Tuesday 15 March 2016

So, what are you?


A friend asked recently, ‘What are you, a poet, a playwright, a novelist, a film script creator? The answer is simple:

 

I am a writer…

 

I ask my computer if it is ready to consume the words I’m about to write - daily, if life allows. I can feel its anticipation and sometimes I can’t type fast enough for my brain. Then other times sit there for ages with the cursor blinking, teasing, inviting but performance anxiety gets to me and nothing pops into my head. I revert on occasion to simpler tools and choose to use pen and paper. I can even sometimes feel the journey the words take from my brain, along my arms and out through my fingers.

It’s enriched me, initiating a wonder about creativity. I look at things different to how I used to. My awareness level peaks as I absorb things that surround me. They were always around me I just didn’t appreciate them. Now, I don’t just read a poem once; I read it again and again. I don’t just look through book; I immerse myself in it. I don’t just watch a play; I admire the work that has gone into producing the work I am enjoying. I don’t just go see a movie; I appreciate how it is constructed. I think about what the person may have thought when they wrote the verses, chapters or scripts. How they sat down and put everything together.

It also awakened the critic in me. I find I edit everything, people speaking, reporters on television, D.J.’s on the radio, magazines, and newspaper articles. Friends, although this is a tricky one and I tend to keep it zipped for fear of losing said friendship. It’s funny because I also edit myself. I find that I have to stop and spell the simplest of words that rolled off my tongue before.

When I began writing a few years ago I had all the time in the world although I didn’t realise it then but now it feels like I had. In the meantime life happened and my writing time became more focused, on a deadline, snatched between other daily tasks. I actually had to create a time management schedule to ensure I gave myself adequate time to write. The restricted moments gives me more focus. If I only have an hour then it has to get done within that time frame. No arguments, anyway it’s no fun quarrelling with yourself!

Most of all I love the journey writing takes me on. By sharing it I can bring others along too. I don’t need a vehicle to transport my readers, I don’t need to tax and insure my computer or paper. It’s a free ride on an adventure because I am a writer.

So, over to you: Have you limited time to write? If so, how do you focus your time? Do you reach your goals, targets? Or do you wish you could do more.  

Please comment and share. Thanks for reading.

Marie

Thursday 10 March 2016

Doing Cartwheels

Poetry Slam judge at Kanturk Arts Festival:

I am delighted to share with you that I have been invited to judge at this year's Poetry Slam  Competition at Kanturk Arts Festival.

Poets are invited to read their own work for a chance to win a prize in that category. Another category invites people to perform work written by others.
I have the honour of listening to the participants and deciding on a winner. I haven't said it will be easy but it will be fun.
Find out more about Kanturk Arts Festival here:



http://kanturkarts.ie/