A blank page – with lines!

Years ago, a friend whose husband had recently retired, told me that he wanted to write. I had just started. I did correspondence courses, used books and gradually got to know other writers near to where I lived.

This friend locked her husband in his study.

I can’t think of a less creative way of shifting from a busy, professional life to that of being a creative. Needless to say, as far as I know he didn’t write, or if he did neither she nor anyone else saw it.

Rothley station on Great Central Railway – just about see the train!

From time to time most writers find it hard to write. For some the pandemic was an opportunity to write, for others they were occupied with more pressing matters. I can get disheartened – poems aren’t accepted by magazines, my writing seems to be going nowhere. Writing can be a lonely business. When it’s going well, I am absorbed and time passes quickly.

I can easily be assailed by doubts – what’s the point?

Afternoon tea on the Isis, Oxford

What helps, is meeting other writers – whether in person or on-line. Reading or attending a reading. Going for a walk – those who live in the countryside point to the value of being by the sea or in a wood. Not all of us can do that. Urban walking is interesting. Many years ago I went to writing classes at the former library in Birmingham. The tutor, Jacqui Rowe sent us outside and suggested we looked up. I saw buildings I’d never noticed before, being obsessed with shop displays and the other pedestrians.

A change of perspective is sometimes all it takes. At other times, a rest, a cup of tea or even taking myself less seriously.

Books that have helped me write: Writing down the Bones – Natalie Goldberg, my well-thumbed copy of Writing the Bright Moment – Roselle Angwin and Writing Begins with the Breath – Laraine Herring helps me move from my head to the living experience of my character.

Recent reading: Winter Book – Tove Jansson after I finished Summer Book. Just started John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs – Ian Leslie. Very much challenged by the poem,  small talk or in my hand    galaxies by poet Benjamin Naka-Hasebe Kingsley in 44 Poems on Being with Each Other edited by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Coming up: South Warwickshire Literary Festival, at the Fold, Leamington Spa on 20th September; Warwick History Festival, 29th September to 5th October and Birmingham Literature Festival 9-18th October.

We are truly spoiled.