tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56169877063109742642024-02-07T02:08:41.294+00:00Elizabeth GibsonWriter and performerElizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.comBlogger327125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-33173414069482570252023-01-09T20:19:00.003+00:002023-01-09T20:19:44.275+00:00A big update on an exciting year!<p> Hello!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcITC5Rx8w2kIbC0c4EFf5wHjBRQGzK6P-aUSlSU65KWfQmupfYJtNtzfBX_43pGYKWEUtUkCav2gAi2h_S_zCDvC1ju25zHU9spBAupZvN3G2slv-kaYhEoT-9T8oiHd5_0kOct6FXGIuJ_g_ruOByaJDKuw1DN20XYHeuh-PUTRY657e9Sy6qjFp2Q/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Kirby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcITC5Rx8w2kIbC0c4EFf5wHjBRQGzK6P-aUSlSU65KWfQmupfYJtNtzfBX_43pGYKWEUtUkCav2gAi2h_S_zCDvC1ju25zHU9spBAupZvN3G2slv-kaYhEoT-9T8oiHd5_0kOct6FXGIuJ_g_ruOByaJDKuw1DN20XYHeuh-PUTRY657e9Sy6qjFp2Q/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Kirby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I hope you are doing well. Here in Manchester, it is cold and wet. I am spending plenty of time with other people, and on hobbies, and this has helped me feel a bit warmer. I've been hiking, baking, playing the tin whistle in an Irish music group, and doing lots of reading.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78SsrEyW8UnSG1qRg0wxZNKB65OIf9ne0inAt95lPEbf-kV_6H4FBLyAXJ1Cr77ifgrjKrZuFRdvemtrw6EyykZRvJE6JG0lWwa2AEQv9NctKb6FIAPeGed2_c3jPctBlicBFbtuUBxfC2CbRQykQMs4DrZW4cBwkcblM9mEexOCAkU0FncPI89s-tg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Tegg's%20Nose.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78SsrEyW8UnSG1qRg0wxZNKB65OIf9ne0inAt95lPEbf-kV_6H4FBLyAXJ1Cr77ifgrjKrZuFRdvemtrw6EyykZRvJE6JG0lWwa2AEQv9NctKb6FIAPeGed2_c3jPctBlicBFbtuUBxfC2CbRQykQMs4DrZW4cBwkcblM9mEexOCAkU0FncPI89s-tg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Tegg's%20Nose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking at Tegg's Nose</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I had ulnar (elbow) nerve surgery this summer, which was a huge challenge and life milestone, as I had never had surgery before. It went well, but did slow me down for a while. I'm sorry for such a big gap since my last blog update, but this one is full of exciting stuff. I hope you enjoy it!</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">'Happy Place' at Oldham Coliseum Theatre</span></p><p>I was honoured to be commissioned to write a new play for secondary pupils, as part of Oldham Coliseum's Secondary Partnerships Scheme. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8HMV_ZxuY9ehLLrxz9gFn_ubg9O-2112J-A0Avw_4QGawZQDUI_vJF9tvziEly--ivuJWYOptrZEHauX6psOuu_hRr--oUJ9eEQCHkFxHf7n1zHSe0hz5uhQYO_lAcBkPftmzsARCalkxEFgY6GcSCe1IC0vUZt-FwDpD5ecojNYruMtxq0i8IRnTw/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Oldham%20Coliseum%20Theatre%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8HMV_ZxuY9ehLLrxz9gFn_ubg9O-2112J-A0Avw_4QGawZQDUI_vJF9tvziEly--ivuJWYOptrZEHauX6psOuu_hRr--oUJ9eEQCHkFxHf7n1zHSe0hz5uhQYO_lAcBkPftmzsARCalkxEFgY6GcSCe1IC0vUZt-FwDpD5ecojNYruMtxq0i8IRnTw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Oldham%20Coliseum%20Theatre%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I wrote 'Happy Place', which follows a form on their first day back at school. They are faced with a Bake Off, TikTok dances, and an ABBA-tastic PE class. It was a joy to watch local schools, including an SEN school, perform my play at the Coliseum at the <a href="https://www.coliseum.org.uk/spektrix/spektrix-events/inter-schools-festival-homecoming" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Inter-Schools Festival</span></a>.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Workers' Rights Project at Islington Mill</span></p><p>As part of Islington Mill's heritage programme, I was selected for a creative writing commission on the subject of Workers' Rights. I researched the history of the Mill and its partial collapse in 1824, the evolution of trade unions, strikes and protests in Manchester and Salford, and the huge issues remaining within the global textile industry today. </p><p>I wrote four new monologues: 'Strangers', 'Lofty', 'Fire' and 'Fast', and a poem, 'Falling'. In August, we shared this work at <a href="https://www.islingtonmill.com/events/workers-rights" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">an event</span></a> at the Mill, with actors Keziah Lockwood and Ross Thompson performing the monologues, and me sharing my poem. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDnx9XapD99sOer5q-KwQshEfz07u9kUpoPJcnCjrjBUM__Fl4lFSMtteDoaYZmBBWla5Re-FT_mupZt0h9vMaz4dyApvjakELXhcbcH5awoO7EQdg5pEVx_Jy7R4bqviWO3WK49zEh4Vt8Kq9-XcL6PLSjp1YJTskYJRma4c70q8SKMBcq2qQFIF3g/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Islington%20Mill.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="720" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDnx9XapD99sOer5q-KwQshEfz07u9kUpoPJcnCjrjBUM__Fl4lFSMtteDoaYZmBBWla5Re-FT_mupZt0h9vMaz4dyApvjakELXhcbcH5awoO7EQdg5pEVx_Jy7R4bqviWO3WK49zEh4Vt8Kq9-XcL6PLSjp1YJTskYJRma4c70q8SKMBcq2qQFIF3g/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Islington%20Mill.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At rehearsals on the event day</div><p>It was a very sunny day, and an incredible evening - thank you to all who came.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Elliptical Readings at the Poetry Library</span></p><p>Artist Abigail Reynolds created the <a href="https://abigailreynolds.com/Elliptical-Reading"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Elliptical Readings</span></a> series, a live artwork which has had four instalments so far, in Aberdeen, Wolverhampton, Plymouth, and Manchester. In each city, in a library, a small group gathers weekly for several months. They each read aloud from a book they love, the same book for the duration of the project. </p><p>I was chosen for the group at Manchester Poetry Library, and my book was Mary Jean Chan's brilliant poetry collection, <i>Flèche</i>. Reading from the collection every week helped me connect with it even more deeply. The poems are queer and sensual, and look at home, language, family, and food. </p><p>It was great to get to know my fellow group members, and the books they chose, which were all so different and intriguing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSPDqSJHGUMGoNkhuIzODt8hps9Go2bn4QOtduOJsJyrcC1IaMV-ZIgG2im2-AtHdC6t7vQ25GDLIVZVnrDCpdPGXOQapg8GrYG1dUokNAcM3l0Q49-3lE24OYNQkGHkis2KVv5vZsNQCFXAYMn_CsxaHFNRu6AuKxK4fvFml_2xGwxTvZl4_yRN3Tw/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Abigail%20Reynolds%20Book.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="720" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSPDqSJHGUMGoNkhuIzODt8hps9Go2bn4QOtduOJsJyrcC1IaMV-ZIgG2im2-AtHdC6t7vQ25GDLIVZVnrDCpdPGXOQapg8GrYG1dUokNAcM3l0Q49-3lE24OYNQkGHkis2KVv5vZsNQCFXAYMn_CsxaHFNRu6AuKxK4fvFml_2xGwxTvZl4_yRN3Tw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Abigail%20Reynolds%20Book.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hand!</div><p>We even got special editions of our books, bound by Abigail with an image of our own hand! Mine is something I will always treasure.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Networking at the Poetry Library</span></p><p>I returned to Manchester Poetry Library as part of the Neurodivergent Poets Network. I enjoyed meeting new people, reconnecting with friends I hadn't seen for a while, and making zines.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83K5ECDXyWVqf2eS0X3ZIqJqlbeb2Tb_it-MdS4b7wIxKRJ9MpxcuUdOJr40P_NpEOrITJxWLT__ZP9P5-9zmrnEio9J7ruw1wYtKd1ZfwcmWML0_auvUKgTJTxoyUdbFRbjwtqTNSKLGjoErAzhHqTNQPwGlrXymMG-XZmwiTDrBXiggsSDcscJvpA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20with%20Zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83K5ECDXyWVqf2eS0X3ZIqJqlbeb2Tb_it-MdS4b7wIxKRJ9MpxcuUdOJr40P_NpEOrITJxWLT__ZP9P5-9zmrnEio9J7ruw1wYtKd1ZfwcmWML0_auvUKgTJTxoyUdbFRbjwtqTNSKLGjoErAzhHqTNQPwGlrXymMG-XZmwiTDrBXiggsSDcscJvpA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20with%20Zine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sbh6VVbb_U4wO0CrXXDJbZZ-uZeUuPRXuLIDBzrPbxwm3TyBIr9F6JqihzJLUE3VTcZtdCyKNf1F4q4CYsvNLLzi3s8fpUsCQOPb7_Fun1BGObTJ88JYnQpPpvkkEkKvWpeO7mtpLgtwNpejvQf_issCHb22RKPAVOzhoPhqGqJx73-8QydcxPexEw/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Colours%20Zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sbh6VVbb_U4wO0CrXXDJbZZ-uZeUuPRXuLIDBzrPbxwm3TyBIr9F6JqihzJLUE3VTcZtdCyKNf1F4q4CYsvNLLzi3s8fpUsCQOPb7_Fun1BGObTJ88JYnQpPpvkkEkKvWpeO7mtpLgtwNpejvQf_issCHb22RKPAVOzhoPhqGqJx73-8QydcxPexEw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Colours%20Zine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have also joined the Multilingual Poets' Network at the Poetry Library, and am really enjoying chatting about language and poetry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm looking forward to seeing how both these Networks develop, and what we can create together.</div></div><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Portico Rewriting at The Portico Library</span></p><p>The Portico Rewriting project aims to make Manchester more accessible, by creating an alternative guidebook. I was commissioned to write about Partisan and The International Burgess Foundation. These are two places I know well, and I enjoyed writing my poems 'Electric' and 'After the rain'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwbk-OzdE50wtxAqP5nAaVErSH0HrNbwvCkxZdV2LIWs2z5j0HMJX0Frw-6usTn40OoXg1ecTDZCTTYd07DCTeSPRXH08SLHRfRVONFbCPMYLWcM6DkW2GYPcJkBqlVHUZNRWRWVrn-7dJqyZJTOouyzZEcYFnV9kWHdQdG3mHFO3jrdKaQvMc57PZg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Portico%20Rewriting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwbk-OzdE50wtxAqP5nAaVErSH0HrNbwvCkxZdV2LIWs2z5j0HMJX0Frw-6usTn40OoXg1ecTDZCTTYd07DCTeSPRXH08SLHRfRVONFbCPMYLWcM6DkW2GYPcJkBqlVHUZNRWRWVrn-7dJqyZJTOouyzZEcYFnV9kWHdQdG3mHFO3jrdKaQvMc57PZg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Portico%20Rewriting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The finished zine is gorgeous. I have also recorded audio versions of the poems, which will be available online, and which I am looking forward to sharing.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Freelance Futures with The Lowry</span></p><p>I was happy to be selected by The Lowry to receive a bursary to attend <a href="https://www.freelancefutures.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Freelance Futures</span></a>, a programme bringing freelance creatives together. I attended online sessions on leadership, working with organisations, and networking, and I heard from some really inspiring people. </p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Performing at Pride, an Art Gallery, a Castle, and more!</span></p><p>In the spring, I was invited to be a featured performer at Whalley Range Pride, which was a real honour. I was very happy with my set, and the atmosphere at the Nip and Tipple was so cosy and supportive.</p><p>I represented the Writing Squad at The Portico Library, along with Lydia Hounat and Jay Mitra. It was really nice to spend time with them, and hear their work, as well as performing my own.</p><p>I travelled to Clitheroe Castle to perform with Northern Poets' Society as part of the new C-Arts Festival. A fun and memorable day out, and hopefully the first year of many for the Festival!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qR08M-AJAEkxBwpO6kRJs8eKpFK_7MVnPWkELwKjL62xQuxA6rYLC9PTc6pUxBRBhyv3-YCQ2kfMQQwRSj-ucdaLKzL-23Q0fCkeDqGfHScr5PDjZSP1sJzVft0E085U2LxEzpKZsoaW6bW1U3vIZeV4DMshBAuD2vwis5TvDiDgA8SOjuSm_JIK_g/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Clitheroe%20Castle%20Summer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="720" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qR08M-AJAEkxBwpO6kRJs8eKpFK_7MVnPWkELwKjL62xQuxA6rYLC9PTc6pUxBRBhyv3-YCQ2kfMQQwRSj-ucdaLKzL-23Q0fCkeDqGfHScr5PDjZSP1sJzVft0E085U2LxEzpKZsoaW6bW1U3vIZeV4DMshBAuD2vwis5TvDiDgA8SOjuSm_JIK_g/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Clitheroe%20Castle%20Summer.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYht5x5LmSidpkTlUBd6c1WkTo2V7IL6maOoNlwHZ5HrCvTqFKBKwMDhTaj3vtbJr3SIt3yrUsEA1pE3oQba7bLfGxRxwRqGKWbbBGF5M12wU9tagAR4vVIU4nULqhjAr_Jq1nVbeZqvAWGRkBixeSx6W5izBLnfoW0NkBP1KhwYMOV3fOUHYD0rerw/s717/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Clitheroe%20Castle%20View.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="717" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYht5x5LmSidpkTlUBd6c1WkTo2V7IL6maOoNlwHZ5HrCvTqFKBKwMDhTaj3vtbJr3SIt3yrUsEA1pE3oQba7bLfGxRxwRqGKWbbBGF5M12wU9tagAR4vVIU4nULqhjAr_Jq1nVbeZqvAWGRkBixeSx6W5izBLnfoW0NkBP1KhwYMOV3fOUHYD0rerw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Clitheroe%20Castle%20View.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>I also performed with Northern Poets' Society at Manchester Art Gallery, where we wrote in response to art in the Gallery, and then performed in front of that art. I wrote on Frank Dicksee's 'The Funeral of a Viking', as I am always moved by how water, flame, and movement are depicted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BrPG3oxa-coTPKS9gnE3Ejj27Emy2o0CuG9Ptkec-Yanmjkt5S0k2TcG2XdGRxLm4RGTtxow2xyng5dD4HtvtrsEWWkuRlBktXG8tQumjC7JN0icuzTBX_74LCJrDR8XygvUP7N73rA9jdRPjA2gbtCEH4XpdiGRCAq3d7vF2YlK7b0c26f7i3jB7w/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Manchester%20Art%20Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BrPG3oxa-coTPKS9gnE3Ejj27Emy2o0CuG9Ptkec-Yanmjkt5S0k2TcG2XdGRxLm4RGTtxow2xyng5dD4HtvtrsEWWkuRlBktXG8tQumjC7JN0icuzTBX_74LCJrDR8XygvUP7N73rA9jdRPjA2gbtCEH4XpdiGRCAq3d7vF2YlK7b0c26f7i3jB7w/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Manchester%20Art%20Gallery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4E6LqDRQ-KStDG14gYZNfpiAdNwGlQUQLXh00iC2_jQnMDY7EkT6FK5JYbc5KJixNZ2hygLjsZVV6Izp_A_HASiZ1DL1jbWbyXNhiL0D2bmbMD5ZI5_6XoKsiGMRDFDGwYkNh10dXru07zBly4kBVU7ooRYPuDisez1WnYHr26lKZRQHaXnmYc5Feg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Funeral%20of%20a%20Viking%20Frank%20Dicksee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4E6LqDRQ-KStDG14gYZNfpiAdNwGlQUQLXh00iC2_jQnMDY7EkT6FK5JYbc5KJixNZ2hygLjsZVV6Izp_A_HASiZ1DL1jbWbyXNhiL0D2bmbMD5ZI5_6XoKsiGMRDFDGwYkNh10dXru07zBly4kBVU7ooRYPuDisez1WnYHr26lKZRQHaXnmYc5Feg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Funeral%20of%20a%20Viking%20Frank%20Dicksee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I returned to Sale Out Loud, and made my first appearance at Long Story Short, Natter Bolton, and Salford Queer Open Mic. The North West spoken-word community is hard-working and supportive and kind, and I am hoping to get to even more gigs this year.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeIakS0TYQp-T2UVyMPB2L27uKEiieTtY66DwEUN5M5RWwQtwhuPLR9y-kzmCGMIBGtn78m-YuCNj20JKHwTst2sZSOqwAsT_tIWgrmMm6lsStMJphntKB1eUXZpnoAfe4hH4GiRgMmFob7-O5oxxLdC1IHdrtJAPjheP7ZiSX0WL6YeUt2vdt8HfSw/s3072/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Pastel%20de%20Nata.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeIakS0TYQp-T2UVyMPB2L27uKEiieTtY66DwEUN5M5RWwQtwhuPLR9y-kzmCGMIBGtn78m-YuCNj20JKHwTst2sZSOqwAsT_tIWgrmMm6lsStMJphntKB1eUXZpnoAfe4hH4GiRgMmFob7-O5oxxLdC1IHdrtJAPjheP7ZiSX0WL6YeUt2vdt8HfSw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Pastel%20de%20Nata.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pastel de nata at Natter!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Love and blackberries at Lumb Bank</span></p><p>In summer, I had an unexpected adventure at Lumb Bank, near Hebden Bridge - one of my favourite places - when a place opened up on a poetry course that had been sold out. I quickly packed, and travelled to Yorkshire, where I met a wonderful group of people. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4t9SSALWUPFixb2say3105-rwJ49vC7T7OvihXH_lFkGauJWpi4r5t9_4DMEFJYUvYl6ERku6GpRJEcSjv2a_zzDC3yG30W0Yja2JGZ9SZslMO4TNb9OTMAON0l9mCJxOwgGXGvIabwjArmJvhMemL9PqzL0t8UrnXBUQqXK1UqCHahfJwNc3d6GIw/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Butterfly%20and%20Flowers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="720" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4t9SSALWUPFixb2say3105-rwJ49vC7T7OvihXH_lFkGauJWpi4r5t9_4DMEFJYUvYl6ERku6GpRJEcSjv2a_zzDC3yG30W0Yja2JGZ9SZslMO4TNb9OTMAON0l9mCJxOwgGXGvIabwjArmJvhMemL9PqzL0t8UrnXBUQqXK1UqCHahfJwNc3d6GIw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Butterfly%20and%20Flowers.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSi3N4Cv8_-V9_s847G0xThRa-zdt4_OBIo_gCQXUAr_Wig2_OxrAquwToFn6EiAnastaOL_N2eitHYh5KAlawVK59S9QLgXq2lb5Z46JZchdhN2JozxL-FtiG9sbGVBLQya-FoY-a5E0xvZ-2urtaNuspDuCImvWkcIdusEBIOtl5L96ah_GzG5vIw/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Cheesecake%20Lumb%20Bank.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="720" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSi3N4Cv8_-V9_s847G0xThRa-zdt4_OBIo_gCQXUAr_Wig2_OxrAquwToFn6EiAnastaOL_N2eitHYh5KAlawVK59S9QLgXq2lb5Z46JZchdhN2JozxL-FtiG9sbGVBLQya-FoY-a5E0xvZ-2urtaNuspDuCImvWkcIdusEBIOtl5L96ah_GzG5vIw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Cheesecake%20Lumb%20Bank.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>I learnt so much from our tutors, Jay Bernard and lisa luxx. I wrote a lot, stargazed, ate delicious food, picked blackberries, and played with Ted the Cat. It was very special.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Competition success</span></p><p>I had a lovely surprise in October, when I was one of the winners of the Lancaster LitFest Poetry Competition, on the theme of 'Environment'. I travelled to Lancaster for a cosy performance evening hosted by the amazing Clare Shaw, who also judged the competition. It was a moonlit night, and I fell somewhat in love with Lancaster.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlri86ox29arST2mnQlz7Vg6asGrKPzhLOLnbfy8ArvV6PPUWrHiSIZqjF8jUUfvpNVf-nXz4lm95nmYw7kP4fD0rEBsDC-CbnbnhhREk962y8n6-H8jJga-0nGTW0kIUDNEgAobCLTWsSWd2iyZMbPsITuUJdD-KqFTm2OkPcQWUd-ipt1XQlDb7fg/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lancaster%20LitFest.