More than Writers

  Photo from Pixaby Writers are always looking for inspiration and ideas, taking in everything around them, with a view to finding something to jot down and eventually slip into a writing piece.   Many years ago, I went with my partner to an old glass artwork shop in London, as he was making a leaded light window that had to match the original windows in the house, and this particular shop specialsed in old Victorian glass. I was amazed at how fascinating I found it all to be, and not as boring as I had imagined.  I could see why it could easily become a hobby, there was something very satisfying about looking at all the different colours of glass, and some of the glass artwork was breathtaking. I learned a lot that day, also the fact that glass can be good to work with, and you don’t end up with cuts and grazes all over your hands. It really is a beautiful art, and I could easily get into it myself. Somewhat like writing I guess.   While my partner was cha...

This month’s blog post just happens to coincide with my 50 th birthday!   People keep asking me how it feels to be turning fifty.   If I’m honest, I'm experiencing a whole mixture of feelings!   Firstly, there’s a sense of excitement.   Of stepping over a threshold.   A new chapter perhaps?   But of course, if I’m honest, there’s also some trepidation.   Disbelief too.   I keep looking at the number on the front of my birthday cards with a feeling of disconnect.   Fifty?   Who me ?   Am I really that old?   Where on earth has the time gone?     The milestones in our lives; birthdays, anniversaries and even the arrival of a New Year; are wonderful moments of celebration and thanksgiving.   But they can certainly make us stop and think about the brevity of life.   The bible says: Be very careful then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the day...

  Earlier this year, I was invited to take part in a writing project, which sounded interesting, worthwhile, and the perfect fit for my skills and interests. There was just one phrase in the proposal which put me off – “we’re building the plane as we fly it.”      That’s not really my style. Normally, I prefer to have the plane fully-built and properly-tested well in advance, but I decided to step onboard for the adventure, and I’m glad I did.       Building the plane as you fly it is not without its frustrations, such as seeing entire sections of your hard work tossed aside when an adjustment to the format renders them unnecessary, but it also provides opportunities for learning and growth in a different way from having everything planned in advance.       It caused me to think back to my early days of blogging. That was certainly a case of building the plane as I flew it. I was clueless in many ways, but I had sensed G...

Mixed Media Nativity (images - author's own) Advent is known as a season of waiting and anticipation. Is the child in you is bursting with excitement and expectation for the forthcoming spree of bright lights and packages under the tree? Are you one of those waiting for all the retail hype to be over to celebrate a traditional unfussy Christmas Day with family or at church? For many this can be a difficult time facing the pain of empty places round the table or hopes that have been crushed, leaving crumpled hearts rather than wrapping paper. For writers, Advent should be a gift. Especially those who were prepared with books, blogs or poetry collections to promote. Even those less organised, like me, can always search for Advent word prompts to write ‘in the moment’ instead, such as the one on the ACW Trellis Poetry Facebook group. Drafts or ideas created this year can be used for next year. Therefore, changing the narrative of crumpled dreams caused by our ever-present lack of fo...