Prompts from Churchill Writers last week

The Churchill Writers came up with some fantastic writing from these prompts last Saturday, all in just ten minutes with no preparation. The essence of free writing is to start anywhere and keep writing at all costs. Welcome whatever comes without judgement until the time is up and let your writing surprise you. Writing alongside other writers can create an intoxicating energy but you can do it on your own too. Our prompts were these:

Too close to call.

They hardly ever touch.

‘Free as a thistle, white hair blowing’ (from Second Childhood by Phoebe Hesketh)

Her arms were around his neck and she would not let go.

Here’s a photo prompt to welcome spring too.

Happy writing!

Poetry Hub at the Faversham Literary Festival: this Saturday, 24th Feb

At 11am this Saturday I am thrilled to be reading with two powerfully talented poets Bethany Goodwill and David Dykes at the Poetry Hub in Faversham’s gorgeous, medieval Guildhall in the centre of town. I’ve been having fun with poems this morning, gathering some new and a couple of old favourites, and can’t wait for us to lead off what should be a really exciting day of poetry – the full line-up is here. The Faversham Literary Festival is outstanding this year, again – congratulations to Amanda, Mark, Will, Megan and the team on enriching our literary lives so beautifully.

Events between now and March

Poetry events are springing up like bulbs at the moment. Details of three (three!) events of mine are on my events page here:

Thursday, 21 March 2024, 6.30pm at Ashford Library;

5 March, 2024 at 7pm: In-Words’ Shakespeare event in West Greenwich Library, London SE10;

and at the FAVERSHAM LITERARY FESTIVAL Poetry Hub, I will read on Saturday 24 February, 2024 at 11am and co-host throughout the day.

For all these events I will be in the best of company and would love you to join us.