Through these ‘throwback’ posts, I have sought to tell the story of poetry journey, recounting instances beginning with my first ever foray into the form, all the way up to the present day. However, as these posts move into 2018 and 2019, they begin to cover moments that are expressed more thoroughly elsewhere on this site. The full story of Bella can be read on the dedicated page; today’s post will only be short, giving moments of personal insight into my post-publication adventures!
Read moreFolkdays: Bluebells
FOR MORE FOLKDAYS CONTENT, SEE MY BLOG.
I am blessed to have grown up in an area where bluebell woods abound. At this time of year, the Clent and Walton Hills, Uffmoor and Hagley Woods, and Wychbury Hillfort are carpeted with swathes of this beautiful flower. Though I cannot walk through these indigo seas this year, I found a much-desired stand-in this spring at the Key Hill Cemetery, close to where I live in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Sitting amongst these stunning blooms, even if only for a little while, I really felt at peace. I decided to write about bluebells for this week’s Folkdays post, and share some facts, folklore, and photos of this, the country’s favourite flower.
Shrewsbury Literature Festival
On Sunday 24 November, I travelled to Shrewsbury to read at the Literature Festival, where Offa’s Press were the showcased indie press. I read alongside two of my Offa’s stablemates: Kuli Kohli and Emma Purshouse.
Continue reading “Shrewsbury Literature Festival”The Poetry of Worcestershire
I am really pleased to have two poems included in the most recent anthology from Offa’s Press: The Poetry of Worcestershire. One is a poem from my pamphlet, Bella, also published by Offa’s, and the other is a previously unpublished piece.
Continue reading “The Poetry of Worcestershire”Award-winning ‘Bella’ film!
Over the past year, members of Sutton Coldfield Movie Makers have been putting together a short film about the Bella and the Wych Elm story, inspired by the poems in my pamphlet, Bella. The docu-drama, also titled ‘Bella’, was a project spearheaded by Ann and Arthur Fletcher (pictured above), who brought their film-making expertise, hard work, and dedication together to produce a beautifully crafted film.
Continue reading “Award-winning ‘Bella’ film!”Black Country Day
Sunday 14th July was Black Country Day, and in the Himley Hall Grounds, the Musicom Festival celebrated the occasion with live music, comedy acts, fairground rides, creative demonstrations, and a pop-up poetry podium. Here, I was invited to read as one of the featured poets.
Continue reading “Black Country Day”Reading at Windsor High School
On Tuesday 2nd July, I returned to my alma mater of 2007 – 2012, Windsor High School, to read from Bella and talk a little about my journey to becoming a published writer.
Continue reading “Reading at Windsor High School”Results: Saboteur Awards, 2019
On Saturday 18 May at Fazeley Studios in Digbeth, the results of the 2019 Saboteur Awards were announced.
Continue reading “Results: Saboteur Awards, 2019”Bella Shortlisted for Saboteur Award
I’m beyond thrilled that my debut poetry pamphlet, Bella, was nominated for a Saboteur Award for Best Poetry Pamphlet!
A huge thank you to everyone who nominated her (and me!) – this is definitely not something I could ever have seen happening, and certainly not something that would have happened without the support and love people have shown my little pamphlet. I just wanted to write a little on my thoughts following this fantastic news.
Continue reading “Bella Shortlisted for Saboteur Award”