I have attended a few poetry writing retreats over the years, at Ty Newydd (in Criccieth) and Totleigh Barton (in Devon). All of these retreats have been inspiring and helpful, with some extremely knowledgeable and encouraging tutors (including Pascale Petit, Will Harris, Daljit Nagra, Owen Sheers, Paul Henry, Martha Sprackland, Will Burns and Jonathan Edwards) but this year I needed something different. In early September I spent a week in Corwen, in the Dee Valley, at Bron y Graig – A Place to Write, taking part in an untutored writing retreat. Continue reading
inspiration
My Top 5 Useful Books for Poets
There are many books out there which are designed to help poets to write well, to be inspired, to learn new forms or develop their work. These are just five of the books that have helped me over the years; books which I return to again and again…
Poetry Non-Stop – National Poetry Writing Month
Poetry Books
April is National Poetry Writing Month (also known as #NaPoWriMo). The challenge is to write a new poem each day throughout the month. It started in America in 2003, and has grown since then with poets everywhere encouraging each other to take the challenge and get writing. Pattrick Widdess, a poet based in Wales who regularly performs his work and has had poetry published in a number of magazines, has written Poetry Non-Stop, an inspirational guide, ready for National Poetry Writing Month 2016. Continue reading