In our local Society of Authors’ group, we started to share where we write. The places are as varied as what we write and the people we are. From writing friends, I’ve learned there’s a long list of places:- a study at home, at a computer, on a train – especially long distance -, in a library, preferably quiet for some, others like the buzz of activity around. When I first joined the group the idea was that we’d begin by having a coffee and a chat, and those who wanted, moving to separate tables to write. Now, we meet once a month, and talk about writing.
If someone has a launch or a book out, we focus on that for a while. If someone new has joined us, we find out what they write and start to get to know them. They similarly suss us out, decide how or if the group is helpful to them.
For some, poets in particular it seems to me, the physical act of writing is the second stage. They have the germ of an idea, perhaps go for a long walk allowing the thought to surface, they might research the topic if that seems appropriate. Roselle Angwin writes: Poetry really is different (from novels and creative fiction): the inspiration has to be present. Mostly, this means getting out of my own light, or doing something in the garden, or going for a walk.’
The second stage for them is putting the words on the page. Where do they go to do that? Some are already outside, some might wake early and jot down the thoughts that have been mulling around. Very few seem to do what I do, which is attend a workshop. Often I’m introduced to poems I’ve not read before. Sometimes, I begin a poem of my own, which I may develop later.
Joe’s place
After Kathleen Jamie
Well, I’m here again –
carrying panniers to the
café steps –
to find a place among
ground coffee and flaky pastry smells
guitars humming lullabies.
A new barista in jeans, cool-blue cardigan
wipes tables
waters plants.
Daz shouts from the bench seat
Siri! crossword clue – rest/four.
A French couple with their 3-month-old
– she breastfeeds discreetly
-he hurries to fetch their car.
(I help her slip on – one-handed – her jacket
Simon from Dry Cleaners of Distinction opens
the door with a courteous nod).
Through the window
a van man in mud-coloured dungarees
shaved head
heaves a double mattress,
ignoring traffic rush
focussed
on the opposite pavement.
I pick up my pen
open my notebook.
My initial draft of a poem or prose is written with a pen in my notebook. Quite a few poets I know don’t use a pen. They prefer a pencil – not wanting to be too definite in the craft of catching words to form a poem.
I write at home in my armchair, and type it up afterwards on a computer. The space is a part of our back room that overlooks our garden, an inspiration at any time of year. Often, I go to a café. Sometimes I walk through Blackdown woods and stop at Chesford Grange Hotel where I have a coffee and write.
Blackdown woods where bulbs are sprouting
Sometimes I walk to Ashow and sit on the bench outside the church. I may take a flask.
I’ve tried different cafés in Leamington. Above is a poem I wrote while in Spa Town Coffee, Warwick Street. The café suits me because the coffee’s excellent and the baristas are friendly. Around me a variety of customers: at laptops, with families, with friends chatting, or alone.
Crocuses on the verge of a pavement
Reference: The above quote about writing poetry came from Roselle Angwin’s Substack- In the Beautiful Middles of Nowhere. It was published under the title Poetry on World Book Day.
Reading: Blackbird Singing at Dusk – Wendy Pratt – an anthology by the poet and non-fiction writer. May Day – Jackie Kay. Poetry anthology. Some of her poems are in Scottish dialect. I like to read poems aloud. Hard for me to do in a Scottish accent! On Youtube, I discovered Farewell 2020. What a treasure! Scottish accent and blue visuals with stars, mountains, lakes and bagpipes. I recommend it. It’s broken into sections of 4 minutes so it’s easy to absorb.
Obsessed with Pipework is a poetry magazine I love. February 2025 contains some experimental work, which is a challenge for me. Others – including names I recognise – Pat Edwards, Angela France and Carole Bromley – are worth reading again and again. Plenty of time because the next issue isn’t out till May.
Another Man in the Street – Caryl Phillips. Just started this novel. Normal Women – Philippa Gregory – Non fiction which will take me several weeks. Fascinating history of normal women in British History, many of whom we hear nothing about.
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