So today and tomorrow, I’ll be showcasing the latest work by the incredibly talented young poets, who earned the title ‘Poet Laureate’ earlier this year, in their schools. It’s a genuine privilege to be able to work closely with these writers, as part of my role as Patron of Writing at Didcot Girls’ School andContinue reading “Introducing [drum-roll]… our Poet Laureates”
Tag Archives: Writing
“So, let’s start with your name. And why you are here.” #LetsDoThisKids – 3
No. This is not an AA meeting. This was how we kicked off the Writers’ Mentoring Programme at Didcot Girls’ School this week – an initiative that has grown out of the poetry workshops I led last term with around 250 year 9 and 10 students. As it’s a New Year (and all that) pleaseContinue reading ““So, let’s start with your name. And why you are here.” #LetsDoThisKids – 3”
#Letsdothiskids – Discoveries of a school Patron of Writing
I’m reeling. I’ve just been reading the creative writing of a bunch of 11 and 12 year olds. Original, compelling, artistically adventurous writing. Here’s a flavour: I’m summer, I’m winter, I’m everything it seems. Emily W Year 7 She is a record player, playing softly as everyone dances. She smells like warm leather but onContinue reading “#Letsdothiskids – Discoveries of a school Patron of Writing”
A Happy Clearing
There has been some movement in my head. One way to describe this might be to say that, for months, I’ve been a bit like someone trying to take a stroll through a deep jungle, as if it were my local High Street. Which is, of course, impossible and ridiculous. I’ve been hacking away atContinue reading “A Happy Clearing”
Wishing I could have lingered longer
I know better these days than to pack in more than two events in one day at Ledbury Poetry Festival. I need time to bask in this chocolate-box town’s poetic tradition. Time to think. Drink coffee. And ultimately (hopefully): write. But I was entirely satisfied by my two carefully chosen events (when the brochure arrives,Continue reading “Wishing I could have lingered longer”