#NaBloPoMo 7 – The paradox of poetry, by Seamus Heaney

I have to be honest and say that, in the light of yesterday’s US Election result,  I am tempted to … More

#NaBloPoMo 6 – The Ottowa Poetry Newsletter

My friend Rupert Loydell has emailed me a list of blog posts curated by Rob Mclennan on writing at the … More

#NaBloPoMo 5 – Michael Longley interview with Krista Tippett

I feel a great sense of weariness as I look at the current political scene. Domestically, in the UK, we … More

#NaBloPoMo 4 – Sowing in fertile ground

I wasn’t always lazy. As I have written before, I think it became a safety valve for me around the … More

#NaBloPoMo 3 – Inimical to writing

My friend and I were almost at the end of our hour together.  Banana cake (me), almond croissant (him). China … More

#NaBloPoMo 2 – My tribe of one

There I was with my friend, on my second cup of tea. He had just asked me why I do … More

#NaBloPoMo 1 – I am lazy

You write a blog post every day since the middle of July. It goes fine. But just as you begin … More

Guilty

I have begun to acclimatise myself to the fact that the Book is not coming back. To lure it back … More

A household name

I turn the radio on and switch it off again, unable to settle to anything. There is still no sign … More

The empty house

True to its word, the book has disappeared. There isn’t a trace of it in the house, not even a … More

I can’t work with you any more

‘I think I’m going to be going away for a bit,’ the book says. ‘Give you some space. Let you … More

Reading Wallace Stevens

‘I’ve been reading Wallace Stevens.’ ‘So?’ ‘I thought you’d be pleased.’ ‘I don’t get it.’ ‘Wallace Stevens!’ ‘I know who … More

Ten new poems

‘I’ve got some good news,’ the book says. ‘I’ve just written ten new poems.’ ‘Wow, that’s great,’ I say. ‘Are … More

Your worst book

‘I’m depressed,’ the book says. ‘We can’t both be depressed,’ I say. ‘One of us needs to function.’ ‘Well it’s not … More

To the Mincing Poets

  Last Sunday I attended the last ever group meeting and reading of the Mincing Poets, in Exeter. A classic … More

Life beyond the door

Last week saw an important milestone for Teachers as Writers. The CPD/feedback day gave everyone involved in the project – … More

Waiting to be found out

‘It’s come back.’ ‘What has?’ says the book. ‘That feeling.’ ‘You’re writing again, that’s great,’ says the book. ‘No, not … More

All the poets on Twitter

‘I’ve been busy,’ says the book. ‘How?’ I say. ‘Twitter!’ says the book. ‘It’s great fun, you should try it.’ … More