October

October - a long time since my last blog, but nothing writerly has happened. When I don't commit to writing then I drift. Anyway, a photo of the fantastic Virginia Creeper in the garden which is lifting my spirits at the moment, as I think about an elegy I want to write for a friend.

YOU WRITE LIKE

So I think I'll give it a go and type in a piece of fiction.It's analysed as like James Joyce. Wow,I admire Joyce, although I still have't finished Ulysees,and have no intention of reading Finnegan's Wake,but I love Portrait of the Artist and Dubliners.

Then I type in a poem, and again it's analsed as James Joyce style. I'm feeling really smug.Then I think perhaps it's fixed so I type in my shopping list and that is not in James Joyce style! This has me thinking about my voice and my style-the aim of every writer is to have their own style, their own voice, so I need to keep writing until I've found it.

After 3 months not blogging I'm back-thank you Rachel America for telling me you'd read my blog. I thought only two of my friends read this! I wish more people would follow me if they read it, as it seemed crazy writing it for two friends I see weekly and talk about the events I blog about.

A writing course in North Wales and I'm inspired again! But back to the kick and hurt of reality,and a car that worked well last week tells me with its computer tickertape that it has "engine failure" and a red light comes on.Back to the garage again.

Still last week was brilliant. Time to relax and write,talk poetry,read poetry,swim in the sea and eat fantastic flavoured ice cream.

Hay Festival

Been to the Hay Festival.Had a great time.The atmosphere is wonderful even though the place is frentic with people, talk, ideas, coffee, cake, wild flowers.I love the festival, and love being in Hay.

ENTRIES

The first entries for the Cwrtnewydd Scribblers short story competition have arrived,which is exciting. There are still six weeks to go before the closing date of 30th of June,still plenty of time to write your summer themed story. Cash prizes and publication-all very tempting-so download your entry form and get writing.

GRACE IN LITERATURE

On Saturday I attended the lecture given by the Rowan Williams,Archbishop of Canterbury, on Grace in Literature. I knew Rowan Williams was a poet and a theologian, but he is also an academic and a fine lecturer and linguist, reading Welsh cynhanedd and Italian from Dante.

Rowan Williams is an unassuming and erudite man. A gracious man.He wore a suit and dog collar with a wooden cross around his neck, while the college officials dressed in academic regalia. Afterwards he turned up at the drinks reception to talk to people, and he had to be called in for the official dinner.

World Book Night

Today I am giving away copies of Seamus Heaney's New Selected Poems.I have 48 copies to set free.Each one has a number.If you receive a World Book Day book register this number with the World Book Night website.They can then monitor the book's journey-for these books are to read and share. Last year people were asked to apply to be book givers;to choose from the list a book they felt passionately about and to give it to others. Today my box of books are being liberated-sending poetry out to a wider readership.Read and pass the book on.