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="720" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlri86ox29arST2mnQlz7Vg6asGrKPzhLOLnbfy8ArvV6PPUWrHiSIZqjF8jUUfvpNVf-nXz4lm95nmYw7kP4fD0rEBsDC-CbnbnhhREk962y8n6-H8jJga-0nGTW0kIUDNEgAobCLTWsSWd2iyZMbPsITuUJdD-KqFTm2OkPcQWUd-ipt1XQlDb7fg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lancaster%20LitFest.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>You can read my winning poem, <a href="https://litfest.org/a-kind-of-peace-by-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'A kind of peace'</span></a>, on the LitFest website, along with two of my other environment poems, <a href="https://litfest.org/sap-by-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Sap'</span></a> and <a href="https://litfest.org/lavender-by-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Lavender'</span></a>, as part of the Poetry Mosaic.</p><p>My poem 'Carnival Octopus' was shortlisted for Black Cat Poetry Press' Sea Poetry Competition, and will be published in an anthology this year. Black Cat create truly beautiful books, and I can't wait to be part of one.</p><p>I was <a href="https://www.rebeccaswiftfoundation.org/news/women-poets-prize-2022-longlist" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">longlisted</span></a> for the Rebecca Swift Prize, along with a number of my poet friends, which was fab. The support and congratulations I received on Twitter - especially as I was on my way to hospital at the time - was really uplifting. Huge thanks.</p><p>I was also <a href="https://www.therialto.co.uk/pages/2022/04/26/nature-and-place-2022-winners-announced" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">longlisted</span></a> for The Rialto's 'Nature and Place' Poetry Prize, with my poem <a href="https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/elizabeth-gibson-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Fish at the quarry'</span></a>, which has since been published by <i>Ink, Sweat & Tears</i>. I hope you enjoy it.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">On the page!</span></p><p>It was an absolute dream come true to have a poem, 'The attic years', published in <i>Magma Poetry</i>, in <a href="https://magmapoetry.com/archive/magma-83" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Issue 83</span></a> on the theme of 'Solitude'. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwrMAf-M329sxqn6saOAzsDKk9Vik4Z6Bxzw2lB43dz0oNA2vWVr3Kr2AI7Q6s1nEPrFWlCWaR9_oQVvzkwQxNBemT44fZhatMm8KFZu_wGm7MzuNE0zYz5Zpu03byKXCamgPIQnwTo6druWjfkNt_KklrXuTzo8VF5HdzJhnAaqEmnrPG8yppAvCjA/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Magma%20Solitude.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="720" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwrMAf-M329sxqn6saOAzsDKk9Vik4Z6Bxzw2lB43dz0oNA2vWVr3Kr2AI7Q6s1nEPrFWlCWaR9_oQVvzkwQxNBemT44fZhatMm8KFZu_wGm7MzuNE0zYz5Zpu03byKXCamgPIQnwTo6druWjfkNt_KklrXuTzo8VF5HdzJhnAaqEmnrPG8yppAvCjA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Magma%20Solitude.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>One of my favourite of my poems, 'The otter world', was published in the <a href="https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/product-page/issue-10-under-the-sea" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Under the Sea'</span></a> anthology from Fly on the Wall Press, and I am really glad it has found such a good home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT7SProS7xhSCULn9pvhCdSiQEOvy3UF7CH8LDeUCJXWSvOiH7BWfBSxuyilcmNUpdxFTpAYpjjylS_wlt-1m0gvK6uiuNRc0-6fPrL9qc_YgQqXF21fXhmCyqa9PEhtT6-r3Lr587VrexXjHVGKSb6RAgpLqDEmPga1UjlgBQB_FjF0LnBPv7NTiWw/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Fly%20on%20the%20Wall%20Under%20the%20Sea.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="720" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT7SProS7xhSCULn9pvhCdSiQEOvy3UF7CH8LDeUCJXWSvOiH7BWfBSxuyilcmNUpdxFTpAYpjjylS_wlt-1m0gvK6uiuNRc0-6fPrL9qc_YgQqXF21fXhmCyqa9PEhtT6-r3Lr587VrexXjHVGKSb6RAgpLqDEmPga1UjlgBQB_FjF0LnBPv7NTiWw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Fly%20on%20the%20Wall%20Under%20the%20Sea.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>I was published in <i>Popshot </i>for the fourth time, in the <a href="https://www.popshotpopshot.com/posts/20221103-the-roots-issue-is-here" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Roots'</span></a> issue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2xVPbprVPqUEm2EnVNH9fa7bF2n1J8PrWfycQCP4bQr1B2huo0Pp9sJgoiil3_B0HWxxptMGwyBtgutO1OS4sMWlrXA2iQRVoNk4NfFuJBmqvHhCketeZC51EO_Nbahqqk5gzcRMyfMFmDxAMyHbr0Y1vj68K9QP4J4cZ5D9PiYhQl-yUhdbxJl_qQ/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Popshot%20Roots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2xVPbprVPqUEm2EnVNH9fa7bF2n1J8PrWfycQCP4bQr1B2huo0Pp9sJgoiil3_B0HWxxptMGwyBtgutO1OS4sMWlrXA2iQRVoNk4NfFuJBmqvHhCketeZC51EO_Nbahqqk5gzcRMyfMFmDxAMyHbr0Y1vj68K9QP4J4cZ5D9PiYhQl-yUhdbxJl_qQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Popshot%20Roots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My story 'Blood and water' has been illustrated by Kyle B Solomon. I find moments like this, when someone creates something new and beautiful from my work, the very best part of being a writer.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfYRENFotvMwNvDb-DaZaTYcwPlj0UDy1eala4_yDd8upLvWLjH6R4Oqw7Cc1uqI1qdQLRcrj86V2LrbZAgD8rUoOJEGoqNHo9CE_62mnranlII5Cz-RlAAR0x_arFOGqeTW7Vjal62VyzyLUMLXg8S4axj4IqghmzF5AQw91viku-o8csRABRAH-lw/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Popshot%20Illustration%20by%20Kyle%20B%20Solomon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfYRENFotvMwNvDb-DaZaTYcwPlj0UDy1eala4_yDd8upLvWLjH6R4Oqw7Cc1uqI1qdQLRcrj86V2LrbZAgD8rUoOJEGoqNHo9CE_62mnranlII5Cz-RlAAR0x_arFOGqeTW7Vjal62VyzyLUMLXg8S4axj4IqghmzF5AQw91viku-o8csRABRAH-lw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Popshot%20Illustration%20by%20Kyle%20B%20Solomon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by Kyle B Solomon</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I have had poems in two zines from the ever-fantastic Coin-Operated Press: 'Spirits' and 'Meryn' in the <a href="https://coinoperatedpress.bigcartel.com/product/climate-action" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><i>Climate Action Zine</i></span></a>, and 'Year of the Cat' and 'Memoir' in the <a href="https://coinoperatedpress.bigcartel.com/product/cats" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><i>Cats Zine</i></span></a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQxJ4umfMjm0O77arUyAgErz1NrUIkbe5YDyWDRB3Tnw3UupXysdoI5yPl_51qJ13zc5ICaVr-SBFRdxcWlcAzWzl6SC6lQ4I_2--3KBbQ_e6IYwK7xERqXduDXGYc_m7Ay7MgagrP_c0Bs56PrpS68z8MV6GCAbL74CQ7X1ZT8_MlNm5NUM_BDNWCQ/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Coin%20Operated%20Press%20Climate%20Action%20Zine.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="720" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQxJ4umfMjm0O77arUyAgErz1NrUIkbe5YDyWDRB3Tnw3UupXysdoI5yPl_51qJ13zc5ICaVr-SBFRdxcWlcAzWzl6SC6lQ4I_2--3KBbQ_e6IYwK7xERqXduDXGYc_m7Ay7MgagrP_c0Bs56PrpS68z8MV6GCAbL74CQ7X1ZT8_MlNm5NUM_BDNWCQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Coin%20Operated%20Press%20Climate%20Action%20Zine.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QRtgmhQyMEVjPjmYquz8DvsstpLMNS1f9oTa_rm6oHrqrEvOFB88fKcJ9uTN4TQ66jZoeVa9p5LWJKgW_fc8bk1hSWtW-E9wl6efHxBT034dOuzAnYKMm-omqilZAhpikt92IIzP_By0dHgrjlWap6-iR7EexSQgU2XL7UOcZDvhYzackFk0sFAOgw/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Coin%20Operated%20Press%20Cats%20Zine.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="720" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QRtgmhQyMEVjPjmYquz8DvsstpLMNS1f9oTa_rm6oHrqrEvOFB88fKcJ9uTN4TQ66jZoeVa9p5LWJKgW_fc8bk1hSWtW-E9wl6efHxBT034dOuzAnYKMm-omqilZAhpikt92IIzP_By0dHgrjlWap6-iR7EexSQgU2XL7UOcZDvhYzackFk0sFAOgw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Coin%20Operated%20Press%20Cats%20Zine.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>I have had two poems published at <i>Visual Verse</i> in response to their visual prompts: <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/tunnelling" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Tunnelling'</span></a> and <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/dont-you-remember-they-are-where-we-come-from" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Don't you remember? They are where we come from'.</span></a></p><p>Last but certainly not least, my poem <a href="http://mironline.org/poetryelizabethgibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">'Baptism'</span></a> was published at <i>The Mechanics' Institute Review</i>.</p><p>I also have poems coming up in <i>The Storms</i>, the 'Trickster' Anthology from Ergi Press, the 'Under Your Pillow' Anthology from Victorina Press, the 'Bloody Hell' Zine from Bent Key Publishing, and the Changelings Annual. Very exciting times ahead!</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Foxglove fabulousness </span></p><p>It is really rewarding publishing <a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Foxglove Journal</span></i></a>'s winter schedule of work - check out the website for some powerful poetry and short fiction. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPBhsxdsjc1JxfT8ccTy4gjy86m_9p8Xo2csn7XJX-L75pJDQFK-TPbPL5jhdTH9V6YDi5cA35eT6lJ1ol0NQ1_HORXrrw09i99N5r8jHbQsABh_nUlsyDSr9CgfvfK-40rqRTouE0G-OWmcJyTIqk9nKAMWc1O-iu5zub6L2wSHTLqwaMUTiFyYXrg/s2048/Foxglove%20Journal%20Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2032" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPBhsxdsjc1JxfT8ccTy4gjy86m_9p8Xo2csn7XJX-L75pJDQFK-TPbPL5jhdTH9V6YDi5cA35eT6lJ1ol0NQ1_HORXrrw09i99N5r8jHbQsABh_nUlsyDSr9CgfvfK-40rqRTouE0G-OWmcJyTIqk9nKAMWc1O-iu5zub6L2wSHTLqwaMUTiFyYXrg/s320/Foxglove%20Journal%20Logo.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p>I did an interview about Foxglove for Fly on the Wall Press' <i><a href="https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/product-page/in-conversation-with-literary-journals" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">In Conversation with Literary Journals</span></a></i>, and appeared on the panel at the accompanying online discussion. Thanks for having me!</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Out and about</span></p><p>I've had some really helpful poetry workshops from The Poetry Business, looking at themes including science, space, memory, and writing from trauma.</p><p>I've also been out and about with The Writing Squad, including spending a day writing at York Minster, which was a very moving experience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj96bgsm0sS6uMVK_MeFylY1baVUL2GskBzBS9r7EfUIlToCpQ4_JsaaZIqL-ICIMscZjjDdqdRCRNwY8ncsdbS4s_cuhE3hHnH5JdSOPiIR7vhFg5FW5evaM_R2Fbd4d5FvDk5DzNe50OgI44SPsJHveQP2LcCeqNzoaLEHtYLNDyL53h2rF07Layw/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20York%20Minster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj96bgsm0sS6uMVK_MeFylY1baVUL2GskBzBS9r7EfUIlToCpQ4_JsaaZIqL-ICIMscZjjDdqdRCRNwY8ncsdbS4s_cuhE3hHnH5JdSOPiIR7vhFg5FW5evaM_R2Fbd4d5FvDk5DzNe50OgI44SPsJHveQP2LcCeqNzoaLEHtYLNDyL53h2rF07Layw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20York%20Minster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also had a Squad weekend in Leeds, where we created our own TV series set on a spaceship, in our mock Writers' Room. We had a delicious curry night, and Leeds felt very festive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H8ZElzVzC55lnEBVfVMry9sQg8yh7r12Eov993uiWY83P3XPku7-LzBm3wITHuWDO3XZRRnO_3h10yHxzBf5n8H1nke3GcDt55zO6dSu2J5VE-XD62ButBRSkMg1UBH94McrFrV2sD-4-ycRDG5HUP3jvKYyDZZIVF131duRu0plGBBzffI6COHPZA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Selfie%20Christmas%20Tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H8ZElzVzC55lnEBVfVMry9sQg8yh7r12Eov993uiWY83P3XPku7-LzBm3wITHuWDO3XZRRnO_3h10yHxzBf5n8H1nke3GcDt55zO6dSu2J5VE-XD62ButBRSkMg1UBH94McrFrV2sD-4-ycRDG5HUP3jvKYyDZZIVF131duRu0plGBBzffI6COHPZA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Selfie%20Christmas%20Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I enjoyed some phenomenal events as part of Manchester Literature Festival. 'After Sylvia' at Manchester Central Library was a great evening of poetry from contributors to the <i>After Sylvia</i> anthology. I also attended a special workshop and was delighted to get a free copy of the book.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8umXajAMTq7cirR0TIZati-rs2fJXLiNDKibmQ0J--KCkMTZsUiQGgLHqdySG7lYrO0jnIkholaZH6KUpnatZnCx6cOZsTU3w03Vio6T0Xx3xyUL_6FW9yFgDYO3TzUIL1ziNa7QfWWJZODJRieEx9yMZRqj9HEWpn_OIE0Zra0CCbYQD_YZKG7jN8A/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Rebecca%20Goss.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8umXajAMTq7cirR0TIZati-rs2fJXLiNDKibmQ0J--KCkMTZsUiQGgLHqdySG7lYrO0jnIkholaZH6KUpnatZnCx6cOZsTU3w03Vio6T0Xx3xyUL_6FW9yFgDYO3TzUIL1ziNa7QfWWJZODJRieEx9yMZRqj9HEWpn_OIE0Zra0CCbYQD_YZKG7jN8A/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Rebecca%20Goss.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful Rebecca Goss</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I then had the honour of attending More Fiyah, a glorious evening of Black poetry at Contact Theatre, with so many of my favourite poets in one place, I couldn't quite believe it. I left with many wonderful books, and a new grasp of just what poetry can do.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbToO5EY9gZtgxXD1etKSTSG9ReBG3yyV5ahl-dTRHUo7ldJIpnO1xZnLqxiWyI-WJkXK60kV7IG6haMv09y9X7hcceI-sEzomnew9XdtEdBWHgasoSkiw7wXBoDTY7TTL0Al2CrL18kp2nnWFuWx7kayIxBIUIK1uU8WZfMuDMJGYRx1qOskG6vL5w/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Kayo%20Chingonyi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbToO5EY9gZtgxXD1etKSTSG9ReBG3yyV5ahl-dTRHUo7ldJIpnO1xZnLqxiWyI-WJkXK60kV7IG6haMv09y9X7hcceI-sEzomnew9XdtEdBWHgasoSkiw7wXBoDTY7TTL0Al2CrL18kp2nnWFuWx7kayIxBIUIK1uU8WZfMuDMJGYRx1qOskG6vL5w/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Kayo%20Chingonyi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brilliant Kayo Chingonyi</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Bakers with Pride!</span></p><p>It was great fun to walk in the Manchester Pride Parade with Village Bakers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjh4LiUftS5Nhbn4X2CAXQIpyzfyZUIreAf-WVe--cgFBbgJgZmLPQAJLhTWvWljoUn_8T6uk2KtBX4Mrs3cuztTI27e1DLsiBt5ysUcYlPlSW5-Fix_zutwkHKiUNV66w7NqOk-bDaXq6v7mcSSo03CIbM8Ypk27t2tFL8rDpURX4trHi7T7JqeU4g/s720/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Pride%20Selfie.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="720" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjh4LiUftS5Nhbn4X2CAXQIpyzfyZUIreAf-WVe--cgFBbgJgZmLPQAJLhTWvWljoUn_8T6uk2KtBX4Mrs3cuztTI27e1DLsiBt5ysUcYlPlSW5-Fix_zutwkHKiUNV66w7NqOk-bDaXq6v7mcSSo03CIbM8Ypk27t2tFL8rDpURX4trHi7T7JqeU4g/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Pride%20Selfie.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was the day I left Hebden Bridge, so I had a very early start! But I loved wearing my new Bakers t-shirt and apron, and waving one of our rainbow flags. I have a poem about this experience, 'On the sixth day', in our <a href="https://villagebakers.lgbt/newsletter-autumn-2022" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Autumn Newsletter</span></a>. I always enjoy curating the Newsletter and interviewing our Bakers.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETgTJZRlAcCuN8I0iko17D2Fb6UlBdNMbj9UnLqSU9t81SegAq0BUZ-SXD8OgREruJK46_4IZNl9N5A5y0rrVVrILEv_28RWo0O5WcJnnjAaZ20bzZFKwpXNKoDFAFBwyeZV4MyLt-G6upcv_8Bxrk9TRU_uyd3CoyLaPrhpjXWjqICzSFKXmNW7oGw/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Mince%20Pie%20Muffins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETgTJZRlAcCuN8I0iko17D2Fb6UlBdNMbj9UnLqSU9t81SegAq0BUZ-SXD8OgREruJK46_4IZNl9N5A5y0rrVVrILEv_28RWo0O5WcJnnjAaZ20bzZFKwpXNKoDFAFBwyeZV4MyLt-G6upcv_8Bxrk9TRU_uyd3CoyLaPrhpjXWjqICzSFKXmNW7oGw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Mince%20Pie%20Muffins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my recent bakes - mince-pie muffins!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Thank you for sticking with this huge update! I'm busy making a new website, where I can add news more easily, and I can't wait to share that with you.<p></p><p>Hope you have a great January, and see you in spring!</p><p>Liz</p>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-32114272521345066912022-04-27T13:56:00.001+01:002022-04-27T13:56:27.437+01:00A spring of writing, performing, and geese!<p>Hello!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVnijRxp4sW9S0J_7gO8xg1O0l7RIkfDPA5oqy8WJMPL_QbWAllCh7fO9YuRI_1cmYb2--1bxXcV14XP04UhIa7KdeugTfMewr0AtOCEcZ6UeYPNE-EewSKFtInLguxUiTinxR-uZPPsiMTllHmZu10UOUdfWJCtvwhxuIBj8ApN0cjsgyaQ55l8wAg/s2448/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Selfie%20Switchblade%20Society.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVnijRxp4sW9S0J_7gO8xg1O0l7RIkfDPA5oqy8WJMPL_QbWAllCh7fO9YuRI_1cmYb2--1bxXcV14XP04UhIa7KdeugTfMewr0AtOCEcZ6UeYPNE-EewSKFtInLguxUiTinxR-uZPPsiMTllHmZu10UOUdfWJCtvwhxuIBj8ApN0cjsgyaQ55l8wAg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Selfie%20Switchblade%20Society.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1jyXobVZ2w8qxRRoUd1mJItzowVYKAv47RM7Jh6NLbjR4TG1jpC5Fg6rv5kFBTVcHby8A0gxRn1zHW84hHWM0G5HE_xGDcbFgMggmvg02t2x7EahQvf3jCYFNPUGJVXodee27_KY1rSyevCn-lFGtk1KbNsplk3dA7A_LXF3IsBp31t6Tz5tSru_lQ/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Blossom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1jyXobVZ2w8qxRRoUd1mJItzowVYKAv47RM7Jh6NLbjR4TG1jpC5Fg6rv5kFBTVcHby8A0gxRn1zHW84hHWM0G5HE_xGDcbFgMggmvg02t2x7EahQvf3jCYFNPUGJVXodee27_KY1rSyevCn-lFGtk1KbNsplk3dA7A_LXF3IsBp31t6Tz5tSru_lQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Blossom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I hope you are having a nice April. I have been eating lots of Easter chocolate, watching spring arrive in Manchester, and hiking in the Lake District. