Touch - 27

The soft damp feel of

autumn rain upon my face

not yet cold-damp 

but the wind blowing from the south-west

hints of winter approaching

Touch - 26

Wind hassled

rain beaten

autumn pounds at me

even indoors

stinging rain

chilling breath

the year decays

Touch - 25

October sun hotter than Midsummer heat

bearing down, awakening plants

quickening soil

giving me energy as the year

darkens

Clippings #3

The third issue of my newsletter is now available to view.

If you would like to read it, please send an email with Subscribe Clippings in the subject line to  H2M


It's only 4 pages long and contains an excerpt from one of my wintry, romantic tales as well as photography by Mick Turner and poetry from Heather Connelly and Claudia Messelodi. 


Let me know what you think!

Nanowrimo 2011

Well, it was an experience!

A big thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported me, particularly my long-suffering partner!

I'm not sure I'd bother with it again though. I mean, I know I can write 50k words in a month without having a deadline. I thought there would be more interaction between writers but it's actually a very isolationist website. 

The thing that made me laugh was the amount of pep talks that were emailed to me. These were really lengthy monologues on how difficult it is to write (is it?) and how to overcome writer's block (what's that?) I skipped most of them. I was trying to write 50k words; I didn't have time to read pages of other people's opinions!

November is a really bad time for me to be committing to do lots of things. It's my busiest month of the year so I think I'll just put it down to experience. 

The novel, though completely unplanned, went really well. Loads of other things came out in addition to writing about how I cope with my partner who suffers from depression. It was very cathartic and releasing. I will leave the first draft for a few months and then look at it; I'll have forgotten what I've written by then and come to it fresh. 

Meantime, I'm really looking forward to January 2012 A River Of Stones. I love the WOWH community; people know how to encourage you there!

Touch - 24

The soft feel of tumble-dried towels;

all fluffed-up and huggable!

Touch - 23

The firm feel of the crust

beneath my fingers

as the knife cuts through 

into soft, springy bread flesh

Touch - 22

The slightly giving sensation

of something round and mobile

beneath my slipper feet.

Is it a spider?!

No

It is a small green tomato

that rolled off the window sill.

Touch - 21

Spiked stems of Greek alcanet 

look so soft and furry

but really are

quite vicious!

Touch - 19

Tickling fronds of fine fennel leaves

brush my neck in a friendly

teasing fashion

sudden sharp needle-pricks

of rose stab through my jacket

into my back

Touch - 20

Rough skin on my first finger joint

I keep touching it

the skin is broken

worn by aggressive gardening

and in the split, dirt lingers

seeping into my skin

A Handful of Small Stones...

I'm so pleased! A Handful of Small Stones has published one of my stones!

If you would like to read it, click here and scroll down until you find 17th November!

Touch - 18

Warm lips pressed against mine

urgent

passionate

conveying his need of me

Touch - 17

Thin cold leaves of green

sharply pointed

leaning towards the light.

Catch the leaf awkwardly

as I pull it up - ouch!

Fine cut

like a paper cut

on my palms.

Touch - 16

Smooth petals like living silk

top a smooth stalk impregnated

with fine thorns 

that bury themselves

in my flesh

like tiny needles

shedding 

blood

Ideas for Christmas...

If you're a bit stuck on what to buy your friends and family for Christmas, or even stuck for ideas for yourself, here are my recommendations: -

A Year of Questions by Fiona Robyn 

It really does help you slow down and fall in love with life again. I really don't rate self-help books because they never help me. This one did. Even if you're not a writer, buy it! It really makes you think and find space once again.  

A Year Of Questions

Pay Attention: A River of Stones

Back in January a whole group of us across the world joined together at A River Of Stones website to write a "small stone" every day. This anthology is a selection of the stones written during that month. (Mine is at the top of page 42!) A refreshing, relaxing and thought-provoking collection of bite sized poems and observations. Ideal for busy people or for those who can't concentrate for long. 

Pay Attention 

Collecting Cobwebs, Gathering Brambles by Elizabeth Leaper and Jack Williamson

My friend Libby has had an anthology of poetry published! This volume contains both her own and her late uncle's poetry. An absolute must for poetry lovers. 

