Zzz...

When I reach the letter Z on my blog postings, I usually take it as a cue to pause and take stock of where I’m up to. This is the end of five complete turns through the alphabet, 130 posts in total.

For my Blogspot blog, it means the time has come to pause, maybe even to stop posting here altogether.

If you have been following this blog, then I thank you for your presence. May I invite you to rejoin me now at www.beacreativewriter.wordpress.comwww.beacreativewriter.wordpress.com which is where all future posts will be made.

Thank you. I’ll see you on the other side!

Xtra-curricular activities

“Think again, Dear”

Three years ago when I first came to Swanwick Summer School I kept a low profile. Last year I berated myself for not taking an active part in some of the evening events. I commented that my Swanwick School Report would surely read, “Could do better”.

“His and Hers”

And so this year I determined to be bold and become more involved.

Yesterday I helped with reception and checking in duties. This morning I sold raffle tickets. 

And tonight? Tonight I read at the Poetry Open Mic event. Go me!

(With thanks to Les Boynton for helping perform my poem “His and Hers”, and to Jen Wilson for the photographs.)

Yes I can! (But no I won’t.)

I’ve returned to the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School. This is my third time here in this creative cauldron, this year alongside 292 other writers.

It is wonderful to be back, to connect with special friends made during the previous years, and to have the opportunity to meet new friends.

300 attendees is a lot of people.

And with so much scheduled to happen throughout the week I’m not just spoilt for choice, I’m actually overwhelmed by possibilities. Specialist courses, short courses, workshops, evening speakers, morning mediations, afternoon wind-downs, open mic - poetry and prose, quizzes, discos, tea dances. The programme is bursting with options.

There is so much I want to do.

But I recognise that to fill every waking moment would be a mistake. The very creativity that is fed and nurtured by being in this special environment could be injured by over indulgence.

And so, as difficult as it is to say ‘no’, I will take a few steps back and try to pace myself.