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU04bPmuFdrVj0xOxad6vI66CJqKoUnYlFHskZqmF4aB-8O656XQAmCVimPC9lanybkCURwcOHOMJ0wSItSyWmna2ct9EcsVO491zbU6bp9whY9snJWHzERXSfBcZiNFVVrTURorALmmYJwUoyTW2DfHwOcdelSkqJOMgNcN5uAc50JthNmK-SlPhow/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Boats%20on%20Windermere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU04bPmuFdrVj0xOxad6vI66CJqKoUnYlFHskZqmF4aB-8O656XQAmCVimPC9lanybkCURwcOHOMJ0wSItSyWmna2ct9EcsVO491zbU6bp9whY9snJWHzERXSfBcZiNFVVrTURorALmmYJwUoyTW2DfHwOcdelSkqJOMgNcN5uAc50JthNmK-SlPhow/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Boats%20on%20Windermere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TSt4LCbljHxKnPOn5E_zQJodMwU7Cba-NJdPzeCj7hNdIiquhrdqh6X5bCLKbKKmojcP2sHwmcQ7uT3mD9DJR1eDrIN0r-iv7Q4mlIiRsL4-3CY6aoOOEsNglTZSLZ9spksLSEJARWQVhcuIa-hsCU198nFkAyMFgPxOyBglMRcQ76zKKAUwngfZ-w/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lake%20District%20Trees.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TSt4LCbljHxKnPOn5E_zQJodMwU7Cba-NJdPzeCj7hNdIiquhrdqh6X5bCLKbKKmojcP2sHwmcQ7uT3mD9DJR1eDrIN0r-iv7Q4mlIiRsL4-3CY6aoOOEsNglTZSLZ9spksLSEJARWQVhcuIa-hsCU198nFkAyMFgPxOyBglMRcQ76zKKAUwngfZ-w/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lake%20District%20Trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Since <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2021/12/autumn-arvon-and-adventures-in-theatre.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">my last blog post</span></a> in December, a huge amount has happened in my writing life. From performing my first hour-long, one-person show at Hope Mill Theatre, to being accepted for <i>Magma Poetry</i>, to doing a residency at The Poetry Business, I'm really happy to be able to share it with you. </p><p><span style="color: #ffa3f4;"><i>The Reason for Geese</i> at Turn On Fest</span></p><p>Last year, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2021/03/spring-is-coming-news-and-poems.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I was selected</span></a> for the First Dibs programme by Dibby Theatre, and wrote my first one-person stage show, <i>The Reason for Geese</i>. I debuted an extract at Push Festival at HOME, where it impressed Superbia, the arts and culture branch of Manchester Pride. </p><p>Superbia then sponsored me to debut the show in full at Turn On Fest at Hope Mill Theatre in February. It was a wonderful opportunity, and I worked with Greg Thorpe as my Director, to explore and develop the play and increase my confidence in performing it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSEi5L-1j3uPmFRNEi4TYYPU4Ia5vFxkBxzFpVPSGU2P_JLAqZFppS0g6LjUY1FOVvawqzNRv2_Tqiwml5yAmH_z66UdOUxQXL3yOHtAoYBlJhnvgBkXLXYnqyvNvs8FZ-l6sKrpAp9BndFR8f0FNBqsCkLm0URyEGZf1HF49EUz-RMctSC1kDbpkfA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hope%20Mill%20Theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSEi5L-1j3uPmFRNEi4TYYPU4Ia5vFxkBxzFpVPSGU2P_JLAqZFppS0g6LjUY1FOVvawqzNRv2_Tqiwml5yAmH_z66UdOUxQXL3yOHtAoYBlJhnvgBkXLXYnqyvNvs8FZ-l6sKrpAp9BndFR8f0FNBqsCkLm0URyEGZf1HF49EUz-RMctSC1kDbpkfA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hope%20Mill%20Theatre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Going into rehearsals again was great - it is something I really enjoy. I also love that the theatre is by the canals where I was inspired to write the play - it felt like coming home.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXP56vlcfuDVvdahMBGmRdUbz5uB_QF_LThQpNg9Uo8iMC9NbzLlN73U65KLNzcfB7EMG5WQ9nzoycfZ_aYAnBUHLPN5pofwb9lsxTds6CEIwYJCioGBMIBxEXkHkan4cm08Y5ZPQa5vZIY-0xXZibfSj0IxqixsNONI_KgUqwfSYtPZ560qsxLdaIA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20New%20Islington%20Sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXP56vlcfuDVvdahMBGmRdUbz5uB_QF_LThQpNg9Uo8iMC9NbzLlN73U65KLNzcfB7EMG5WQ9nzoycfZ_aYAnBUHLPN5pofwb9lsxTds6CEIwYJCioGBMIBxEXkHkan4cm08Y5ZPQa5vZIY-0xXZibfSj0IxqixsNONI_KgUqwfSYtPZ560qsxLdaIA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20New%20Islington%20Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was good to be part of the festival, and to see two of the other shows - <i>Dungeness</i> and <i>The Regulars</i>, both of which were brilliant. On the day of my performance, I got to spend the day in the theatre - I had my own dressing room! - and it was really fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLh2BYhwRnF_sIaHLAY3nOFsJDkhvLd-wtT2o3NReslYWmhJCIp5xU2gmyst6KU8q7_EmS7x_SoeXBVUzwh2cwo_mRsBdfbEPEOZVJdMrgFXEEBFhzhFPuOms_6QsCUPT3TsbkwPWfIgp7BXAwnl-6B0xqPlNr5hhYalFqbn_kXjY7Z6Tk0UV4iqABQ/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Reason%20For%20Geese.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLh2BYhwRnF_sIaHLAY3nOFsJDkhvLd-wtT2o3NReslYWmhJCIp5xU2gmyst6KU8q7_EmS7x_SoeXBVUzwh2cwo_mRsBdfbEPEOZVJdMrgFXEEBFhzhFPuOms_6QsCUPT3TsbkwPWfIgp7BXAwnl-6B0xqPlNr5hhYalFqbn_kXjY7Z6Tk0UV4iqABQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Reason%20For%20Geese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy_gQz4gMGt6nSMOUS4OAuOI8EmC3cjajfXOVMDeJ8VcFC6keAN92iTfcUo1mK2BmFSC7cC1lrYVOE1uxPPMBOeGF_ZYfAXBo_uu7jAbsNFn2hFx_OzGSJeVPerh2NH7nbz99D4b3BlhLk9j7Sw_8DoY1BklVcfHdUnVWA6QcQG--d1seja6SHsCVXQ/s1081/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hope%20Mill%20Theatre%20Stage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy_gQz4gMGt6nSMOUS4OAuOI8EmC3cjajfXOVMDeJ8VcFC6keAN92iTfcUo1mK2BmFSC7cC1lrYVOE1uxPPMBOeGF_ZYfAXBo_uu7jAbsNFn2hFx_OzGSJeVPerh2NH7nbz99D4b3BlhLk9j7Sw_8DoY1BklVcfHdUnVWA6QcQG--d1seja6SHsCVXQ/w320-h320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hope%20Mill%20Theatre%20Stage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Huge thanks to the tech crew, Tom and Fran, who were incredibly generous and patient, and helped me to get the lighting and sound effects as good as they could be.</p><p>It was a special evening, with my lovely friends coming to support me, and I'm very happy with how the play went. I hope I get the chance to do it all over again. Watch this space (and if you are interested in <a href="https://superbia.org.uk/blog/the-reason-for-geese-elizabeth-gibson-turn-on-fest" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">a queer play</span></a> about time travel, mental health and geese, please <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">get in touch</span></a>)!</p><p><span style="color: #ff91de;">More scriptwriting shenanigans</span></p><p>I was very honoured to be asked by Oldham Coliseum to be one of the writers for their Secondary Partnerships Scheme, writing a short play for pupils to perform at the theatre in the summer. My play<i> Happy Place</i> involves music, baking, mental health, TikTok, and some very flamboyant teachers!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXMElJi0FDykGDfJSmH3_pRjbWwQimnpiXyifrJOqHLvgC8QWkNTJ3TFmVmdSnY9JbHnotjO_sGjM2g022ov-CNif6YI4QFf0bKLJyfnGbe3ACc9lVDKOqO2PI_zSlyN3MpQuhk1p3obNM5xy_qDeltXcTK5isT9NQScnNfoOTrnmLQkcO3MhUXQbLA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Oldham%20Coliseum%20Theatre%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXMElJi0FDykGDfJSmH3_pRjbWwQimnpiXyifrJOqHLvgC8QWkNTJ3TFmVmdSnY9JbHnotjO_sGjM2g022ov-CNif6YI4QFf0bKLJyfnGbe3ACc9lVDKOqO2PI_zSlyN3MpQuhk1p3obNM5xy_qDeltXcTK5isT9NQScnNfoOTrnmLQkcO3MhUXQbLA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Oldham%20Coliseum%20Theatre%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also had a script chosen by In Parallel Productions for their Launch Night in January. The brief was for one-minute scripts, and mine, <i>Strings</i>, is a monologue from a character who finally feels that they have found a home, and have accepted their queer identity.</p><p>The Launch Night was really fabulous - Saskia Pay performed my script wonderfully, and I got to meet lots of new people. It was very pink!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFY8beuLLaog110IvjuQeZlWBWfpBCZPijPXUZSd4jf3FxhXergXcJJtlYluAj8h6kbCXgI3X6gaoRQtiwWirDreS9KuAFII92B1NNeXoROQvoU8nb97Z-o21vXe2uGBB86hVKpzBl98a9w-ttLtVdrJLFKVjsI52SGWM6NfGuEjdGQ7KvMEJqII8aTg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20In%20Parallel%20Productions%20Launch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFY8beuLLaog110IvjuQeZlWBWfpBCZPijPXUZSd4jf3FxhXergXcJJtlYluAj8h6kbCXgI3X6gaoRQtiwWirDreS9KuAFII92B1NNeXoROQvoU8nb97Z-o21vXe2uGBB86hVKpzBl98a9w-ttLtVdrJLFKVjsI52SGWM6NfGuEjdGQ7KvMEJqII8aTg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20In%20Parallel%20Productions%20Launch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Finally, I was surprised and delighted to be a winner of Ergon Theatre's Get Heard competition, with my monologue <i>Batty</i>, about climate change, bats and mental health. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQkL4tEdK9Cmjg28DH0xoSI0-0toYqxiGkSTGDCUUKau5W1FBBhB2tcQEUJ1kAcWIWpdywfTgUMH820UqVrfIH1n8AFRgFFmYKUGSanBkXpX2bcrANrJzGvIcT48f8fwQ5wWxCZBXHY4-t5FCJJ-DbnTg-pKGw99fzFcsBRH-FJ7TZbq6_6ISO-QD3g/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Contact%20Theatre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQkL4tEdK9Cmjg28DH0xoSI0-0toYqxiGkSTGDCUUKau5W1FBBhB2tcQEUJ1kAcWIWpdywfTgUMH820UqVrfIH1n8AFRgFFmYKUGSanBkXpX2bcrANrJzGvIcT48f8fwQ5wWxCZBXHY4-t5FCJJ-DbnTg-pKGw99fzFcsBRH-FJ7TZbq6_6ISO-QD3g/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Contact%20Theatre.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had a lovely whirlwind of a day, working with the other four winners to professionally record our pieces at Contact Theatre, and then curate a radio show together, which aired on Earth Day on Reform Radio. You can listen to it <a href="https://www.reformradio.co.uk/show/ergon-theatre-presents-get-heard-22nd-april-2022" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">here</span></a>.</p><p>We also went to see <i>Nora: A Doll's House</i> at The Royal Exchange, which was a really intense and memorable experience. It was such a nice group, and the whole Get Heard experience was one of those unexpected magical things that can just come along sometimes - I'm so glad it did.</p><p><span style="color: #ff87e5;">My residency with the Poetry Business!</span></p><p>I was thrilled to be invited to be <a href="https://poetrybusiness.co.uk/2022/02/02/february-digital-poet-in-residence-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Digital Poet in Residence</span></a> for The Poetry Business for the month of February. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrs5JuHINhn9LP0qlgV3ORoaG--1V9m2Md4t9fZt3BsV2M9yCdZGk70MYpH1qCRsQIouAB0iUVdAaWzNs3P173CR22fnqFhcuWJrU5QRBAgofPZEMT8i201nqmYJoj9yFxajd1y9xkfxcXUu8cpZPmQV26VHUaWYjuVh5Gm_7FITBA5laj8wVCRzeng/s1031/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1031" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrs5JuHINhn9LP0qlgV3ORoaG--1V9m2Md4t9fZt3BsV2M9yCdZGk70MYpH1qCRsQIouAB0iUVdAaWzNs3P173CR22fnqFhcuWJrU5QRBAgofPZEMT8i201nqmYJoj9yFxajd1y9xkfxcXUu8cpZPmQV26VHUaWYjuVh5Gm_7FITBA5laj8wVCRzeng/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I chose to use my residency to explore February as a time of change, a transition between winter and spring, as well as writing from my walks around the canals and industrial areas of Manchester.</p><p>My first post was <a href="https://poetrybusiness.co.uk/2022/02/15/shadows-and-sky-elizabeth-gibson-jasmine-gray-in-collaboration" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'Shadows and Sky'</span></a>, a collaboration with January's Poet in Residence, Jasmine Gray. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lJ4_Enw9fhV_00w7GqbwA9pEhhFogbyrjLfkMkaWsNgTWMD6WSWB61p9qx9ClMBfUGoZgZGeYOpZzgRV84MiASGKjwo3PX9UpRrxcxZkblPmzVB3i0usNfnCQGS3DV5Y4L8RE7CJnMpMTZ8DrX9WdEhmUXMduWy6BL9P_OcCMzz__m_fGjjrIasDIA/s1030/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Jasmine%20Gray%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1030" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lJ4_Enw9fhV_00w7GqbwA9pEhhFogbyrjLfkMkaWsNgTWMD6WSWB61p9qx9ClMBfUGoZgZGeYOpZzgRV84MiASGKjwo3PX9UpRrxcxZkblPmzVB3i0usNfnCQGS3DV5Y4L8RE7CJnMpMTZ8DrX9WdEhmUXMduWy6BL9P_OcCMzz__m_fGjjrIasDIA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Jasmine%20Gray%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I suggested we each send the other a photo we'd taken on a walk in nature. Then, we would write in response to each other's photos. From Jasmine's photo, I wrote 'Too much sky for the octopus'. From my photo (below), Jasmine wrote, 'I'm wondering who is wondering if I'm lonely'. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k0Cz6SCpD1J7T2ZkY-210lLbIOHhnnxBHDbsU4D8BYx-1qBR3oJNsxYiOYZU8JMaCCQ6xM68nkiHWC4_594taP05px9ZaYl2S2BBNwkDwCTRtmhPd-bAcqy4EPINqIq0zLkWjGa0HF6kR98nDdmuJAmaTwOaCx84kuyMl0_0fjMKiohRWNy8-HZJcw/s5184/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Shadow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k0Cz6SCpD1J7T2ZkY-210lLbIOHhnnxBHDbsU4D8BYx-1qBR3oJNsxYiOYZU8JMaCCQ6xM68nkiHWC4_594taP05px9ZaYl2S2BBNwkDwCTRtmhPd-bAcqy4EPINqIq0zLkWjGa0HF6kR98nDdmuJAmaTwOaCx84kuyMl0_0fjMKiohRWNy8-HZJcw/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Shadow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The overlap in the themes we wrote about - isolation, existence, hope - was really interesting.</p><p>For my second post, I created <a href="https://poetrybusiness.co.uk/2022/02/23/writing-the-spaces-between-writing-prompt-series" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'Writing the Spaces Between'</span></a>, a series of writing prompts using my photos. These were shared on the Poetry Business' website, and on their social media. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrCuOeMR5b4FQDaS6jWe4LwJTkDPjDgZomkpeJUtGgSKY1S5UIi7QalYeFVgBrcqkKzXo06jlrs55AhS4gjR1Dztslb50XgUROtAOWxj-wzC9IqR3Q9COLG3VXE6fRUvPpazSQpO_A1giNuzQl04hbtpgQzuI7n68r0sJqx7X-_a2eSV-2066MTHxpA/s1031/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Writing%20the%20Spaces%20Between%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1031" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrCuOeMR5b4FQDaS6jWe4LwJTkDPjDgZomkpeJUtGgSKY1S5UIi7QalYeFVgBrcqkKzXo06jlrs55AhS4gjR1Dztslb50XgUROtAOWxj-wzC9IqR3Q9COLG3VXE6fRUvPpazSQpO_A1giNuzQl04hbtpgQzuI7n68r0sJqx7X-_a2eSV-2066MTHxpA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Writing%20the%20Spaces%20Between%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p>For my third post, I wrote a personal essay, <a href="https://poetrybusiness.co.uk/2022/03/03/wandering-writing-what-ive-learnt" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'Wandering and writing - What I've Learnt'</span></a>, sharing my experience in the form of writing tips. This one took me a while to pin down, and I'm proud of the final result.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2XeTObIY87q5-EC5vnB_f9bcYhIFr7EVL-s6f7U86yM7MLIRe51oOflnwdTI74lJOlHn9i7LWvLoRebT_TUOcE6vmxkL1HLL0A1Os9mUKS-C7b3KDisR807W1Z1y3XKandAOloEXZs9f6fjsUVFIFkcmPI79ISACrPG0XSDs5MbAIqU_9yEsJ-5ilg/s1030/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Wandering%20and%20Writing%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1030" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2XeTObIY87q5-EC5vnB_f9bcYhIFr7EVL-s6f7U86yM7MLIRe51oOflnwdTI74lJOlHn9i7LWvLoRebT_TUOcE6vmxkL1HLL0A1Os9mUKS-C7b3KDisR807W1Z1y3XKandAOloEXZs9f6fjsUVFIFkcmPI79ISACrPG0XSDs5MbAIqU_9yEsJ-5ilg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Wandering%20and%20Writing%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p>My fourth and final post was <a href="https://poetrybusiness.co.uk/2022/03/15/elizabeth-gibson-my-february-diary" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'My February Diary'</span></a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ga3Vn5FMc-z3J8z_s8xUuqChQSgscobTU00K6RVkvXYIN8SD3zVCh8CwCE6YBsMT64bZKVt96Di1wx1SaCuYvfwAFyrDGxlgA7K0JgiNsdZyNZgIOKmMf_ODmueZe0fwlnJE7Z4KqzRXB76XU9h9GaQgXYFHmxI2c_Z4IxrIsoQEhRhpnZB5EZ2dhQ/s1031/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20February%20Diary%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1031" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ga3Vn5FMc-z3J8z_s8xUuqChQSgscobTU00K6RVkvXYIN8SD3zVCh8CwCE6YBsMT64bZKVt96Di1wx1SaCuYvfwAFyrDGxlgA7K0JgiNsdZyNZgIOKmMf_ODmueZe0fwlnJE7Z4KqzRXB76XU9h9GaQgXYFHmxI2c_Z4IxrIsoQEhRhpnZB5EZ2dhQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20February%20Diary%20Poetry%20Business.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I kept a nature diary every day, documenting signs of spring, from changes in temperature and light, to seeing crocuses, bats, and a heron. It helped me to be aware of my surroundings, and feel connected to nature, even in the city. I hope it inspires readers to try something similar.</p><p><span style="color: #ff80f4;">On the page!</span></p><p>I have had to pinch myself recently, after being accepted in a trio of long-term dream journals - <i>Under the Radar</i>,<i> Popshot</i> and <i>Magma</i> - as well as a number of brilliant newer indie journals.</p><p>My poem 'Satisfied' was selected for <a href="https://ninearchespress.com/shop.html#!/Under-the-Radar-Issue-28-single-issue/p/437709135/category=8486214" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Issue 28</span></a> of Nine Arches Press' <i>Under the Radar</i>, with the theme of 'The Elements'. It is a gorgeous publication, and I can't quite believe I am part of it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5sQsLyxBxwr2bSguXa1ryynMZ2jfPLajRnn3sI91zmJyhiJYTEcIodRi1jigTj5OnCWksMIj9pQICeGsb2UYzG5wjWLzzXbUADHFiqKsfTfXi6S713b0wGz7mYS5Eo6DCsVeVSKWrfWkELFTeMTiIxotZpVS1gqIfpwt2Zz727Belqfv2rn4YbHLMA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Satisfied%20Poem%20Under%20the%20Radar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5sQsLyxBxwr2bSguXa1ryynMZ2jfPLajRnn3sI91zmJyhiJYTEcIodRi1jigTj5OnCWksMIj9pQICeGsb2UYzG5wjWLzzXbUADHFiqKsfTfXi6S713b0wGz7mYS5Eo6DCsVeVSKWrfWkELFTeMTiIxotZpVS1gqIfpwt2Zz727Belqfv2rn4YbHLMA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Satisfied%20Poem%20Under%20the%20Radar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yKG7SWtNUqxcSO8q5VbhyqyDgXSygmEIpnJB98RRVd6CzjXJkIFyNJ4ZsmR67yZFTQQ0JvsRh4Fr82e2hHEnWz1c3KR2SNe4imkWTOsWbZik6VfkuM7TGL_YBtvkv0bFt1w4HB0SYSzmTSPTlJGwwjKgbOLXxPkTctjWTKxXr2NBaAJDQuVNojoLaA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Under%20the%20Radar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yKG7SWtNUqxcSO8q5VbhyqyDgXSygmEIpnJB98RRVd6CzjXJkIFyNJ4ZsmR67yZFTQQ0JvsRh4Fr82e2hHEnWz1c3KR2SNe4imkWTOsWbZik6VfkuM7TGL_YBtvkv0bFt1w4HB0SYSzmTSPTlJGwwjKgbOLXxPkTctjWTKxXr2NBaAJDQuVNojoLaA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Under%20the%20Radar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Rosie Garland also shared this poem on Twitter and said she is a fan, which is amazing.