Collecting Cobwebs 

Better Off Dead by Matt Rowe

Only recently released, this is a book that will get the teenagers in your life reading again. Actually, it'll get everyone in your life reading again so long as they've got a sense of humour! 

Better Off Dead

Dragonscale Leggings by Freya Pickard

Yes, I'm recommending my own work! If you need to escape from the dire deeds of politicians and faceless corporations, this is the perfect portal for you. If you're seriously depressed or even just feeling a bit down, then laughter is what you need - you'll find it in my tale of a strong heroine who (just about) overcomes against all odds. 

Dragonscale Leggings 

Essellecrafts

An amazing website for those finishing touches for all your gifts throughout the year. I think they only sell in the UK though. Everything is handcrafted in the UK - order your boxes soon!

Esselle

Touch - 15

Fine moisture beading my skin and hair;

cool touch to its delicate fingers, 

morning mist on an autumnal day.

Touch - 14

Smooth-skinned red fruit, 

large plumpness filling

my small hand; 

warm from the greenhouse

slightly giving skin;

ripe, plucked tomato.

Nanowrimo - Halfway there

Thank you so much to everyone who's provided encouragement and advice. I really appreciate it! 

Halfway through the Nanowrimo Challenge and so far I've written only 19,767 words. I'm pleased with my progress seeing as most of this was written yesterday and today!

Touch - 13

The silky, clean feel

of new underwear;

unfaded, smooth

making me feel

desirable...

Touch - 12

The dry, crumbly soil giving

way to my insistent

fingers allowing me 

to reap a harvest

of orange

carrots

Touch - 11

Softness of short, cropped hair;

it looks spiky and sharp

but feels almost 

velvety.

Touch - 10

Soft, firm pastry;

coalescing into a flour-butter dough,

smooth coolness

as I roll it out thinly

to make crisp, crumbling covering

for egg and bacon pie. 

Touch - 9

The firm, curved shape

of ripe fruit

red plumpness falling into my hand

as I gently twist the tomato

to release it from the stem;

firmness

slightly warm from the heat

of the greenhouse. 

Touch - 8

The silky feel of crumbled compost

sieved free of twigs and leaf

fresh scented

dark and mysterious

it runs through my fingers

like soft sand. 

Touch - 6

The sun's heat

on my skin

caressing, relaxing

yet invigorating; 

opens the pores

strengthens my bones

fills my heart with

thankfulness.

Review: Out of the Silent Planet by C S Lewis

Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I started re-reading Out of the Silent Planet last month as I felt the need for refreshment rather than challenge...





It was delightful to re-engage with Lewis' spectucular approach to space travel. I love the sensation of light in this novel and the beautiful descriptions of the planet that the hero is forcibily removed to.





I know that some people have told me that they have struggled with the images on "Mars" but for me it is always refreshing and renewing to read Lewis' prose. I also enjoyed his discussions on arch-types throughout the universe.





If you enjoy space travel and discovering new worlds, this is one to try!





View all my reviews

Touch - 7

The harsh feel of the carpet

against my bare feet;

Summer is here

and the carpet needs cleaning. 

EOTE - Masks & Mirrors!

EOTE is the 'zine that publishes some of my poetry. They have recently posted that they're looking for submissions for their April issue in 2012. The theme is Masks & Mirrors and you can find more details here

Touch - 5

The cool breeze

stirring the hairs on back of my neck

like cold fingers

just caressing my skin.

Touch - 4

The gentle rap of rain

on my waterproofs

drumming rhythmically on my hood

like a drum-beat

accompanying my swift walk

past the windmill.

Touch - 3

Golden breakers

crashing

on the shores of my body

uplifting, delighting

taking my breath away.

Touch - 2

The firm, pliable texture

of elastic-like dough;

combined flour and oil

seasoned with yeast, salt and sugar

drawn together by hand

responsive

alive to my touch.

Touch - 1

The feel of soft tomato leaves

trailing over my skin

as I weave through the greenhouse jungle;

gone now 

with the fleeting summer.