave doesn't help productivity either, but I know all writers go through fallow patches and usually live to tell the tale ...

Positives over the last couple of weeks though have been visits to local writing groups to talk about opportunities to take part in The Writer's Room on NHSound. It's been great to sit in and listen to some excellent poetry and prose - my thanks to both Caldicot Writers and Newport Writers, who have made me very welcome at their respective meetings. Alyson Rees, a talented young poet from Caldicot and quite a newcomer to the local scene, took part in last Thursday's programme and read some very thought-provoking and insightful work. I'm very much looking forward to contributions to the programme in the next few months from several other writers in both groups. The Wye Valley Writers will be launching their anthology on the programme on August 30th too; Monmouthshire appears alive with creative energy just now!

Sunday 15 July 2018

Ways to Peace

A fortnight of chaos, which I hope is coming to an end! How I envy writers who can work despite the heavens falling in or life aiming a wrecking ball at them ...

But this afternoon I sat looking out over the Wye Valley planning out (very belatedly) my contribution for the three day Ways of Peace event to be held at Tintern Abbey in September in support of the UNESCO International Day of Peace. There will be speakers, music from many cultures, workshops and readings of poetry and prose, much of the weekend free and open to all. The setting could not be bettered - if you're not familiar with the Abbey, a centuries-old ruin that draws pilgrims and tourists alike, do look it up and think about joining us then. It'll be a great event.



Sunday 1 July 2018

Writing the unwritten

A huge "Thank You!" to Nilima Raichoudhrey, who ran a superb writing workshop yesterday at the Abergavenny Arts Festival. We were a small group but benefited enormously from her experience in Zen writing, her time as a scriptwriter and her infectious enthusiasm for words and their expression. So much to think about after the session: about stories under stories, about "essence" - the unspoken in the spoken, the unwritten in the written - about writing as uncovering what you deeply know rather than what you think you know. A fascinating afternoon.

Nilima Raichoudhury (third right) with
Festival volunteers

Moments

My mother calls.
I do not reply.
Watching him walk out of our home, our lives.
The script ripped up.
A car engine overheating on the hills.

What about me?
Suddenly the motorway is empty.
No sadness at the melting doll.
The sky dark with a million stars...

copyright Gill Garrett 2018