</p><p>Also on the elemental theme, my poem 'Fluid' was published in <a href="https://www.popshotpopshot.com/posts/20220202-the-water-issue-is-here" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Issue 35</span></a> of <i>Popshot</i>, which is 'The Water Issue'. My poem explores fluidity of body and identity, as well as trying to find a place you belong. It was gorgeously illustrated by Esmé Alice Mackay. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwogPykROsCrwJIffGuyyn5pJj3LekcN5GJRUnFFbwPWGQDs1Qcnu97hfWvnMHnertTVptfJ0TJnBH1YAnLYKIUl8o6JOSCYbjX4WCrESKIgcPYe0UHC5bUyRWgRbhA_2PtlpGw23VKOW6Soyo1gurvZ6Vbu94RSfbANjFIoiR-s4pdN38Xc0e86Jhg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Fluid%20Poem%20Popshot%20Magazine%20Art%20by%20Esm%C3%A9%20Alice%20Mackay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwogPykROsCrwJIffGuyyn5pJj3LekcN5GJRUnFFbwPWGQDs1Qcnu97hfWvnMHnertTVptfJ0TJnBH1YAnLYKIUl8o6JOSCYbjX4WCrESKIgcPYe0UHC5bUyRWgRbhA_2PtlpGw23VKOW6Soyo1gurvZ6Vbu94RSfbANjFIoiR-s4pdN38Xc0e86Jhg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Fluid%20Poem%20Popshot%20Magazine%20Art%20by%20Esm%C3%A9%20Alice%20Mackay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg458tmT9HsNvQho32h5H3CgN0iTiSNHJN3U5B6P--UBMeLO97TX7R8hgutkgikf6-kTI2rg8227tvaeUPtbqAtG2KUOeR077t6_qjINpaYJf_8HATUmwidNyZ2AdCI2kx6SACtPZiUGld_OsFNq3BCo5Nt__aWVFW0wd9K96RoDPo_UCsPV0m7NJXLSA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Fluid%20Poem%20Popshot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg458tmT9HsNvQho32h5H3CgN0iTiSNHJN3U5B6P--UBMeLO97TX7R8hgutkgikf6-kTI2rg8227tvaeUPtbqAtG2KUOeR077t6_qjINpaYJf_8HATUmwidNyZ2AdCI2kx6SACtPZiUGld_OsFNq3BCo5Nt__aWVFW0wd9K96RoDPo_UCsPV0m7NJXLSA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Fluid%20Poem%20Popshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iKTJ5oZiqW4KvKOf-JkFGDWkC5zsu4q2W6r83AuLcB_hMd-QD2eoGpAdawzcE6tkb0X1VEYQjw9Ok46jcZzBqNThLj3lqJTx48T4nAOWJ--TmXicB3AFlEOGnk2kTtu-t0JqWobcbEwTm8upTg37XlQstYpM4pJl9HSOHXNYAxjI1P1ZFMmLB1EReA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Popshot%20Water.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iKTJ5oZiqW4KvKOf-JkFGDWkC5zsu4q2W6r83AuLcB_hMd-QD2eoGpAdawzcE6tkb0X1VEYQjw9Ok46jcZzBqNThLj3lqJTx48T4nAOWJ--TmXicB3AFlEOGnk2kTtu-t0JqWobcbEwTm8upTg37XlQstYpM4pJl9HSOHXNYAxjI1P1ZFMmLB1EReA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Popshot%20Water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This is my third publication in <i>Popshot</i>, and I love the narrative of my trilogy of poems. The first was about <a href="https://www.popshotpopshot.com/posts/20200930-what-i-always-wanted-poetry-to-tell-me" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">accepting my queerness</span></a>, the second about my future and the possibility of having children, and this third is about embracing my fluidity. I hope these poems comfort and inspire someone out there.</p><p>It is always an honour to be part of a project from indie zine-makers Coin-Operated Press, and seeing my poem 'Sky belly', and one of my photos, published in the <i><a href="https://coinoperatedpress.bigcartel.com/product/depression-walks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Depression Walks</span></a></i> zine, was very empowering. Walking is key for my mental health, so this was a zine I really hoped to be in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk00Dxt07WNlYx8oqYH2n9SHVs09ThhcWre48ktc3Pqxmy35nI7qGKUwEbXQ9gtKRlj1QOjHQwdLuGb6-pb-Jvgmvx4dJyD5cY8j_6P3WCbOeg74L_2SvC_ibs1SmjSkLafHYEd3nFzQPfXD58fZW2KRxSrwWm_-ZdWpOch_iCixSo8QYOQ7EVgfw85g/s1081/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Sky%20Belly%20Poem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk00Dxt07WNlYx8oqYH2n9SHVs09ThhcWre48ktc3Pqxmy35nI7qGKUwEbXQ9gtKRlj1QOjHQwdLuGb6-pb-Jvgmvx4dJyD5cY8j_6P3WCbOeg74L_2SvC_ibs1SmjSkLafHYEd3nFzQPfXD58fZW2KRxSrwWm_-ZdWpOch_iCixSo8QYOQ7EVgfw85g/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Sky%20Belly%20Poem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p>I was in <i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1meHRzU9ZqSNBZjvM9Wh_hr6PTedvvYPd/view" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Queerlings</span></a></i> last year, so to see that Poetry Editor, Scott Aaron Tait has started their own journal was very exciting. I submitted some poems to <i>Powders Press</i>, and was really happy to have two, 'What happened' and 'Strawberry', chosen for <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EbZ6RqM3fUNuqxE9lVbC0iwmRvengfQ4/view" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Issue 2</span></a>, with the theme of 'Wasteland'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqs4SnalQJrdijXFQzM8xuvWYvMPDLGWBTC3KSKTVKYiivG5OHUbNN8A1L6gaO3QmQmj1-c8XGiKGr89D4vJp_IiLTQWFfcwFUT28eUuLFtEA_ISGN2KSX1SUXUrEfKSdqqmExal-H_FxV99dul0XZUd7tCN_4JXk33QCZR0yN-zD8MwjnS9YG8HzIA/s557/Powders%20Press%20Wasteland.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqs4SnalQJrdijXFQzM8xuvWYvMPDLGWBTC3KSKTVKYiivG5OHUbNN8A1L6gaO3QmQmj1-c8XGiKGr89D4vJp_IiLTQWFfcwFUT28eUuLFtEA_ISGN2KSX1SUXUrEfKSdqqmExal-H_FxV99dul0XZUd7tCN_4JXk33QCZR0yN-zD8MwjnS9YG8HzIA/s320/Powders%20Press%20Wasteland.PNG" width="229" /></a></div><p>'Strawberry' is a very personal poem to me, looking at my experience with PCOS, and 'What happened' is a very old poem I've recently reworked, about the environment, and I'm so glad they have both found this safe, perfect home.</p><p>Irish magazine <i>Impossible Archetype</i> has some really strong queer writing, and I had so wanted to see my work there - so it was wonderful to hear that my poem 'Hunger', about food, loneliness, and desire, had been accepted for <a href="https://impossiblearchetype.wordpress.com/11-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Issue 11</span></a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq-wqgkJ_9PAIeF6vpQ1uSeieeNyDzlvxLEwe56X9AdLG-oUy5Adxik6p3_me8R4-vAIFRwfFUmo2tptcBBg03UWjyTjdkgxP_WpwfDH5reiCOOrCKfMOf2jNKswYbAHtevX5rmdNUEG5FtL_Un6I3-e5-NInF0bgomX23GggrusSYnJtWxSnDkHSoQ/s312/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hunger%20Poem%20Impossible%20Archetype.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="287" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq-wqgkJ_9PAIeF6vpQ1uSeieeNyDzlvxLEwe56X9AdLG-oUy5Adxik6p3_me8R4-vAIFRwfFUmo2tptcBBg03UWjyTjdkgxP_WpwfDH5reiCOOrCKfMOf2jNKswYbAHtevX5rmdNUEG5FtL_Un6I3-e5-NInF0bgomX23GggrusSYnJtWxSnDkHSoQ/s1600/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hunger%20Poem%20Impossible%20Archetype.PNG" width="287" /></a></div><p>Another poem I wrote a while ago, 'The Road from Hebden Bridge', has been published in Untitled Writing's <i>Voices </i><a href="https://www.untitledwriting.co.uk/untitled-voices-issue-4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Volume 4</span></a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYV6Nih_98ODINVfxCOe7Jzo01LS1p4rcH2irIOtYsNRjRVg8oC_oSvyVCT4WVl6CYnyF4BV6kBL1_L5gs5NbHY29bTAhip7rutUalsAcNML5viWZpUjriaE34xKyU6Mz6I8s36u43U1pk8vwKIa0d5Q3jGanMN-5Pso9qxgEWYS38cISOhnIG1YBA/s504/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20The%20Road%20from%20Hebden%20Bridge.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYV6Nih_98ODINVfxCOe7Jzo01LS1p4rcH2irIOtYsNRjRVg8oC_oSvyVCT4WVl6CYnyF4BV6kBL1_L5gs5NbHY29bTAhip7rutUalsAcNML5viWZpUjriaE34xKyU6Mz6I8s36u43U1pk8vwKIa0d5Q3jGanMN-5Pso9qxgEWYS38cISOhnIG1YBA/w229-h320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20The%20Road%20from%20Hebden%20Bridge.PNG" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpjZ-UH721xKBJpu-4o3sN-pswfKj9hxYmEn_cxofC0uZvSMbB9pMYiEiOMj4K2EaXnTcK6PO1MzpfXp9aY7fbnBec201XNt9w1qF6xTq7MylFOf80bmdnUH15mMspGpS4g3uBf-vNKWiDm4W0sjFQ8eye1zJ0ozdzW5Lxcqc5dvMFUClHIWVt69CEQ/s467/Untitled%20Voices%204.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpjZ-UH721xKBJpu-4o3sN-pswfKj9hxYmEn_cxofC0uZvSMbB9pMYiEiOMj4K2EaXnTcK6PO1MzpfXp9aY7fbnBec201XNt9w1qF6xTq7MylFOf80bmdnUH15mMspGpS4g3uBf-vNKWiDm4W0sjFQ8eye1zJ0ozdzW5Lxcqc5dvMFUClHIWVt69CEQ/s320/Untitled%20Voices%204.PNG" width="215" /></a></div><p>It's especially nice that this is out at the same time as <i>Gentleman Jack</i> in the UK, as the poem tells the story of my visit to Shibden Hall, with someone who really helped me to accept my queerness. </p><p>I've been responding to <i>Visual Verse</i>'s monthly image prompts, and I hope you enjoy my poems <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/dawn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'Dawn'</span></a>, <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/here-you-are" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'Here you are'</span></a>, and <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/red-rock" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">'Red rock...'</span></a>.</p><p>Finally, I was overjoyed to have my poem 'The attic years' accepted for Issue 83 of <i>Magma</i> - 'The Solitude Issue'. It really is a dream come true, and I'm so proud of how far I've come as a writer in the last ten years. The Solitude Issue will be published later in the spring.</p><p><span style="color: #fe89df;">On the stage!</span></p><p>I've had some great poetry outings this year. I performed for the first time at Word Central at Manchester Central Library, which was a nice, warm, supportive event. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObBSeg46tv2yEKeF5sWPCrDfLLXbfseeKmkjTqTOyf0SrR_hSKvznEK8V8O0YQf82yrRg3jumHDBCVQ5K8RXuF-aaxjbrY-_NrcML4NEaUfnp-SEZTAgMbABnZDazRi44jDDfYNMYvrvS_zTYclwim_jU8mexCcI-Ik2CZUdvw3ZSHDst1MelitAHCQ/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Manchester%20Central%20Library.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObBSeg46tv2yEKeF5sWPCrDfLLXbfseeKmkjTqTOyf0SrR_hSKvznEK8V8O0YQf82yrRg3jumHDBCVQ5K8RXuF-aaxjbrY-_NrcML4NEaUfnp-SEZTAgMbABnZDazRi44jDDfYNMYvrvS_zTYclwim_jU8mexCcI-Ik2CZUdvw3ZSHDst1MelitAHCQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Manchester%20Central%20Library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I also had my debut at Switchblade Society at The Peer Hat, a night where we perform both our own work, and each other's. It was a cosy venue, and I loved the range of poetry.</p><p>I travelled to Bolton on a gorgeous spring day to perform with Northern Poets Society at Breaking Barriers Café, with the charity Manc Spirit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjSdg3XfLbnZDsbMTneSH4UW-sS1MArkFYzbXUG7NQz1zhcKRtRR9WVJQvFL1flGmja6fKPLT1m5MAdFpdPVFbK0o3KEzqMjvzXTT61giBC6tmfNmtPuCd_j749cv8yLP9WzLXGoHy05L1wQEe6TjeG9uzqhM6TSY_koyAHbXGn6KCPMjukeAITkdMA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Bolton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjSdg3XfLbnZDsbMTneSH4UW-sS1MArkFYzbXUG7NQz1zhcKRtRR9WVJQvFL1flGmja6fKPLT1m5MAdFpdPVFbK0o3KEzqMjvzXTT61giBC6tmfNmtPuCd_j749cv8yLP9WzLXGoHy05L1wQEe6TjeG9uzqhM6TSY_koyAHbXGn6KCPMjukeAITkdMA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Bolton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I shared some poems, as well as performing an excerpt from <i>The Reason for Geese</i>, which went down especially well.</p><p>I then returned to Clitheroe Castle, having last performed there <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2021/12/autumn-arvon-and-adventures-in-theatre.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">just before Christmas</span></a>. Being there in April was lovely, and I heard work from so many poets I know, as well as some exciting new voices. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76JMvq60HZtuWybSzuGlERUAqTTbJoWCsSGDjMZC9x57WpKJY24iJAC35oF_Hb-RhYMRf6YVn_ks2rfL3tG9p-YT1_W0PdUUdTaiBvJNIZo-j_qWrU-hAH2GA5pInG86T_sju4mlY8iRD-D92aYrVahHUespqOkxfXEvD3CfrEdmuPuOi-r6ej8Jsew/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Clitheroe%20Castle%20Poetry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76JMvq60HZtuWybSzuGlERUAqTTbJoWCsSGDjMZC9x57WpKJY24iJAC35oF_Hb-RhYMRf6YVn_ks2rfL3tG9p-YT1_W0PdUUdTaiBvJNIZo-j_qWrU-hAH2GA5pInG86T_sju4mlY8iRD-D92aYrVahHUespqOkxfXEvD3CfrEdmuPuOi-r6ej8Jsew/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Clitheroe%20Castle%20Poetry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFJ5AEe12MKifFAXgdDxY-GuOZAndic6_CWUdzILEnaWaSQMg1HMd0EPk-sAjcdWNjQHWqwIC-dhjVgnIay7OwCelLg31bFsdWiDRh1-3X_b458_t7UW-dWStdNwf9TuEvlg6hwdwE9crf7xgJj-GeqBtr7Wu5X6Y_aazIo2yXhj9lkekxzK5nGcPIQ/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Selfie%20Northern%20Poets%20Society.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFJ5AEe12MKifFAXgdDxY-GuOZAndic6_CWUdzILEnaWaSQMg1HMd0EPk-sAjcdWNjQHWqwIC-dhjVgnIay7OwCelLg31bFsdWiDRh1-3X_b458_t7UW-dWStdNwf9TuEvlg6hwdwE9crf7xgJj-GeqBtr7Wu5X6Y_aazIo2yXhj9lkekxzK5nGcPIQ/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Selfie%20Northern%20Poets%20Society.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I also just had to visit The Chocolate Works - my favourite place in Clitheroe!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NjNwPam4V3Gik1qRXCeDfYLoZw1T697Dv8JXqvPY01v03C-dqmLJhL7WsQAyUZtuSb3XBVgPiEAcc8ZkXeIRPy2cjmGyNyQFpXwctbjpVHfhX7tYkicxusay3ow6dzUxFjcABTSvL6iY9KNXRVhGlg2XpKOgSqrCL9LGryf2YoXE4aypQHGglvbW2g/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Clitheroe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NjNwPam4V3Gik1qRXCeDfYLoZw1T697Dv8JXqvPY01v03C-dqmLJhL7WsQAyUZtuSb3XBVgPiEAcc8ZkXeIRPy2cjmGyNyQFpXwctbjpVHfhX7tYkicxusay3ow6dzUxFjcABTSvL6iY9KNXRVhGlg2XpKOgSqrCL9LGryf2YoXE4aypQHGglvbW2g/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Clitheroe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>I also visited Write Out Loud in Sale, which is always a special space. Jolivia Gaston guest-hosted fantastically, and we all got to know each other, and took turns sharing poems and stories.</p><p>Coming up: I have been invited to perform a ten-minute set at Pride on the Range in Whalley Range, Manchester on 6th May, and am looking forward to it. Do come along if you can!</p><p><span style="color: #ff8af5;">Workshops and resolutions</span></p><p>I started the year with Kim Moore and Clare Shaw's Resolution/Revolution workshop series, writing for an hour every day in January. There were some days I couldn't make it, but I tried to do at least a third of them, and it helped kickstart my poetry for the year ahead.</p><p>I've also been enjoying Poetry Business workshops: writing about water with River Wolton, looking at prose poems with Suzannah Evans, being inspired by letters and correspondence with Liz Berry, employing animal helpers with Pascale Petite, writing from paintings with Phoebe Stuckes, and talking about trees with Laura Scott.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8Us_mtukXU2C_3v0RYmww4goxafBQnOYN74UkNRImh9QO1cVrCGJUJtdffmsd6EfjVkC89tlPGCfEord5yLb8f32kw2C8gKSe69nVM4tCI8-YmQx1J3-AXGcu5GxRKSKQJdqzcI10HqlhCqqfnX0pd6a4DnAB0QD30SRs9aqftE3AsTCOu71H0QJUA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Light%20on%20Leaves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8Us_mtukXU2C_3v0RYmww4goxafBQnOYN74UkNRImh9QO1cVrCGJUJtdffmsd6EfjVkC89tlPGCfEord5yLb8f32kw2C8gKSe69nVM4tCI8-YmQx1J3-AXGcu5GxRKSKQJdqzcI10HqlhCqqfnX0pd6a4DnAB0QD30SRs9aqftE3AsTCOu71H0QJUA/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Light%20on%20Leaves.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>I had two really nice Writing Squad workshops at The Burgess Foundation - looking at semantic fields (and writing about Love Hearts!) with Keisha Thompson, and planning novels with Francesca Haig. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT3dXTkfN5wDMyZB9EHGGyXit-77RD8tgBgw80ZGeDz-lGGF9e3UTrkGMfjbqo1p72F1BXz9Qz0WrU4UuAFnEP8jZII5QuECREymclo2iuq-bHNEOsSi6eFT-dmZQNHfiB0yrd4DlL5I1pfvOKX2SlyuIaVaRWMM06UhyRZ5cvxXdau2_ZaO7QD2vUg/s3072/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Burgess%20Foundation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT3dXTkfN5wDMyZB9EHGGyXit-77RD8tgBgw80ZGeDz-lGGF9e3UTrkGMfjbqo1p72F1BXz9Qz0WrU4UuAFnEP8jZII5QuECREymclo2iuq-bHNEOsSi6eFT-dmZQNHfiB0yrd4DlL5I1pfvOKX2SlyuIaVaRWMM06UhyRZ5cvxXdau2_ZaO7QD2vUg/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Burgess%20Foundation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkRcAH9NQGB1L6XLdJAKTVdABu1JnzzRWZ-hPFGl_1JQoRoRZZRD6NK65L8diQ2gwKwwZN0zkp6F-znvRQ-a6fX2dmFO9aoNENJbaj63NB9rMnp-Uz0BbHL__q7oemgy4n-NQCoMstNHVeu7eJGtvL96C3l7J0GDseSlpNh51qDFMIp_Hnkr3CuwZ9Q/s3072/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lovehearts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkRcAH9NQGB1L6XLdJAKTVdABu1JnzzRWZ-hPFGl_1JQoRoRZZRD6NK65L8diQ2gwKwwZN0zkp6F-znvRQ-a6fX2dmFO9aoNENJbaj63NB9rMnp-Uz0BbHL__q7oemgy4n-NQCoMstNHVeu7eJGtvL96C3l7J0GDseSlpNh51qDFMIp_Hnkr3CuwZ9Q/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lovehearts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>We are still having some Zoom workshops, which is really good - we looked at sensationalism in the news with Gabriel Evans, and at the nitty-gritty of form with Lydia Allison. There were also some Squad panel events about self-employment, which were really insightful.</p><p>Finally, there are the Pathways workshops from Oldham Coliseum, where we read plays, do writing exercises, and just catch up every two weeks. It is a fab group of creative people - writers, actors, directors - and I'm learning a lot. I can't believe I only discovered the Coliseum last year - it has become such an important part of my life.