Dear All
I’m not going to lie, (although I am currently writing a memoir piece which tells how good a liar I’d become by the age of ten) making hand sewn pamphlets of my prose poem Wallflower (see previous post, goals for 2021) has not been easy – understatement!
This has mainly been due to my poor arthritic hands which no longer want to sew, or attempt anything fiddly. It’s a shame because I really enjoyed the process. Other problems have been technical, mainly revolving around my new but temperamental printer. Still, despite the problems I’m really chuffed with the results and the way it honours the work.
Wallflower was first inspired by my conversations with women in Bishop Auckland who were setting up new businesses in the wake of the Auckland Project. When New Writing North invited bids for commissioned pieces of 3,000 words – under the title New Narratives for the North, I developed the idea for the poem and put in a bid. It was one of those times when I thought I’d really nailed the brief, these were creative, working class women, with a strong local heritage, striving for something new.
As it happened I was unsuccessful, which was O.K. until I discovered that one of the commissions was a piece about Dominic Cummings, from what I could see he was presented in not an unfavourable light ( don’t quote me on that, I didn’t read it with the greatest of attention). I know it made me very cross.
So, I wrote my piece anyway and now I’m proud of it and really glad I did – an extract will be published in the forthcoming Weardale anthology (more about that at a later date) Also there may be a possibility of extending the poem’s remit and range, it’s being read at the moment… but that is a waiting game.
Meanwhile I will just have to take it slowly and make one or two pamphlets a week, as well as working on my other writing goals
Before I go, I want to give a shout out to Warren, a talented writer, for his comments on the blog. I really appreciate getting your responses Warren. So pleased to know you’ve kept writing in the lockdown. Be good to think you’ll get an audio drama under your belt.
Also before I go, I’ve just started this mindfulness practice and find it very good. Very calming in these times. It’s only 15 mins a day, a great way to start the day, and it’s free. Its not a cool app like Headspace, which I’m sure is fine, but these are people who’ve devoted their lives to such practice
Oh now- they do look very special indeed, and visceral, something to handle and absorb. But at great cost to your poor hands, they require special destinations. Have you thought about running your own writing competition on a theme, 3k words? One of those pamphlets would make a special prize. When D.C. finally finds his true destination, I shall send him a copy of The Ballad of Reading Gaol. I think I can top you, by age 10 I was adept at the most disgraceful whoppers, truth seldom passed my lips.
Hey Warren – thanks – they are quite special- I’ll think about your suggestion! If I can make enough (my printer has stopped working again – and its Call Centre, Technical Support hell – I’ve been to the Philippines, am currently in Romania with Adrian – great guy) I will keep one for you. O.K. you win on the whoopers front. I really only lied to my mother because telling the truth was just too dangerous!