This is a shameless plug for a book that is due out in two months time; Christchurch poet and writer Helen Lowe's debut novel Thornspell. It's a young adult fantasy, based on Sleeping Beauty. I was fortunate enough to read it in draft form, and it really is a cracking story. Knopf grabbed it as …
Poetic Justice?
I was sent a link to an article on the Washington Post website about a group of teenaged kids who broke into Robert Frost's old home, and had themselves a party which caused over $10,000 worth of damage. The twist in the story? Local poet Jay Parini was contacted by the prosecutor in the case: …
Things you learn from CSI
Watching an old episode of CSI NY (now known in our house as "CSI Implausible") I came across an interesting titbit of information. Apparently there are three different sorts of tears: Basal tears: In healthy mammalian eyes, the cornea is continually kept wet and nourished by basal tears. They lubricate the eye and help to keep it clear of dust. Tear …
CV for a good First Reader?
I was talking to someone about writing the other day, and mentioned how vital a good First Reader was. He had no idea what I was talking about, so I explained – the first person I show a new piece of writing to, for honest (often "brutal") feedback and comment. I'd always assumed the term …
Five Gifts for my Grandmother – poem in progress
Once again I find myself indebted to the Guardian Unlimited Poetry Workshops. This time, to Matthew Francis's Sensual Imagery exercise. Like all good exercises, it starts with a bit of stretching, a bit of limbering up, then sets you to the task at a nicely measured pace. We begin by writing: When I think of summer, …
Continue reading "Five Gifts for my Grandmother – poem in progress"
A Dark Feathered Art 