</p><p><span style="color: #ff94eb;">Out and about</span></p><p>I attended the Manchester Pride Conference at The Lowry in Salford, which was a really interesting day, and it was cool to catch up with so many friends who I hadn't known would be there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz16niwISzlIeQq7XJ3InmG7kxv8WcZXeQ74GDllYrgRMNDE5-PXDR7d9raY8L4lrWmr2cdzz9w4tr0qqcxKFPjomD4rEeQayZMc2IjWjYG0sbV_LpyWWNbwy9_jWnfjiXBZ4jqzMLzohObbHlpqJtHm97xooCwtSnoc2RuW_peyDuupL9fVj7fGP96A/s997/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Salford%20Quays.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="997" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz16niwISzlIeQq7XJ3InmG7kxv8WcZXeQ74GDllYrgRMNDE5-PXDR7d9raY8L4lrWmr2cdzz9w4tr0qqcxKFPjomD4rEeQayZMc2IjWjYG0sbV_LpyWWNbwy9_jWnfjiXBZ4jqzMLzohObbHlpqJtHm97xooCwtSnoc2RuW_peyDuupL9fVj7fGP96A/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Salford%20Quays.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had a great time watching Box of Tricks' play Last Quiz Night On Earth in an actual pub - Derby Brewery Arms - and my team won! The way the setting and audience were integrated into the play was really well done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjsIa65UYPJ7nqFCYKxatKRFpIyEg5fJWvHSedxtgVvCY599fMkHpo3aMndzgWLfan_DdbaOqF1FqULgNQF3HTja1iqN3pdA9zcXfrjiLbsoUUjZfpgN9dyIs8Dwa0Q_krl-FgBXQDhfVFBuBPbLfEqtGbzRFqUiyPbGNlI4qULd8dNyhMPpEt3hGyg/s3072/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Last%20Quiz%20Night%20On%20Earth%20Winners.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjsIa65UYPJ7nqFCYKxatKRFpIyEg5fJWvHSedxtgVvCY599fMkHpo3aMndzgWLfan_DdbaOqF1FqULgNQF3HTja1iqN3pdA9zcXfrjiLbsoUUjZfpgN9dyIs8Dwa0Q_krl-FgBXQDhfVFBuBPbLfEqtGbzRFqUiyPbGNlI4qULd8dNyhMPpEt3hGyg/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Last%20Quiz%20Night%20On%20Earth%20Winners.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>I attended the launch of Rebecca Kenny's collection <i>Crash and Learn</i> from Bent Key Publishing, and enjoyed a fun line-up of poets. I was really happy to get a copy of the book signed by Rebecca, and am looking forward to reading it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDt0VVAGob6G0i2C5JP9ebtam6bnMhZBb9loAskMGrYQ0PSr64oQtnQJeyMWirwNVHeXhPP544NAbABAXQdWBR2T0whiEdbte_jTyFZwa-BdsRxZiIw-EgjxYk7sQZ613iWMbrDC7QvBEPyYLfAPJtZaWqzyyWXisRvirfDQqUc6IDgmP8Mba76GY_aQ/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Crash%20and%20Learn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDt0VVAGob6G0i2C5JP9ebtam6bnMhZBb9loAskMGrYQ0PSr64oQtnQJeyMWirwNVHeXhPP544NAbABAXQdWBR2T0whiEdbte_jTyFZwa-BdsRxZiIw-EgjxYk7sQZ613iWMbrDC7QvBEPyYLfAPJtZaWqzyyWXisRvirfDQqUc6IDgmP8Mba76GY_aQ/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Crash%20and%20Learn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>It was a real privilege to attend a potluck event at Islington Mill, to see two pieces of new artwork created to commemorate the Mill collapse in 1824 - a quilt by Sarah-Joy Ford, and a garment by Astarte Cara - and to hear more about the collapse from Greg Thorpe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblMSGttn8RSmCaAnns1GKtew3wXF816ferDBIKHVE2PqblpIgSTUc2Ky6RhE75YhN9IxMDzF-lSNoZe9fyQ4TeIQbCNvjDHSklFveLwfyfRIFnwS65zAquxch7A6PnQeFKI7VL4BlsuyaJNdFnA49riRQU7AsR_MOTJdw1TOfCdfDbJQkM3zbPNy9OA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Islington%20Mill%20Art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblMSGttn8RSmCaAnns1GKtew3wXF816ferDBIKHVE2PqblpIgSTUc2Ky6RhE75YhN9IxMDzF-lSNoZe9fyQ4TeIQbCNvjDHSklFveLwfyfRIFnwS65zAquxch7A6PnQeFKI7VL4BlsuyaJNdFnA49riRQU7AsR_MOTJdw1TOfCdfDbJQkM3zbPNy9OA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Islington%20Mill%20Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Finally, I enjoyed watching The Jungle Book at Oldham Coliseum with the Pathways group. The show was well-acted (with some impressive doubling-up, where I didn't realise it was the same person), and I particularly enjoyed the songs, which it was hard not to sing as I made my way home!</p><p><span style="color: #fb83f1;">Baking, hiking and linguistic adventures</span></p><p>The <a href="https://villagebakers.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Village Bakers</span></a> have been meeting every month. This is my third year on the Committee, and I love writing the newsletter, meeting with the other officers and, of course, baking! Here are a couple of my recent creations - Jammy Dodger blondies and chocolate orange brownies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3In88bvLKxS04z1yIpU6Q_RyYk8z8wo725ErkC0pP-QfSGR0GSwsC6sqkotpnN2Zs1uFOj7Xm6JFbmLxnaLPS8nigCS-dnqo0erl6o6YbFhFQDn6pUBoRe2k-Cq-WihH2QIZ50dc5m4SDJ8zXqXee_zwCWbCdhYi_YmzqiIPgLuPlgQC4ryi9ohzzA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Blondies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3In88bvLKxS04z1yIpU6Q_RyYk8z8wo725ErkC0pP-QfSGR0GSwsC6sqkotpnN2Zs1uFOj7Xm6JFbmLxnaLPS8nigCS-dnqo0erl6o6YbFhFQDn6pUBoRe2k-Cq-WihH2QIZ50dc5m4SDJ8zXqXee_zwCWbCdhYi_YmzqiIPgLuPlgQC4ryi9ohzzA/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Blondies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTxg4hCpdHhoyg-3PIp1C0yE7YTFR2p4dtjh5GhvxOa-xSIiObweaX_jkS1kU8ucwP7F2iH4qT9p_65isw7RvKO0-0zzePa33cAYhVLuO33P9E6ShWLkQ5CIyUY18e8CfULUEawcWCHJc1CTgFS7HSTX8Eaz5Rt8Uc29-Eg_rnukH48M0iKG3ZfJJow/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Chocolate%20Orange%20Brownie%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTxg4hCpdHhoyg-3PIp1C0yE7YTFR2p4dtjh5GhvxOa-xSIiObweaX_jkS1kU8ucwP7F2iH4qT9p_65isw7RvKO0-0zzePa33cAYhVLuO33P9E6ShWLkQ5CIyUY18e8CfULUEawcWCHJc1CTgFS7HSTX8Eaz5Rt8Uc29-Eg_rnukH48M0iKG3ZfJJow/w200-h200/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Chocolate%20Orange%20Brownie%20(3).jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>I've also been doing a lot of hiking - I had a lovely weekend in the Lake District, and have had daytrips to the Peak District, Todmorden, and Blackburn. It has been really nice to meet new people with similar interests to me, and to get out and explore and be in nature.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FsOt5kOYsR_g9En_IYmpFviIcTDBh4bHFEmPpIqWG0Ggl2tQs5lQpdZcTWwb1TCc9qimc81gfy41WS4-TeL9x4RVxzsWm9hC3v5f5YfYnsmfiCGEJIJKdRGKZlI9EToguyVA7CUPEfVKUZzuVAdMuYj8pdNFs_uqNqkjE3Y4r9tSwIaMbEA6sR8thg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lake%20District%20Selfie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FsOt5kOYsR_g9En_IYmpFviIcTDBh4bHFEmPpIqWG0Ggl2tQs5lQpdZcTWwb1TCc9qimc81gfy41WS4-TeL9x4RVxzsWm9hC3v5f5YfYnsmfiCGEJIJKdRGKZlI9EToguyVA7CUPEfVKUZzuVAdMuYj8pdNFs_uqNqkjE3Y4r9tSwIaMbEA6sR8thg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lake%20District%20Selfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B0GIbyv6z4cZ4_90OE9h6YgXsTu2lpYlpYJSrvOqCwgWWew_nIX3qhoSFnzSFcC4pdguBWwmwqGFQaEA3jhy4pp-sYVfLBk4GkP3avGtZ5HDmuDDR8cceozPN8fYxksyq2QaYQJD5bcqO0nOgkiPTLqePfWP2p2pny2UiCAzN81ZEjhhC70XI2TatA/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lake%20Windermere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B0GIbyv6z4cZ4_90OE9h6YgXsTu2lpYlpYJSrvOqCwgWWew_nIX3qhoSFnzSFcC4pdguBWwmwqGFQaEA3jhy4pp-sYVfLBk4GkP3avGtZ5HDmuDDR8cceozPN8fYxksyq2QaYQJD5bcqO0nOgkiPTLqePfWP2p2pny2UiCAzN81ZEjhhC70XI2TatA/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Lake%20Windermere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR8g5wcqqleo--BXJM_889vHeqC1r8TnN7Deo6Eje3DPPeLaCgjv19CwYmHQxH7CPDiNVmzWvRmmYLbQdObnaJ9XqezHf0fFazsrEbxSHUn6JcEe8MindgrC4frOPWl0c-pS_qukfh7QyaR0puwVbSehcD2GZgM068zQDyGBbh8WG-Oeowwm5vmQDdg/s1080/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Todmorden%20Selfie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR8g5wcqqleo--BXJM_889vHeqC1r8TnN7Deo6Eje3DPPeLaCgjv19CwYmHQxH7CPDiNVmzWvRmmYLbQdObnaJ9XqezHf0fFazsrEbxSHUn6JcEe8MindgrC4frOPWl0c-pS_qukfh7QyaR0puwVbSehcD2GZgM068zQDyGBbh8WG-Oeowwm5vmQDdg/s320/Elizabeth%20Gibson%20Todmorden%20Selfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I completed the Mandarin Chinese course on Duolingo, which I am very proud of, and I am hoping to sit a HSK exam soon, either Level 2 or 3. I achieved my Level 1 nearly a decade ago after three weeks <a href="http://lgchina2012.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">studying in Beijing</span></a>. It has been really nice returning to the world of Chinese this last year. </p><p>I find language inherently fascinating, and I like learning languages with different writing styles and forms. To that end, while I am currently working on improving my Portuguese, I have also started Greek - I'm interested in its alphabet, and how it influences other languages. Wish me luck with it!</p><p>Many thanks for sharing my adventures. Have a lovely spring and summer.</p><p>Liz</p>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-77008094469722788572021-12-22T18:58:00.007+00:002021-12-22T19:37:57.473+00:00Autumn, Arvon, and adventures in theatreHello!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEQ1JVw0hm_viZ4ad59MTd4RoFGnPgKpGJyVu3rmj6pOzMpi964VEkKLkHVPUCnGszvdqlwZm1s5436iMMaByIH-yOyQPvLivfgYtNZm94LsonJ4YGSEAlzqLRIgkIu3UuvhvbR3rYPy2owzlIkOlV8mp1KFdXSNHYw5msuzGTODXyUbc-cCgndEUMGw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEQ1JVw0hm_viZ4ad59MTd4RoFGnPgKpGJyVu3rmj6pOzMpi964VEkKLkHVPUCnGszvdqlwZm1s5436iMMaByIH-yOyQPvLivfgYtNZm94LsonJ4YGSEAlzqLRIgkIu3UuvhvbR3rYPy2owzlIkOlV8mp1KFdXSNHYw5msuzGTODXyUbc-cCgndEUMGw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaDDTylhqtmmd9idnxTOws1GqgWAXK5hKSTbI6OQLVie6Kqg5vB6j3IWFjm8QgF7eB2nV6duDsDlNYPOJ6xc_ZdsQKEZF9Gv1lgqlg2jnfotFuMtmaocuJH9JG7RPBJco5gR2mjBS7OlKeGL7JKIGLfR-n-jZgBqUXVJLLmciMhrwxQtBs9Xahlm6zDg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaDDTylhqtmmd9idnxTOws1GqgWAXK5hKSTbI6OQLVie6Kqg5vB6j3IWFjm8QgF7eB2nV6duDsDlNYPOJ6xc_ZdsQKEZF9Gv1lgqlg2jnfotFuMtmaocuJH9JG7RPBJco5gR2mjBS7OlKeGL7JKIGLfR-n-jZgBqUXVJLLmciMhrwxQtBs9Xahlm6zDg=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope December is treating you well. Here in Manchester, we have had some snow, some sleet, and some beautiful blue-sky days, great for walking in the hills and by the canals.</div><div><br /></div><div> Since <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-summer-of-writing-pride-and-magic.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">my last blog post in summer</span></a>, so much has happened - I have made my acting debut on both stage and screen, attended a brilliant Arvon course, performed at a castle, and been meeting up with the Village Bakers in-person again - so, eating lots of cake! </div><div><br /></div><div> I hope you enjoy learning more about my autumn, and thank you for sharing my writing life with me.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIxfRGMTPHN-URS9TYZgKCDc7D8qdDhvxTvAM9f8UEH9iR3yJsXIvIEy2j6sR5jVqlNs6t8ixoAZFn8mc-4RMMXZmTIVRDEs2qWnUsyBv1hIBqpHoRLwT8fxbculfTQf2VRhCX-BLAoW4iGMlfL4L6uWEwcMGwqEaH1H8hPPSdLGTB9IJi929uY-10lg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIxfRGMTPHN-URS9TYZgKCDc7D8qdDhvxTvAM9f8UEH9iR3yJsXIvIEy2j6sR5jVqlNs6t8ixoAZFn8mc-4RMMXZmTIVRDEs2qWnUsyBv1hIBqpHoRLwT8fxbculfTQf2VRhCX-BLAoW4iGMlfL4L6uWEwcMGwqEaH1H8hPPSdLGTB9IJi929uY-10lg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">First Dibs - The Assembly</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The First Dibs programme has been a huge part of this year for me. Dibby Theatre selected me <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2021/03/spring-is-coming-news-and-poems.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">back in March</span></a> as one of five queer writers to take part, developing our skills, and writing a new play.</div><div><br /></div><div> I have written <i>The Reason for Geese</i>, a one-person show about time-travel and finding yourself, set around the canals of Manchester. I portray all of the characters - geese, swans, a cat, a bee - using my own body and voice. It has been a new challenge for me, and I am so proud of what I have achieved.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGYhrRCUZKKwp3v1RK5Z9LDpY2H3JmPBFZ3kFC7FY4n_X2uDpvC4UmN06fQ9whZLiRmz34bBTtHQoE4kbiOlo2OB6SRRTxqslAVTAKci7HvMBQXbcUSt1nr9DCestyZ5LKWwKGwy5p0lAfPvt0tktwdHpiLQ7EwabRkhgWjFmPzH0Im-5zHMNRZTGvSw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGYhrRCUZKKwp3v1RK5Z9LDpY2H3JmPBFZ3kFC7FY4n_X2uDpvC4UmN06fQ9whZLiRmz34bBTtHQoE4kbiOlo2OB6SRRTxqslAVTAKci7HvMBQXbcUSt1nr9DCestyZ5LKWwKGwy5p0lAfPvt0tktwdHpiLQ7EwabRkhgWjFmPzH0Im-5zHMNRZTGvSw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> We shared our work at a showcase event, The Assembly, as part of Push Festival at HOME. The week leading up the The Assembly was intense but incredibly rewarding, as I worked one-to-one with Leo Skilbeck as my Director, at The Edge in Chorlton, and then at HOME.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihOGjIIjYz2YSSepLF3ig9J_sjBj6JJyT7SQOQmYlHUlC9EZgyfukCuXUfJ2GGPvGyK-2xVTt4qNsF2WGYVW79AYe2-PeCuWUCfz6TMNPY8QVAVg3uhq7cU-768KpvdQB3WdDp_FXRTDYXdm4bXZPCdGapvyb1gmxRqeQlNx0jN8r5xz9ZEXy36r6Pug=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihOGjIIjYz2YSSepLF3ig9J_sjBj6JJyT7SQOQmYlHUlC9EZgyfukCuXUfJ2GGPvGyK-2xVTt4qNsF2WGYVW79AYe2-PeCuWUCfz6TMNPY8QVAVg3uhq7cU-768KpvdQB3WdDp_FXRTDYXdm4bXZPCdGapvyb1gmxRqeQlNx0jN8r5xz9ZEXy36r6Pug=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> Leo is amazing, and really helped build up my confidence in my work and in myself. The First Dibs writers also had a photoshoot with Jordan Roberts, and I love my photo!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjD3YYtiLDpzexMYOWcu7j9JX8QLxgHjf6DERQ7vuR7iIruAL4N0b4Pzxbjh0l1srea5D5SRgTgqsRy5TdXHZEBNOMEy4QOQPBZ3K0X-2i56jq8JI1tA94XholFbkAHM0UD9EpBUsU6l-d8lkDRsg7F1xBEooUfkBJV-hJNHummTKiytLUEB0rExxdfQ=s4339" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4339" data-original-width="3099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjD3YYtiLDpzexMYOWcu7j9JX8QLxgHjf6DERQ7vuR7iIruAL4N0b4Pzxbjh0l1srea5D5SRgTgqsRy5TdXHZEBNOMEy4QOQPBZ3K0X-2i56jq8JI1tA94XholFbkAHM0UD9EpBUsU6l-d8lkDRsg7F1xBEooUfkBJV-hJNHummTKiytLUEB0rExxdfQ=s320" width="229" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> The night of The Assembly was one I'll always remember. I loved being in the theatre, working with a group of other people, sharing the adrenaline, and celebrating together when we had finished. I made some great connections and friends.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiywiWu2eCMfYTOtCmi5rKx9D4rlQuHCwviECIdZXr2sjffDKWPBP-bmrlox6bgBuBvAlCA7KBgWDH4I2fYOSCF2pexFDHW1PO5gpLtvGuA4H_eYY7V7mn2ByDsfEASBX7KGpQLXqPGuGo2H0ZaDfZpbY67v6TgIJYxlTmiKiyxySpHWdsixeV-2Mu4EA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiywiWu2eCMfYTOtCmi5rKx9D4rlQuHCwviECIdZXr2sjffDKWPBP-bmrlox6bgBuBvAlCA7KBgWDH4I2fYOSCF2pexFDHW1PO5gpLtvGuA4H_eYY7V7mn2ByDsfEASBX7KGpQLXqPGuGo2H0ZaDfZpbY67v6TgIJYxlTmiKiyxySpHWdsixeV-2Mu4EA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> I got some lovely feedback for <i>The Reason for Geese</i>, and am excited to share it again in January, as part of a very exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to letting you know more, so watch this space, and keep an eye on <a href="https://twitter.com/Grizonne" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">my Twitter</span></a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">Advent at Oldham Coliseum</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I was commissioned to write two of Oldham Coliseum's 2021 Advent plays - and then I was asked to act in one of them! It was a really fun experience, and I hope you enjoy watching them.</div><div><br /></div><div> 'Christmas Octopus', brilliantly acted by Brianna Douglas, is about an octopus costume, finding and accepting friendship, and understanding yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qr4nolSLLUc" width="320" youtube-src-id="qr4nolSLLUc"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div> 'Truffles', performed by me, is about food, family, and adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FktdCSedlFs" width="320" youtube-src-id="FktdCSedlFs"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div> I have another project with the Coliseum coming up, that I hope to share soon. This theatre - both the physical space and online community - has become so special for me, full of warmth and magic, and I'm so glad I found it this year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq8xDvcjsKSABG_K6ClEuU-fPM5Hn6P2YvM-cJMQp6wsU1fx69BvDQNh9fayiLHYs1gN-sMnnMDTEfpduXPSszIxoMbyUKLf-mG9QyYtfTeGwU2ro7AQA9P5QV0yUZfoJHUPArTvzd2pqnffJ8BtCSGQy2xGTuD5BqsBy42Ex3MFVefKdGNiV0W8KuBw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq8xDvcjsKSABG_K6ClEuU-fPM5Hn6P2YvM-cJMQp6wsU1fx69BvDQNh9fayiLHYs1gN-sMnnMDTEfpduXPSszIxoMbyUKLf-mG9QyYtfTeGwU2ro7AQA9P5QV0yUZfoJHUPArTvzd2pqnffJ8BtCSGQy2xGTuD5BqsBy42Ex3MFVefKdGNiV0W8KuBw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">Autumn at Arvon</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I was over the moon to be able to attend Arvon's 'Poetry - Expanding Your Reach' course at Lumb Bank, near Hebden Bridge. I last stayed there in Summer 2019, and it was a life-changing experience. Now, I returned in autumn, and the hills were full of orange and red trees. It was gorgeous.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu4HQPCg5DfH5z_Ry8s19PaV3zTXsJOOKuzea5v7vr-gSkJbBZBh18aA1hXoh3lAw6rqmej7riv59mmrbMEAJFV_s37-_qhcHGkOGxTzsaaZGiXH0NRuCh25e6-uWsxS0yWVEB_9sAPSHdWFFucTA-9Epix6FRvlrcK_ueg1W7i531FL5uZg0g8UmUcw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu4HQPCg5DfH5z_Ry8s19PaV3zTXsJOOKuzea5v7vr-gSkJbBZBh18aA1hXoh3lAw6rqmej7riv59mmrbMEAJFV_s37-_qhcHGkOGxTzsaaZGiXH0NRuCh25e6-uWsxS0yWVEB_9sAPSHdWFFucTA-9Epix6FRvlrcK_ueg1W7i531FL5uZg0g8UmUcw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr-3gJozm9zHO33oJkEYh0PGYTNVmx3S57QsCd7ELtN-tnrsP-SGTHGZF1eg6yDXL3qwdX2GtruDvNeNfHhBB1AEt1Ry4PGxmqyMbXuxdENWcm7w953XEcN6AVr8y7hGzqjgUtC_2rmfnrZ1t8TGUA2_PZJu6c5fJ-lgdc4mY2_UE_PWylwjDH2tcIoA=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr-3gJozm9zHO33oJkEYh0PGYTNVmx3S57QsCd7ELtN-tnrsP-SGTHGZF1eg6yDXL3qwdX2GtruDvNeNfHhBB1AEt1Ry4PGxmqyMbXuxdENWcm7w953XEcN6AVr8y7hGzqjgUtC_2rmfnrZ1t8TGUA2_PZJu6c5fJ-lgdc4mY2_UE_PWylwjDH2tcIoA=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div> Our tutors, Mimi Khalvati and Katrina Naomi, were both fantastic, and helped to focus me on what I need to do next with my poems. Leo Boix was our guest poet, and I loved his work. As a linguist, I was especially interested in his thoughts on, and stories about, literary translation.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc7aMc6MyWhNHcTCWthXFHWTLOBPFOfist0hjaNt_oAQxqRBTyUUa0VSyLR2rAiFp_PItysVGBD0a1H752DQL3x-S06qyBtpWsVkq5u9ccJIrVkjqvN0VmVRL1hMDIr-Upb8sUQAK1z0V7uUkWSz-14aRjaEE4MhOcl8M-IHVosLnXJwvvo6Q-Z71oOw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc7aMc6MyWhNHcTCWthXFHWTLOBPFOfist0hjaNt_oAQxqRBTyUUa0VSyLR2rAiFp_PItysVGBD0a1H752DQL3x-S06qyBtpWsVkq5u9ccJIrVkjqvN0VmVRL1hMDIr-Upb8sUQAK1z0V7uUkWSz-14aRjaEE4MhOcl8M-IHVosLnXJwvvo6Q-Z71oOw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5GTuFedU6SNquOIfNcnOh7PG0qF9kLZD9HkGAyl6K7f6qkSXRcC7NRGP3SFiXFGF6AlVNNkrJ2frIu0jjbpgqFEHr_pep5t6Yjst06WvkM5ZzI6sNsTnCBePUV3w0NvaQ9I6wxVXbFA2JRA5JD41OxrC5pwPS22syWSzo_bcjWeON031Aw-ulqlCSgQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5GTuFedU6SNquOIfNcnOh7PG0qF9kLZD9HkGAyl6K7f6qkSXRcC7NRGP3SFiXFGF6AlVNNkrJ2frIu0jjbpgqFEHr_pep5t6Yjst06WvkM5ZzI6sNsTnCBePUV3w0NvaQ9I6wxVXbFA2JRA5JD41OxrC5pwPS22syWSzo_bcjWeON031Aw-ulqlCSgQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I loved being part of a little community, in our cottage in the countryside. The food was glorious, and I enjoyed taking my turn at cooking, helping make vegan butternut squash risotto (it was amazing!). Our nights chatting by the fire are something I'll really miss. I've definitely made some friends.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">Out and about with my poems!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of spoken-word events moved back to being in-person during the autumn, and it was nice to catch up with friends, and travel a bit, even just to Salford or Sale! However, Zoom events have their own advantages, and I hope that organisers will keep doing them, as well.</div><div><br /></div><div> I was invited to perform and run a workshop at Fatty Acid, a queer night at Partisan Collective. I had a really nice group for my workshop, and I'm proud of the work we produced. I then performed at the cabaret, in a line-up of incredible and unique acts. It was fabulous, and I felt such freedom and pride. The queer community is amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div> I then took a tram to Sale, for my first-ever in-person visit to Sale Out Loud. It was lovely to see the brilliant Sarah, who hosts the night, and to finally meet some poets I had only seen on a screen. We sat in a circle and took turns reading our poems, and it felt very cosy and equal and supportive.</div><div><br /></div><div> I then made my return to Verbose, now in the upstairs room at The King's Arms in Salford - such a cool space! I shared some poems, and enjoyed some really dynamic and diverse performances.</div><div><br /></div><div> Next, there was the Young Identity Christmas party - a great evening, which really refreshed me. I performed at the open mic, enjoyed some excellent cake, then walked home, through the Manchester Christmas lights, feeling positive and hopeful. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirTCflSkrReB_IgLFjtCMyqr9KxF6D49V3FQ71DRIUeh84jJYBDjH4qeLbYt3djlLSu7U0EG7YhZ4KYEIplwKvugxkEvtMdYxlY_hLN4InQxnmp-i1uvIdaiwRWg1C1Jr8JMOUBKlCAP4YxTh8MlT4Lx04-4Y3CBHXJTlbJH9mxqIK0_GMko8e0O_oIQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirTCflSkrReB_IgLFjtCMyqr9KxF6D49V3FQ71DRIUeh84jJYBDjH4qeLbYt3djlLSu7U0EG7YhZ4KYEIplwKvugxkEvtMdYxlY_hLN4InQxnmp-i1uvIdaiwRWg1C1Jr8JMOUBKlCAP4YxTh8MlT4Lx04-4Y3CBHXJTlbJH9mxqIK0_GMko8e0O_oIQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> In the virtual realm, the Writing Squad held another Home Concert, and it was a calm, safe space to share our work, both poetry and music. One of my favourite things is to listen to people play guitar and sing, so it felt like I was getting a free gig, and it was lovely to be able to contribute.</div><div><br /></div><div> Finally, one of the most unusual, but most brilliant gigs I've done - I was invited by Northern Poets Society to perform at Clitheroe Castle! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNuJteKyrl81R8DzP9lBcHlBrWz5__VNaimkC01dMzbq5mgBIpJeax7LxNoWK5Fnf1-T4D3BYR3DxyXWw_hpsHqSpxtGLylZVj0IJ0Qtq6Ciu47BbVFZQQPwjcgtZOvSlzhLTqHGDCVPb-Y4zqdr1Bx01dEIeUMEydEqOd2oqahNi_DH1qe9VoWM7aDw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNuJteKyrl81R8DzP9lBcHlBrWz5__VNaimkC01dMzbq5mgBIpJeax7LxNoWK5Fnf1-T4D3BYR3DxyXWw_hpsHqSpxtGLylZVj0IJ0Qtq6Ciu47BbVFZQQPwjcgtZOvSlzhLTqHGDCVPb-Y4zqdr1Bx01dEIeUMEydEqOd2oqahNi_DH1qe9VoWM7aDw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibLbhvS8GL7C9rW6mA49y7T1JMoSuXlV9Em4-7Dke7wLDzUG055dj41M1R3Bh1hmXwgNMSdlK3PYhbtKizM8KtUI3J5hXkWG44UJZcYM3A3U3GVzBcKIzv4s2UGh8C32_aDnvoL_z7T3ZD42FaCwk1ITQXbmJmeG1b17eHt9lxnmDdbZw1BWbojWDaRA=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibLbhvS8GL7C9rW6mA49y7T1JMoSuXlV9Em4-7Dke7wLDzUG055dj41M1R3Bh1hmXwgNMSdlK3PYhbtKizM8KtUI3J5hXkWG44UJZcYM3A3U3GVzBcKIzv4s2UGh8C32_aDnvoL_z7T3ZD42FaCwk1ITQXbmJmeG1b17eHt9lxnmDdbZw1BWbojWDaRA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div> It was very cold, but the atmosphere among the poets was so special. It was an adventure, and definitely a highlight of my poetry year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK6rLejy-EsprRdzwu7iujjCU56xM3I3Ko9947Prod8tczSHFm9XIhs1qxnfO94HTkjhY2XcVoUtFApZKqdvJJBcY0Xu3eMxqtAQ5q5Y-5zSY6B6bZnXs1cbWMKjB-rAkSKy9cURu2jg21yNRiiHKk9F5TLTVmZRKzRf32ph1u9BVEjNRSiS4KQXPXhg=s1081" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK6rLejy-EsprRdzwu7iujjCU56xM3I3Ko9947Prod8tczSHFm9XIhs1qxnfO94HTkjhY2XcVoUtFApZKqdvJJBcY0Xu3eMxqtAQ5q5Y-5zSY6B6bZnXs1cbWMKjB-rAkSKy9cURu2jg21yNRiiHKk9F5TLTVmZRKzRf32ph1u9BVEjNRSiS4KQXPXhg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">On the page!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I had an exciting delivery - a batch of copies of <i>Not About Now</i>, the Writing Squad anthology in which I have two poems. If you would be interested in buying a copy from me, do get in touch!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-NUiQx9PoCIx9qtX1I8Y7iH5K5QOQN-osZsYfs9NqGAq1nUOnwF7L_XrAGQxwMBzlxxnN1JFINt-IXzuYFW3XzLnBkbqa9hilniZl_5SsU7fVAbjZYf_hxVCDkQDgL6UFw63M3nUJqvVRbTWkJlJX5ZRw4IHU9ZVzTpbZGaUGeOXSAJlMz7dOVu1uDQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-NUiQx9PoCIx9qtX1I8Y7iH5K5QOQN-osZsYfs9NqGAq1nUOnwF7L_XrAGQxwMBzlxxnN1JFINt-IXzuYFW3XzLnBkbqa9hilniZl_5SsU7fVAbjZYf_hxVCDkQDgL6UFw63M3nUJqvVRbTWkJlJX5ZRw4IHU9ZVzTpbZGaUGeOXSAJlMz7dOVu1uDQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilXbpU11gm4HUyMqgEVQEP7dFPsdUfUubMrzR-JRwihj7gQTV3qQiHnCnnT5mtEPi_Z7OcZ108iRz5rWN5iirV_W8SywQTw9bZCqMGeX10F3g_59viXezo_nv0UwzgoUuZ15XIVFr7hBp1EHi9nU0uPXpvToVyhc6E0BzAkwY-lvPF36cvjj7cE5AHhQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilXbpU11gm4HUyMqgEVQEP7dFPsdUfUubMrzR-JRwihj7gQTV3qQiHnCnnT5mtEPi_Z7OcZ108iRz5rWN5iirV_W8SywQTw9bZCqMGeX10F3g_59viXezo_nv0UwzgoUuZ15XIVFr7hBp1EHi9nU0uPXpvToVyhc6E0BzAkwY-lvPF36cvjj7cE5AHhQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> This was a really nice project - it was funded by Simon Armitage and, at a time when I think a lot of us felt pressure to write directly about the pandemic, we were told that we didn't have to. Hence, <i>Not About Now</i>! I wrote about goslings and cats and helicopters, but also about loss and hope.</div><div><br /></div><div> I am also proud to have one of my poems about PCOS - <a href="https://www.kissingdynamitepoetry.com/elizabeth-gibson-as-we-wait.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Why we wait to find out why I am bleeding again'</span></a> - published in <i>Kissing Dynamite Poetry</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGmDjRPOr3-JVC4UyGdAq5j_89B4tTqiYNC8guoTWpVm7pXnkuNN36B11mnG56oJnsHd-G23648U_PcAyKfJqVWTVdtNzd1LppTuybvhl7FJfBIO3C5Uejm0_fE9pPp_iE9ogpDcvYQGky-Dd8caeluKnP0svO1EPRVcgDxlbxPrbMWdj9YtM6Un0tpw=s1023" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1023" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGmDjRPOr3-JVC4UyGdAq5j_89B4tTqiYNC8guoTWpVm7pXnkuNN36B11mnG56oJnsHd-G23648U_PcAyKfJqVWTVdtNzd1LppTuybvhl7FJfBIO3C5Uejm0_fE9pPp_iE9ogpDcvYQGky-Dd8caeluKnP0svO1EPRVcgDxlbxPrbMWdj9YtM6Un0tpw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> Be aware that this poem has medical themes, but it is told through metaphor, without anything spelt out.</div><div><br /></div><div> I have continued to take part in <i>Visual Verse</i>'s monthly writing challenge. In September, I responded to the below image by Vika Wendish, with my poem <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/analysis" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Analysis'</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAHhC8hX502_uVt5BTK_6XVgzyKBT0o_4fbv6Gi2BSCNTiYSPUxE9CGG-JHfBVnfO36QU5odI0XCslERDZTIebKjMrUVT4rmkR6ScR3gxtwj25ec5DcmjbLn0MIuHP6X_v2RTF78jRdd7/s741/Vika-Wendish-September-2021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAHhC8hX502_uVt5BTK_6XVgzyKBT0o_4fbv6Gi2BSCNTiYSPUxE9CGG-JHfBVnfO36QU5odI0XCslERDZTIebKjMrUVT4rmkR6ScR3gxtwj25ec5DcmjbLn0MIuHP6X_v2RTF78jRdd7/s320/Vika-Wendish-September-2021.png" width="218" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> In November, I wrote<span style="color: #ea9999;"> <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/eve" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Eve'</span></a></span>, in response to this image by Frederick Cayley Robinson. I found this one really interesting, and I definitely want to further explore the world I created.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsATsvwHPqnn0uxG30DOGot3gHv75svZUjnZvRNiFt9xorQNWPd6MGQ9FKV3sE2bqsZ169TPhr9TrYpP465J6wjquRmD_jcEveGQphxURWwMjwpTfBq29wNEz98xlZhhcFpu091zmU1LE/s741/VV-November-2021+Frederick+Cayley+Robinson.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsATsvwHPqnn0uxG30DOGot3gHv75svZUjnZvRNiFt9xorQNWPd6MGQ9FKV3sE2bqsZ169TPhr9TrYpP465J6wjquRmD_jcEveGQphxURWwMjwpTfBq29wNEz98xlZhhcFpu091zmU1LE/s320/VV-November-2021+Frederick+Cayley+Robinson.png" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Most recently, I wrote <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/os-cabalos" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Os cabalos'</span></a>, inspired by this image by Monica Silva, as well as by the horses of Vigo and Galicia, and <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">my time living there</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfsidQrFDDz972-Xp6QtRdqX1nhHoPHd9MYKPpic79elXnRNdP6_tsXg67yX6w1o6T8ieNs0y1-KHoZL5WJN3WgsJRkY0k2f8GeP9YuWOqTYQ2TRV_y37szmrDD6d5e9lOskmvu2YelFFIkcmnd1hPjl-i2SF1yzNGCwTK_naKQdZ1pcyMXlnApgVVdg=s741" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfsidQrFDDz972-Xp6QtRdqX1nhHoPHd9MYKPpic79elXnRNdP6_tsXg67yX6w1o6T8ieNs0y1-KHoZL5WJN3WgsJRkY0k2f8GeP9YuWOqTYQ2TRV_y37szmrDD6d5e9lOskmvu2YelFFIkcmnd1hPjl-i2SF1yzNGCwTK_naKQdZ1pcyMXlnApgVVdg=s320" width="218" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> Coming soon: I have a poem, 'Satisfied' in the upcoming issue of <i>Under the Radar</i>, which has been a dream journal for me<i>. </i>I can't wait to share it!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">Workshops, shows, friends and fun</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I have had three lovely Writing Squad workshops in person. We looked at writing the invisible with Andrew McMillan here in Manchester, and I took the train to Leeds to look at metaphor with Francesca Haig, and myths with Malika Booker. </div><div><br /></div><div> On the day of Malika's workshop, it was extremely windy and snowy, and it was a real adventure getting there! I'm very glad I did.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRjHk8-bb_Af4M51edOSeketdBN8a-Wrdj9rEyTgg-7PSMry4kK8y_-XQ7kim2SyVtGg__TkC5oin2JuQ2WIaH2p6yzFjMoF3ZaBdGKs8VAmuStVMLR_3r48uV8368abX216ofh42LlWvJkGhE4E8sIXWZn2_pKqmw_kuKzv-0d4IibTZW4InTzQxP4Q=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRjHk8-bb_Af4M51edOSeketdBN8a-Wrdj9rEyTgg-7PSMry4kK8y_-XQ7kim2SyVtGg__TkC5oin2JuQ2WIaH2p6yzFjMoF3ZaBdGKs8VAmuStVMLR_3r48uV8368abX216ofh42LlWvJkGhE4E8sIXWZn2_pKqmw_kuKzv-0d4IibTZW4InTzQxP4Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> There have also been some great Squad workshops on Zoom - these are usually on a Thursday night, and are a nice, relaxed way to spend an evening. We looked at writing the taboo with Jenny Danes, settings and senses with Aoife Inman, and rituals with Georgia Affonso. </div><div><br /></div><div> I attended online Poetry Business workshops with Ann and Peter Sampson, Malika Booker, and Suzannah Evans. These are usually in the mornings, and help me get into a poetic frame of mind for the rest of the day.</div><div><br /></div><div> I enjoyed two shows at Oldham Coliseum - <i>Gypsy Jam</i>, a passionate, musical coming-together of cultures that was an honour to witness, and <i>Love n Stuff</i>, a play with many characters, amazingly acted by just two people. My brain was constantly tricked into thinking there were more people on stage! </div><div><br /></div><div> With Dibby Theatre, I attended an early table reading of Chris Hoyle's play-in-progress, <i>The Alleyway of Dreams</i>, which was fascinating to be part of. I also saw Nathaniel Hall's <i>First Time</i> at Contact Theatre - having studied the text, finally seeing it performed was a really special experience.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8FmmOLTa_OBIJGUY64xumabFmsbbNxSGxR5NTcjimdCFI_LaRYH7GME2irK9QIRL4spoGMTbIWSOcD-1uWz953yHDPkuYrCaRJvl9Zkwhju6iLG6qmARUYwd4xECWq7kaq4VH7AmnWv-eDEhpWZS3cw2I1GkEjsB81prFo7zMXJrsYJ7bdeC3V5bN3Q=s2532" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="2531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8FmmOLTa_OBIJGUY64xumabFmsbbNxSGxR5NTcjimdCFI_LaRYH7GME2irK9QIRL4spoGMTbIWSOcD-1uWz953yHDPkuYrCaRJvl9Zkwhju6iLG6qmARUYwd4xECWq7kaq4VH7AmnWv-eDEhpWZS3cw2I1GkEjsB81prFo7zMXJrsYJ7bdeC3V5bN3Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966;">Baking, crafting, candles and community</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The Village Bakers have been meeting in person again, which has been fabulous. And I was able to make my famous Biscoff Banana Bread once more! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS7fNsvmZgNZU_-b2KV502S6euOAS0Rd0N2Rih2CVP97NMWvQhbXuCdHS4_eu98LGTK7GGFAYv9tNg0HvOr4U5SbYrgQ99JLvrC6oH0KOCSWgqPeZalfSQsr4cw_bCJGstbgEBiR_5fyscWQM0tc95HLCIMVoyBJL6qZkno29RwaqhyOVX1BfpARMbNg=s1081" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS7fNsvmZgNZU_-b2KV502S6euOAS0Rd0N2Rih2CVP97NMWvQhbXuCdHS4_eu98LGTK7GGFAYv9tNg0HvOr4U5SbYrgQ99JLvrC6oH0KOCSWgqPeZalfSQsr4cw_bCJGstbgEBiR_5fyscWQM0tc95HLCIMVoyBJL6qZkno29RwaqhyOVX1BfpARMbNg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div> As always, I really enjoyed curating our <a href="https://villagebakers.wordpress.com/newsletter-autumn-2021" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Autumn Newsletter</span></a>, with news, delicious bakes, and an interview with one of our lovely Bakers, Andrew. I hope you enjoy it.</div></div><div><br /></div><div> I have enjoyed getting out and about to other LGBTQ+ events, too, from making a clay octopus, to weaving a rainbow bracelet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw15imqU3s8vaILyoWmBnxyFCphUT2_T4eXJUeE6DYH7NhrGmvD9agPBBk3Xz-e0jjWgi1zJgbLG3hl4yO51e4n8AXcoDIqaEzdX3XAG5cqjsrSJpk-43I19MaaWQapd0k2XjvntFNmXBn-eZq9c1GsUgAtoI-A0LYkTXgtl7BbsyGHzTXs9jOX2eA2w=s2160" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw15imqU3s8vaILyoWmBnxyFCphUT2_T4eXJUeE6DYH7NhrGmvD9agPBBk3Xz-e0jjWgi1zJgbLG3hl4yO51e4n8AXcoDIqaEzdX3XAG5cqjsrSJpk-43I19MaaWQapd0k2XjvntFNmXBn-eZq9c1GsUgAtoI-A0LYkTXgtl7BbsyGHzTXs9jOX2eA2w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyEit13qMY7j951q1q3dPoSCUKT5rY6f71vrNLDNflcAwTtIl20XQ9l0-kVznocrpsT_ouxAg0vGx_JDUr0g8LiTOQsSSXBuY9oUbcLtidTDneDLY_a6E-9di5le8zaybkpt_p529m9fwrXvQmrkwnlrrPho_X4XKG9Te3Z29qtmiS91PnqsF9SfEC4w=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyEit13qMY7j951q1q3dPoSCUKT5rY6f71vrNLDNflcAwTtIl20XQ9l0-kVznocrpsT_ouxAg0vGx_JDUr0g8LiTOQsSSXBuY9oUbcLtidTDneDLY_a6E-9di5le8zaybkpt_p529m9fwrXvQmrkwnlrrPho_X4XKG9Te3Z29qtmiS91PnqsF9SfEC4w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div> I enjoyed decorating some candle jars for this year's World AIDS Day vigil in Sackville Gardens, which was an extremely moving and powerful event.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqhrPRD3h1DlXUt-wADrN50t88RrgqdBhyQKkCh3r1fxERVBnWF4uYjX_FHf9Fg01d0m1kMTiIumIp4kPzIhs8GEwECdHlFhtI28ko4qBAFJuucT5Jkm7_uj7fLVNfDIou_ES9ad05GlSQ_3TYSzPOhZZXi2VMRBfIlBj2NBZJ8CgsbBRPWIFDbjD5hA=s3072" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqhrPRD3h1DlXUt-wADrN50t88RrgqdBhyQKkCh3r1fxERVBnWF4uYjX_FHf9Fg01d0m1kMTiIumIp4kPzIhs8GEwECdHlFhtI28ko4qBAFJuucT5Jkm7_uj7fLVNfDIou_ES9ad05GlSQ_3TYSzPOhZZXi2VMRBfIlBj2NBZJ8CgsbBRPWIFDbjD5hA=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2dOcqunPgaW8jLbqqd8NLCSTPXEaRJ_qhesoUsPQ4YhVv4MlBPKGJH7bAk1uOozzqAPG3ltWYAdMMv03gDLq9IlqkFa_748eK0ZwzYVmw0U2DwCWtABcxBO6fav8yyL1lzV7AZ1q26ZO_EGdlbKgEqMPtSwOpN-a_hVsQ1kLTONefu-Eo0RIqWGKz7g=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2dOcqunPgaW8jLbqqd8NLCSTPXEaRJ_qhesoUsPQ4YhVv4MlBPKGJH7bAk1uOozzqAPG3ltWYAdMMv03gDLq9IlqkFa_748eK0ZwzYVmw0U2DwCWtABcxBO6fav8yyL1lzV7AZ1q26ZO_EGdlbKgEqMPtSwOpN-a_hVsQ1kLTONefu-Eo0RIqWGKz7g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi76w9K2Jbb-heZh8znCokZDyM6KGTb2FPg8l8mGVK9ffHrnCyOy2B08_UNFrBV39-Cvg6QmXz2vtN8xByuu-rd4kQ7_QDYcJZryTJeVEpfaM5emd_x2faKU6a3fWxSk_Ygrmv8mOS41iqR7U7YtQuIYK0JDi6h6ZzgzF1inkVUjvEItEHV7jXKK6oazw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi76w9K2Jbb-heZh8znCokZDyM6KGTb2FPg8l8mGVK9ffHrnCyOy2B08_UNFrBV39-Cvg6QmXz2vtN8xByuu-rd4kQ7_QDYcJZryTJeVEpfaM5emd_x2faKU6a3fWxSk_Ygrmv8mOS41iqR7U7YtQuIYK0JDi6h6ZzgzF1inkVUjvEItEHV7jXKK6oazw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> I am still learning Mandarin Chinese, working on my guitar skills, and baking. I am also trying to do more cooking, and have got back into watching <i>The West Wing</i>, which I was a big fan of as a teenager. I am very ready for a Christmas rest, and lots of reading!</div><div> </div><div> Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and being part of my creative journey. I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable festive season, and that 2022 brings some hope and happy times.</div><div><br /></div><div> Warmest wishes,</div><div><br /></div><div> Liz x</div>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-82879490306267770752021-08-30T21:59:00.024+01:002021-08-30T22:18:12.415+01:00A summer of writing, pride and magic<p>Hello!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqnftiurU1h7Rs9XeIVanveutXo4lKmz63Wj9Mg4pMq-kHr6hGU8sBCU5_scVx4gJ_CEbsL7MTYBG6EhqskYSbjVnSiTGlz51JhupHmqoiwBOck28pvWRKhLHwp9JLJf_U3cu23ERIAhW/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Ice+Cream+Southport.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqnftiurU1h7Rs9XeIVanveutXo4lKmz63Wj9Mg4pMq-kHr6hGU8sBCU5_scVx4gJ_CEbsL7MTYBG6EhqskYSbjVnSiTGlz51JhupHmqoiwBOck28pvWRKhLHwp9JLJf_U3cu23ERIAhW/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Ice+Cream+Southport.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9L8oa0y4y-zh9xlLTRGKq62dJdcwMffeDoLcz60THllPVsu9R8Jw7iQ-iKQ-Ug7D5yr-LP3UauozSCTF-4g55QrhacKA4fEbxlvAixBudqiihBy86w8QLAeWDZiJhjEJOCx8-4TERaFl/s2048/Elizabeth+Gibson+Selfie+Rainbow+Beads.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9L8oa0y4y-zh9xlLTRGKq62dJdcwMffeDoLcz60THllPVsu9R8Jw7iQ-iKQ-Ug7D5yr-LP3UauozSCTF-4g55QrhacKA4fEbxlvAixBudqiihBy86w8QLAeWDZiJhjEJOCx8-4TERaFl/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Selfie+Rainbow+Beads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I hope you are having a nice summer, or whichever season it is with you. This has been a unique few months for me - very, very hot and sunny, with some incredible experiences, and moments of real magic. I have grown in confidence, and know myself better. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AI1PeF_GHYWoF7TV2h18qnsstweUjXkcs9mmbffyuWitoRRA-Mqpv9It2_7Zx8VgvbpKAeLW3PivS9oSfwX5UudI2SMgL4WuA78QO05GP5vqz0l8qQkIh0pBAlco96ESUAA7NMiFwrCR/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Roses+Heptonstall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AI1PeF_GHYWoF7TV2h18qnsstweUjXkcs9mmbffyuWitoRRA-Mqpv9It2_7Zx8VgvbpKAeLW3PivS9oSfwX5UudI2SMgL4WuA78QO05GP5vqz0l8qQkIh0pBAlco96ESUAA7NMiFwrCR/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Roses+Heptonstall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWc36cvwy-_-3Z1WIjQzsYMn5A-Mw3IijZwBU2u9Lr7lEFAx5N4ght5pWXGBLUQDbLRQ51lerSLnz8w_nHJHxQg3eHMZhT1FcANThWok_mBnyvyXqhBHSgMJXu-zLc4fvS7DjrvSK7Yf8/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Sea+Southport.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWc36cvwy-_-3Z1WIjQzsYMn5A-Mw3IijZwBU2u9Lr7lEFAx5N4ght5pWXGBLUQDbLRQ51lerSLnz8w_nHJHxQg3eHMZhT1FcANThWok_mBnyvyXqhBHSgMJXu-zLc4fvS7DjrvSK7Yf8/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Sea+Southport.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> I enjoyed some big writing moments, from being published in <i>Lighthouse</i> and reading at the launch, to being featured on the Eat the Storms podcast, to taking part in Writing Dance and getting braver and freer when it comes to moving my body.</p><p> There is so much more that I am proud of - read on to learn more!</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Grants and commissions</span></p><p>My DYCP grant from Arts Council England is allowing me to spend some quality time on my poetry and performance skills. I have had my first sessions with each of my mentors, Caroline Bird and Rommi Smith. They have been really helpful, and I am excited to see what I can achieve in the coming months.</p><p> I am enjoying working on my piece for Dibby Theatre's <a href="https://www.dibbytheatre.org/post/introducing-our-first-dib-dibbers" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">First Dibs</span></a> project. Our Monday night study sessions have come to an end, and we are busy preparing our work for the showcase, <a href="https://homemcr.org/production/first-dibs-the-assembly" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">The Assembly</span></a>, which will take place in November, at HOME. Do consider coming along!</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Writing Dance</span></p><p>Last year, I was selected for the Writing Dance project with Yorkshire Dance and The Writing Squad. Back in December 2020, we did some Zoom sessions, exploring writing and movement. My article on this experience, <a href="https://yorkshiredance.com/teamwork-freedom-and-surprising-myself-by-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Teamwork, freedom, and surprising myself"</span></a>, was published by Yorkshire Dance.</p><p> After working virtually, it was really special to be able to meet in person for a week in July, at the Yorkshire Dance studios. Travelling to Leeds every day was a big change, and an adventure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rHh2qr9BH-YULnyGvhrCCLAYo6dOodcFVtWlbnkfCmLNs5kCiIW5DdeAJ5WmxVA1Jw7XiqulDQ63fwuV9SEdgyGBbD3f2EismmqxagvVzG4bPLMb-clnpzKWJAvhrQeXwjxdqClfx2TZ/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Train+View.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rHh2qr9BH-YULnyGvhrCCLAYo6dOodcFVtWlbnkfCmLNs5kCiIW5DdeAJ5WmxVA1Jw7XiqulDQ63fwuV9SEdgyGBbD3f2EismmqxagvVzG4bPLMb-clnpzKWJAvhrQeXwjxdqClfx2TZ/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Train+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwuiJfmyXfmNjpJuJ8xrbR994sIt45nyDR6M8uP_J0PNaqKCeL_djakYpLzL9Kk8kJI_Go7kgJkGXWFemc9a7Len8AO1wZAQHVS7hfuh91dq6GSZ7hfHyhjKIKIKFaiDJQf4gwkqntHEt/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Train+View+Sun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwuiJfmyXfmNjpJuJ8xrbR994sIt45nyDR6M8uP_J0PNaqKCeL_djakYpLzL9Kk8kJI_Go7kgJkGXWFemc9a7Len8AO1wZAQHVS7hfuh91dq6GSZ7hfHyhjKIKIKFaiDJQf4gwkqntHEt/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Train+View+Sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> In time, I felt really at home at Yorkshire Dance - one memorable lunchtime, there was a thunderstorm outside, and I felt so cosy and safe in the studio. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9Qn98TpzD5_Hb40a3KwMK3C5kJkt8TWl6TPAVOBGYe2JIuxqXAA25S72LJpZNZGcMzXqp_J2Zoule3APq5reGF9etxbM5es8xI-iH8zK-EYikODpj55wxikDrNQSK_Nga1qqFwXDfB-z/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Yorkshire+Dance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9Qn98TpzD5_Hb40a3KwMK3C5kJkt8TWl6TPAVOBGYe2JIuxqXAA25S72LJpZNZGcMzXqp_J2Zoule3APq5reGF9etxbM5es8xI-iH8zK-EYikODpj55wxikDrNQSK_Nga1qqFwXDfB-z/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Yorkshire+Dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I met lovely people, and was able to work in several different pairs and groups, to create a series of really diverse mini-projects. I enjoyed exploring new ways of moving, and I'm looking forward to further developing some of what I wrote.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMhnqlc9Qt3hzW7rFk0HUSUfmSJpYuSBjR60gw_xSUZGcqV4GSFpzmQgJczs34bEu6_j7mGBNY8eLqzHe7zaaRrdeTWinIyxyKHvMtKV4DytA_qsZEU-4fbPF065qLiRZIoQhWtjYCugw/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Plum+poetry+Writing+Dance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMhnqlc9Qt3hzW7rFk0HUSUfmSJpYuSBjR60gw_xSUZGcqV4GSFpzmQgJczs34bEu6_j7mGBNY8eLqzHe7zaaRrdeTWinIyxyKHvMtKV4DytA_qsZEU-4fbPF065qLiRZIoQhWtjYCugw/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Plum+poetry+Writing+Dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk_7IrzahrF354G6mk5hYGdCcXVsfauaokjrpQGJL4oOc23EU8Th8_GraVeIrtzlM35Nqz67DxgMyBAwaw_XU7X9z28DoDe_EAfKmwkSMS1TDwBA9YvwSezXM2CecGhvJEWeL0r3Y2aaK/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Space+poetry+Writing+Dance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk_7IrzahrF354G6mk5hYGdCcXVsfauaokjrpQGJL4oOc23EU8Th8_GraVeIrtzlM35Nqz67DxgMyBAwaw_XU7X9z28DoDe_EAfKmwkSMS1TDwBA9YvwSezXM2CecGhvJEWeL0r3Y2aaK/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Space+poetry+Writing+Dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Overall, the Writing Dance week was, for me, a successful return to in-person collaboration, and I left feeling hopeful and empowered.</p><p><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Proud publications and podcasting!</span></p><p>I've been part of a number of publications - and a podcast! - this summer, and I love that there has been a running theme of Pride and queer celebration.</p><p> Exploring my identity, comforting readers who may be struggling, and fighting for justice and acceptance - it is so important, and is what I want to be doing as a writer.</p><p> My essay <a href="https://aureliamagazine.com/becoming-myself/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Becoming myself in the city"</span></a> was commissioned and published by <i>Aurelia Magazine</i>, as part of their Future Hope series with Manchester International Festival. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVmpfVwLvdASdAJEW-QDZmwvZAQMfrAXL0IEaymoW-0yX9bfI125y-XA5a95E9HuPBb_py_JTqU_fLyK4BdKoFSy7ocsEYk4K5gqwXhwch5y_cc8AacLrY4OwmljOAGPCqPDN6RIsKMaq/s1343/Aurelia+Magazine+Elizabeth+Gibson+Becoming+myself+in+the+city.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="1343" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVmpfVwLvdASdAJEW-QDZmwvZAQMfrAXL0IEaymoW-0yX9bfI125y-XA5a95E9HuPBb_py_JTqU_fLyK4BdKoFSy7ocsEYk4K5gqwXhwch5y_cc8AacLrY4OwmljOAGPCqPDN6RIsKMaq/s320/Aurelia+Magazine+Elizabeth+Gibson+Becoming+myself+in+the+city.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p> In the essay, I look back over my time in Manchester, my coming out, and how walking in the city has helped me to take back control and work out what I want in life. I hope you enjoy it.</p><p> A dream came true when my poem "The second time I am diagnosed with PCOS" was published in <a href="https://storymachines.co.uk/product/lighthouse-22/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Issue 22</span></a> of <i>Lighthouse</i>, a magazine that had been on my radar for many years.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhTudqAXZ0WprSl2Tyd1CD3t6US4BIsPQPaUi6j3x7cJMVudp7yhMjGmn53JdH6honIWcFRyYxz9Fz_rSWP7ihFDXqbj6v4r3l0Ogp5dFHRP1BMqxVD2bmVe-2r2y4B5_3a7JaQjaIw8y/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Lighthouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhTudqAXZ0WprSl2Tyd1CD3t6US4BIsPQPaUi6j3x7cJMVudp7yhMjGmn53JdH6honIWcFRyYxz9Fz_rSWP7ihFDXqbj6v4r3l0Ogp5dFHRP1BMqxVD2bmVe-2r2y4B5_3a7JaQjaIw8y/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Lighthouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YJG7LBynNKJs_WH-bexYL-tTRbBecguOAOY9tpz-f-M6MxcdRf-IDUKbBZIV5_wMQ1iW1MbsQKlM7ihT6R_SWO9OTFGrh4J3iAhOj1t_jUXrh77SYVeyHO-TGT5CBNlSjQD906Y74P2h/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Lighthouse+poem+-+The+second+time+I+am+diagnosed+with+PCOS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YJG7LBynNKJs_WH-bexYL-tTRbBecguOAOY9tpz-f-M6MxcdRf-IDUKbBZIV5_wMQ1iW1MbsQKlM7ihT6R_SWO9OTFGrh4J3iAhOj1t_jUXrh77SYVeyHO-TGT5CBNlSjQD906Y74P2h/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Lighthouse+poem+-+The+second+time+I+am+diagnosed+with+PCOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> I performed at the launch, which was a really nice evening. I am really keen to raise awareness around PCOS - especially as a queer voice.</p><p> It was lovely to have my short story "Siren" published in <i><a href="https://www.valleypressuk.com/book/163/york_literary_review_2021" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">York Literary Review 2021</span></a></i>, and to attend the launch night. "Siren" is a coming-of-age story inspired by some of my own experiences, and my love of the Indigo Girls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRnlJToh6m8o_G2v3CXKdnyFYvUldu24s7xmO4NDaeIJfHuZEtx9dZakI1mLtpr3ujjvM3cmtD7VnxMC2-xCtT2w4yQgXgvTeaN0UkCuX-CQn7KLa8HlkgWqDUs-f1Pg1n7t5XidtPBor/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+York+Literary+Review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRnlJToh6m8o_G2v3CXKdnyFYvUldu24s7xmO4NDaeIJfHuZEtx9dZakI1mLtpr3ujjvM3cmtD7VnxMC2-xCtT2w4yQgXgvTeaN0UkCuX-CQn7KLa8HlkgWqDUs-f1Pg1n7t5XidtPBor/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+York+Literary+Review.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvliI0ZpOFKtIekSCpdVDYVZgknAYDwqHybThVGHohd-i3XDRmpKeztGk5y3KwygMwv4VBl3DGhT604kxiqr6JWRvzpDxLNutlJWBRly8_zSaK-chM8K7GBPchikYcfKUreBTLdnVe-lw/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Siren+York+Literary+Review.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvliI0ZpOFKtIekSCpdVDYVZgknAYDwqHybThVGHohd-i3XDRmpKeztGk5y3KwygMwv4VBl3DGhT604kxiqr6JWRvzpDxLNutlJWBRly8_zSaK-chM8K7GBPchikYcfKUreBTLdnVe-lw/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Siren+York+Literary+Review.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> My poem <a href="https://issuu.com/theadriatic/docs/issue_four/18" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Footseeds"</span></a>, about accepting both my height and my queerness, was published in the Pride issue of <i>The Adriatic</i>, with a perfect illustration by Kelsee Porter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUK-l4Cb1vTAeBhtBJtjOLAo6ZB80ss2z0_Qq_EVaUHXNmypsLx3eqpDV498ldde7mFvhYdKuEyA79zI7xAx6MKhZOJf8ip-4TT51VsC0DrpPhdR7cFRfrTQRNFc9sY-6cw3nOTLHerTb/s597/Adriatic+Magazine+Pride.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="424" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUK-l4Cb1vTAeBhtBJtjOLAo6ZB80ss2z0_Qq_EVaUHXNmypsLx3eqpDV498ldde7mFvhYdKuEyA79zI7xAx6MKhZOJf8ip-4TT51VsC0DrpPhdR7cFRfrTQRNFc9sY-6cw3nOTLHerTb/w252-h356/Adriatic+Magazine+Pride.PNG" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdA8NrymnljGiH-j7LVbbtjcFMpqKzQmWQRq_HUcKemcUcJNHPFzpcA_wqC_bFPeVJWb0x_uUu3xtVcMZWMG9yTXePcqlgXrWG5FTTt0UyuJBSOBIfGbj1hM1E8ZFI9N3DZkSOSw2uDV4/s561/Footseeds+Elizabeth+Gibson+The+Adriatic.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="393" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdA8NrymnljGiH-j7LVbbtjcFMpqKzQmWQRq_HUcKemcUcJNHPFzpcA_wqC_bFPeVJWb0x_uUu3xtVcMZWMG9yTXePcqlgXrWG5FTTt0UyuJBSOBIfGbj1hM1E8ZFI9N3DZkSOSw2uDV4/w247-h353/Footseeds+Elizabeth+Gibson+The+Adriatic.PNG" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> My poem "This Pride" was published in the gorgeous <a href="https://coinoperatedpress.bigcartel.com/product/a-pride-of-lines" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><i>A Pride of Lines</i> zine</span></a> from Coin-Operated Press. In the poem, I think back on my first two Manchester Prides (2018 and 2019), and the huge difference between them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRri7kWDhSazYAyPF4ZtB4-2QmymkLs5g2sK7hB7JJoWsaX-S2a85DIp-qUe2ioZ-JkLvs6-lJOfm_NBnQXawqNDI8_knU1ausL1_X7Ky3kDJP8aKsAMVCd6Fwt0i6kMJVFsdEodG4Ri9/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+A+Pride+of+Lines+zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRri7kWDhSazYAyPF4ZtB4-2QmymkLs5g2sK7hB7JJoWsaX-S2a85DIp-qUe2ioZ-JkLvs6-lJOfm_NBnQXawqNDI8_knU1ausL1_X7Ky3kDJP8aKsAMVCd6Fwt0i6kMJVFsdEodG4Ri9/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+A+Pride+of+Lines+zine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV4-_KVmq8DuwMZQDybe5tBrOspXBD3_sYuqG3AJijsUt-OP4PA0EFWdNAhHS7kPAl84wpxCfh4Dm3EBuW67ZTpp1p0L_vH_C67PpYSbp2i2G5SyGuDXxtseu1_9OgccbYTPz97bQeXU0/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+This+Pride+poem+A+Pride+of+Lines+zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV4-_KVmq8DuwMZQDybe5tBrOspXBD3_sYuqG3AJijsUt-OP4PA0EFWdNAhHS7kPAl84wpxCfh4Dm3EBuW67ZTpp1p0L_vH_C67PpYSbp2i2G5SyGuDXxtseu1_9OgccbYTPz97bQeXU0/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+This+Pride+poem+A+Pride+of+Lines+zine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> I was delighted to have three poems - <a href="http://www.givingroommag.com/queer-nostalgia/fishtails" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Fishtails"</span></a>, <a href="http://www.givingroommag.com/queer-nostalgia/like-christmas" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Like Christmas"</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.givingroommag.com/queer-nostalgia/encore" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Encore"</span></a> - and a fiction piece - <a href="http://www.givingroommag.com/queer-nostalgia/a-starfish-is-rejected" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"A starfish is rejected"</span></a> - published in <i>Giving Room Mag</i>, in their Queer Nostalgia issue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzhzRgfQQb9AUKh-BvLhbE67egtLuInJ1SKeVtgEYkq6OepCMUOxx2VermW-P1UFXevBOA8et0TfH1Mm_MWTGZurtyPc2Ea348pGVGQpprEDcKlfvs4zW6IxNPXLpFHfqj4C-82cDTYm1/s1100/Giving+Room+Mag+Queer+Nostalgia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1100" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzhzRgfQQb9AUKh-BvLhbE67egtLuInJ1SKeVtgEYkq6OepCMUOxx2VermW-P1UFXevBOA8et0TfH1Mm_MWTGZurtyPc2Ea348pGVGQpprEDcKlfvs4zW6IxNPXLpFHfqj4C-82cDTYm1/s320/Giving+Room+Mag+Queer+Nostalgia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> I also have three poems in the first issue of <i>with confetti</i>. I hope you enjoy <a href="https://with-confetti.com/issues/#issue-1/15" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Argo"</span></a>, <a href="https://with-confetti.com/issues/#issue-1/61" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"I've learnt I love women"</span></a>, and <a href="https://with-confetti.com/issues/#issue-1/62" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Relief"</span></a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam8cqs2llnrFdZFltmtAvVlC8VZsLQqHNzMNKAf1yes9ar1-Bn_fPdqrIAVfjr5MH2uluhGveDhXFGQG4SfbGh5Z7KHup4slO4d4e4xMPD9q9xR5SzFwy6MMdqqij1-FR5LCZWdX7Br6T/s690/with+confetti+Issue+1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="487" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam8cqs2llnrFdZFltmtAvVlC8VZsLQqHNzMNKAf1yes9ar1-Bn_fPdqrIAVfjr5MH2uluhGveDhXFGQG4SfbGh5Z7KHup4slO4d4e4xMPD9q9xR5SzFwy6MMdqqij1-FR5LCZWdX7Br6T/w266-h377/with+confetti+Issue+1.PNG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNz88N7lUdOuZyX2f6X-BmDf0vpKkT8cKmYYvNruN9NW_DdDA1wgxuOnAm-5HenrhRhJB2dIpMEqYsFq4gPi5avhK2_XrJd3v50y9MxQCengEM06t8d4OkAJ_9UFHPeQ2-TetiEmKft8N/s688/Elizabeth+Gibson+Relief+poem+with+confetti.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="490" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNz88N7lUdOuZyX2f6X-BmDf0vpKkT8cKmYYvNruN9NW_DdDA1wgxuOnAm-5HenrhRhJB2dIpMEqYsFq4gPi5avhK2_XrJd3v50y9MxQCengEM06t8d4OkAJ_9UFHPeQ2-TetiEmKft8N/w273-h382/Elizabeth+Gibson+Relief+poem+with+confetti.PNG" width="273" /></a></div><p> It is an honour to be here at the beginning of this new queer platform, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they create next.</p><p> My poem <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/tomato-season" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Tomato season"</span></a> was published in July's <i>Visual Verse</i>. I responded to the below image by Maria Victoria Rodriguez. and also thought about growth, and how personal and individual it is.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3dcRSjS_b37joWxaxknosCH6L3OCUVjLezrcUgTXwUde2qF9kbZghuJZPn1CQHzCScCpvpNKtSmllnrnSPMi3nz_QgKaqqC3jbDqj9hJDiz6phYbZSlADmt7e9RAQrU3CThKWlqvK9Bz/s741/Visual+Verse+Maria+Victoria+Rodriguez.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="505" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3dcRSjS_b37joWxaxknosCH6L3OCUVjLezrcUgTXwUde2qF9kbZghuJZPn1CQHzCScCpvpNKtSmllnrnSPMi3nz_QgKaqqC3jbDqj9hJDiz6phYbZSlADmt7e9RAQrU3CThKWlqvK9Bz/w255-h374/Visual+Verse+Maria+Victoria+Rodriguez.png" width="255" /></a></div><p> I also have a poem in August's <i>Visual Verse</i>. <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/the-sherbet-day" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"The sherbet day"</span></a> was inspired by separation, distance and memory, as well as by this image by Veronica Lissandrini.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1RFmDFQYTQF-JXfaQ80bgD-hvmR20iUvg2wE0LekicxQixXwfEk2081RiNtODQ0K1TscYidCoxMfV1dvIlo8B9PRuIQ2z1YIJAoEJyPsSZfnXPfu7zFQVQn2Srs4JYDVxyAeT3X2Hyg3/s741/VV_Submission_Lissandrini_-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="505" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1RFmDFQYTQF-JXfaQ80bgD-hvmR20iUvg2wE0LekicxQixXwfEk2081RiNtODQ0K1TscYidCoxMfV1dvIlo8B9PRuIQ2z1YIJAoEJyPsSZfnXPfu7zFQVQn2Srs4JYDVxyAeT3X2Hyg3/w249-h365/VV_Submission_Lissandrini_-1.png" width="249" /></a></div><p> I have enjoyed curating Foxglove Journal, and sharing my poem <a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com/2021/08/10/carnota-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Carnota"</span></a>, about one of my favourite places. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlIQQC8gRrt6I4iIp6BB1F8Gs2639JoRV7fLgHgLflNVh5YDDD5Ueo2XX9lN3U1pK_o2uKsqIuH_TX36rwuSfMp8YjgqeaNz1XjRxpWG27XBlbBbllJfwpm-HJV_6KOvl4Hdu0jyV1edk/s664/Elizabeth+Gibson+Carnota+Foxglove.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="664" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlIQQC8gRrt6I4iIp6BB1F8Gs2639JoRV7fLgHgLflNVh5YDDD5Ueo2XX9lN3U1pK_o2uKsqIuH_TX36rwuSfMp8YjgqeaNz1XjRxpWG27XBlbBbllJfwpm-HJV_6KOvl4Hdu0jyV1edk/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Carnota+Foxglove.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p> <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com/2018/01/carnota.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">I visited</span></a> when I was living in Galicia, and it was so beautiful there. I hope to return one day.</p><p> Last, but very much not least, it was great to be invited to be a featured poet in the Eat the Storms podcast, and especially <a href="https://eatthestorms.com/2021/06/26/eat-the-storms-the-pride-poetry-podcast-party/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">the Pride Party issue</span></a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTV8DtD78u-CYfX-POBf_J6WMLhl-ksUuTQd9YFaq6cOYHAdiWhzgYsWmTAiy0n-NeyrWyENJWjswfvKYhH5cMlppOyNAjUJmHHXQXXvzzY4Ybp0oD-46bBxrpYsTt8Erd06w2DkAakKs/s522/Eat+the+Storms+Pride+Podcast.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="522" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTV8DtD78u-CYfX-POBf_J6WMLhl-ksUuTQd9YFaq6cOYHAdiWhzgYsWmTAiy0n-NeyrWyENJWjswfvKYhH5cMlppOyNAjUJmHHXQXXvzzY4Ybp0oD-46bBxrpYsTt8Erd06w2DkAakKs/s320/Eat+the+Storms+Pride+Podcast.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p> I enjoyed sharing my work, hearing friends read, and discovering some queer writers who were new to me. It was a warm, gentle evening.</p><p> Coming up: I have a poem about desire and loneliness in the next issue of <i>Under the Radar</i>, which I can't wait to share. Watch this space!</p><p><span style="color: #93c47d;">Workshops and events</span></p><p>As well as the<i> Lighthouse</i> launch, I attended Sale Out Loud and shared some of my new poems with the lovely, supportive crowd there.</p><p> I attended a fascinating Writing Squad workshop by Lenni Sanders, where I was introduced to flarf poetry, and we worked on a group poem about tadpoles, which was really fun.</p><p> I attended Poetry Business workshops with River Wolton - who combined poetry with meditation, Suzannah Evans - who had us thinking about the future, and Andrew McMillan and Warda Yassin, who had us focusing on everyday objects and memory.</p><p> I'm looking forward to an autumn of more Writing Squad and Poetry Business workshops. I am also hoping to run more workshops myself, so if you would be interested in attending, or in hosting me at a group or organisation, please do get in touch!</p><p><span style="color: #93c47d;">Baking, theatre, and languages</span></p><p>The Village Bakers had our first social back in-person, in Manchester Gay Village. It was wonderful to see many of my friends again, as well as some new faces. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTn7O8haY6ZiZ53jzbyvXPgdHYm0zPJvB5XUOF6z17GodNIcwqHYTcV7dbzc4uhHl-aGpgjyToydIujCmpbWWgWhBhH3xJzcqSi31O2xzgr35n5-jNnKk9nyK38046irkVf6A07ja1WAi/s2048/Elizabeth+Gibson+Village+Bakers+Social.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTn7O8haY6ZiZ53jzbyvXPgdHYm0zPJvB5XUOF6z17GodNIcwqHYTcV7dbzc4uhHl-aGpgjyToydIujCmpbWWgWhBhH3xJzcqSi31O2xzgr35n5-jNnKk9nyK38046irkVf6A07ja1WAi/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Village+Bakers+Social.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> I loved writing about the social - and many other exciting baking shenanigans - in our <a href="https://villagebakers.wordpress.com/newsletter-summer-2021" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Summer Newsletter</span></a>. It also includes my poem "Donuts at Southport".</p><p> I also had a great time touring Oldham Coliseum Theatre as part of the Pathways creative group. It is a beautiful building, and I hope to stay involved in projects there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCltCjnL2CkuP5xVj941eXTGYqzdIjmqj0dQA_EhD2hdpo_ZE_Av2jm88-B09YVVF2llEvj8dG7qmhYdnIRQ-Y6dk_zWuYvUBRSbeJMCgnMtbpbvfABJaLkpfW8xBkWIMnK7aMnDHOc5T/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Oldham+Coliseum+Theatre+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCltCjnL2CkuP5xVj941eXTGYqzdIjmqj0dQA_EhD2hdpo_ZE_Av2jm88-B09YVVF2llEvj8dG7qmhYdnIRQ-Y6dk_zWuYvUBRSbeJMCgnMtbpbvfABJaLkpfW8xBkWIMnK7aMnDHOc5T/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Oldham+Coliseum+Theatre+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ehBhDAzdpY18CiyBraaBq2weKu5pak-NMl_9pnTFn0UjFTOWmxC0YVgjmgkkCwVXRFpM7TJOD4mbbS17TuPNoKlpTejIOUlLr-3T_HfzqfenquMsNKwBlBs3KttrzMXxXVzZvszBg58e/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Oldham+Coliseum+Theatre+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ehBhDAzdpY18CiyBraaBq2weKu5pak-NMl_9pnTFn0UjFTOWmxC0YVgjmgkkCwVXRFpM7TJOD4mbbS17TuPNoKlpTejIOUlLr-3T_HfzqfenquMsNKwBlBs3KttrzMXxXVzZvszBg58e/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Oldham+Coliseum+Theatre+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> A languages update: I am enjoying refreshing my Mandarin Chinese on Duolingo. At the moment, I am working on subjects such as shopping, food, and hobbies. I am looking at hopefully taking the HSK Level 2 exam soon (I did my Level 1 a few years ago following <a href="http://lgchina2012.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">my visit to Beijing</span></a>).</p><p> Thank you for sharing my writing journey with me - I hope you have enjoyed this update! </p><p> Hope you have a nice September.</p><p> Speak soon,</p><p> Liz</p></div>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-81235934800441276682021-06-21T17:21:00.002+01:002021-06-21T17:24:53.717+01:00Exciting news and cool collaborations Hello!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxZb2a6d3cDwafumqNt4GeBmIXXELSJ0Jg6i0GqjuKrpsqjLvVtuR8MS-IW-sg3QhBBnO0j50qKSnNW3YPAGMtoJnCGIaKvfDJz4ir149YiyDa8i4zc4ZDfOHUmOq6vH9FxqCB2sldKIG/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+headshot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxZb2a6d3cDwafumqNt4GeBmIXXELSJ0Jg6i0GqjuKrpsqjLvVtuR8MS-IW-sg3QhBBnO0j50qKSnNW3YPAGMtoJnCGIaKvfDJz4ir149YiyDa8i4zc4ZDfOHUmOq6vH9FxqCB2sldKIG/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+headshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiyaPHFYN9ELYzdJW8GjBPT22RBscUUegUA6UunAylF_xaGxiBuvdEt9CXWPuDoCr7wkRX2FkKdISVk_mUZUePBYNrpP0C2dDcqVhwdMzziuiv0hPHpv3wg7zoYXhgzOW-7-XQ997X7Ys/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Pink+Blossom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiyaPHFYN9ELYzdJW8GjBPT22RBscUUegUA6UunAylF_xaGxiBuvdEt9CXWPuDoCr7wkRX2FkKdISVk_mUZUePBYNrpP0C2dDcqVhwdMzziuiv0hPHpv3wg7zoYXhgzOW-7-XQ997X7Ys/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Pink+Blossom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are well. I have been enjoying spring - it has been lovely to see friends for the first time in a year, have picnics, and go for walks. There has been blossom, fluffy goslings and cygnets, bees and bluebells, and I have been feeling hopeful and positive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9VhFpBJHvl5-jfZ0xcYZzna-DzvwZglw8h5vJ4xtTTGMp_Zw08DfXGx4SMLK-meer-kXYeEDzW75UKu6L9Ko8_vKIty4rqNTGy5A4H0BwdB3Z2Wc3eJic7WV9EHbvsuv_vxRkoR8n4ZT/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Dovestones+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9VhFpBJHvl5-jfZ0xcYZzna-DzvwZglw8h5vJ4xtTTGMp_Zw08DfXGx4SMLK-meer-kXYeEDzW75UKu6L9Ko8_vKIty4rqNTGy5A4H0BwdB3Z2Wc3eJic7WV9EHbvsuv_vxRkoR8n4ZT/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Dovestones+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lHOro02-m88AkjnXpcLJu4Cayer1wBKiJ-9-GTc-YFM-nPdL5yXNoGa2XqKAE8ca5FUJ-DXeJXZCPccpa03nio8-jyM8_Qs0-dPvUUudpGKhOr9svrErVZ5fTvY3MHcuXX1qvgmYTqCz/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Salford+Quays.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lHOro02-m88AkjnXpcLJu4Cayer1wBKiJ-9-GTc-YFM-nPdL5yXNoGa2XqKAE8ca5FUJ-DXeJXZCPccpa03nio8-jyM8_Qs0-dPvUUudpGKhOr9svrErVZ5fTvY3MHcuXX1qvgmYTqCz/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Salford+Quays.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Gra</b><b>nts and commissions</b></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Amazing news - I have been awarded a DYCP grant from Arts Council England, to develop my poetry and performance skills. My focus will be on really embracing and owning my queerness in my work, and I will be mentored by some fantastic poets. I cannot wait to get started.</div><div><br /></div><div> At the end of March, I delivered my "The Little Things" commission for Beetfreaks, and we had a lovely presentation evening. I performed my spoken-word piece, "Rockpools", which looks back over the first year of the pandemic, and how different communities supported me. I am currently working on putting together a film version to share on here, so watch this space!</div><div><br /></div><div> The First Dibs theatre-writing course is going well, and I am building up my spoken-word show. We have had guest workshops from Leo Skilbeck, Louise Wallwein, Cheryl Martin, and Scottee & Friends. I am enjoying the course literature - Temi Wilkey's <i>The High Table</i> and Philip Ridley's <i>Vincent River</i> were especially moving.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Teaching</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I work as a languages tutor, and I had been hoping to start tutoring poetry as well. So, it was brilliant to deliver my first solo poetry workshop, to Durham Poetry Society. Entitled "The magic in the mundane", I crafted the workshop around finding moments of magic in our daily lives, at a time when travel, adventures and excitement can be limited. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE7o9pkpUFG8mVAJDXvqtZGNagOCDQ5ckxEE_iY_7r3ko_7vcdvnIKE7V1uqlnrJuvIPOhHvqx1kcTfHg0-1eKNJaDz4N8kcEZOfWu2CXsWKTDCdAEKmeQiudso41pcEAdj5ohA1tLFOe/s1080/The+Magic+in+the+Mundane+Elizabeth+Gibson.tiff" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE7o9pkpUFG8mVAJDXvqtZGNagOCDQ5ckxEE_iY_7r3ko_7vcdvnIKE7V1uqlnrJuvIPOhHvqx1kcTfHg0-1eKNJaDz4N8kcEZOfWu2CXsWKTDCdAEKmeQiudso41pcEAdj5ohA1tLFOe/s320/The+Magic+in+the+Mundane+Elizabeth+Gibson.tiff" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> I also led a segment of the Writing Squad's "Workshop workshop", which was a series of mini-workshops led by different writers. My section looked at mythical creatures, exploring them in new ways, and using humour. The writers came up with many different characters, with drafts involving centaurs, gnomes, mermaids, flower fairies, and more.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Publications and collaborations</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>My favourite thing as a writer is working with other people to create something amazing, and there has been so much of that recently to creatively fulfil me. I hope that this continues.</div><div><br /></div><div> Firstly, my poem "Whale baby" has been published in <a href="https://www.popshotpopshot.com/posts/20210506-the-growth-issue-is-here" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">the Growth Issue</span></a> of <i>Popshot</i>, and illustrated by Simona de Leo. Her artwork is perfect for the poem, and makes me happy whenever I look at it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_Xo_XM3TGxxKpld6Lgppgx2fRAk4b0B2KAvHW4NI1c5_2yWp4FVZSXKhqu5oV9rN_kadS2055rb9AV3b2d7n0qUYO2EA-z5_oxpDVs_TS-mLHBUp9WqBU1iu-v8kqSe9CLWctK8pPovB/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Whale+Baby+Popshot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_Xo_XM3TGxxKpld6Lgppgx2fRAk4b0B2KAvHW4NI1c5_2yWp4FVZSXKhqu5oV9rN_kadS2055rb9AV3b2d7n0qUYO2EA-z5_oxpDVs_TS-mLHBUp9WqBU1iu-v8kqSe9CLWctK8pPovB/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Whale+Baby+Popshot.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1ZEHoi7hF8PKQu2RHGp1mXmzarTzfziYNH3lXYuhcUVfbQNKHa5xaBcO58oN7NdmDDF6PZgQLjZkpAG4oSiOYXbBX-Cfra7mcjotBlum-LdDIISP4-E6oXqb9aw758T9pMnFy3GZU6yv/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Whale+Baby+poem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1ZEHoi7hF8PKQu2RHGp1mXmzarTzfziYNH3lXYuhcUVfbQNKHa5xaBcO58oN7NdmDDF6PZgQLjZkpAG4oSiOYXbBX-Cfra7mcjotBlum-LdDIISP4-E6oXqb9aw758T9pMnFy3GZU6yv/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Whale+Baby+poem.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div> My poem explores different options that I have considered for having a child as a queer woman, as well as the equally-valid option of not choosing that path at all. That this poem has found a place in such a widely-read magazine feels really empowering, and I hope that it will reach and comfort people.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm4svVwyiEpw3LMxYpHtWX8y1xMXAbk0ggYxR96sAfapNLdkUHZ6-h4w0qfQ-WChl2JP0GAR40JkmXqiZyEBbd30JT2T1OxFa9Og15EQGkJvWz-BCGjT5DrMe6g6fs1yJFU1WKaTnDffD/s420/Popshot+Growth.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="297" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm4svVwyiEpw3LMxYpHtWX8y1xMXAbk0ggYxR96sAfapNLdkUHZ6-h4w0qfQ-WChl2JP0GAR40JkmXqiZyEBbd30JT2T1OxFa9Og15EQGkJvWz-BCGjT5DrMe6g6fs1yJFU1WKaTnDffD/w283-h400/Popshot+Growth.PNG" width="283" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> Secondly, Unheard Poetry have made a gorgeous film from my poem <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/COf5mzjH-qB" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"The frog pool"</span></a> - you can watch it by clicking the orange title. The poem is also below.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV66xtrb-kMNyMUsfpMdW5Qm-nhrCIesIsbzteaYC1WYT5G5ScJtZ0dooJyHjjJNHXI5nuuc14DzYoOH08ab5oaWA9xrbyKKci2q6g0PzGxpDgwMLn2V3u1Oh5TrKp-ak1IshAcD6ogZA/s1080/The+Frog+Pool+Elizabeth+Gibson+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV66xtrb-kMNyMUsfpMdW5Qm-nhrCIesIsbzteaYC1WYT5G5ScJtZ0dooJyHjjJNHXI5nuuc14DzYoOH08ab5oaWA9xrbyKKci2q6g0PzGxpDgwMLn2V3u1Oh5TrKp-ak1IshAcD6ogZA/s320/The+Frog+Pool+Elizabeth+Gibson+1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDTDD2JRxr4E9YhcEARVHYA5FDQRKdSBpKyXONywReBTaenJftGOYVBgpb8Y4hp8Pb0hr3gE4VEnyGdHWuV7VSTjv83UAP8QVR51v-gWloRxuAPOPyp4IQ_TWGIsRPzDMIdSF02U1HUlU/s1080/The+Frog+Pool+Elizabeth+Gibson+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDTDD2JRxr4E9YhcEARVHYA5FDQRKdSBpKyXONywReBTaenJftGOYVBgpb8Y4hp8Pb0hr3gE4VEnyGdHWuV7VSTjv83UAP8QVR51v-gWloRxuAPOPyp4IQ_TWGIsRPzDMIdSF02U1HUlU/s320/The+Frog+Pool+Elizabeth+Gibson+2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> "The frog pool" is part of the <i>Dreams for Green</i> series, which is a celebration of our planet and a call to protect it. I feel incredibly strongly about this, and write about it often. So, I was really happy to be part of <i><a href="https://coinoperatedpress.bigcartel.com/product/earth-zine" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Earth Zine</span></a> </i>from Coin-Operated Press, with my eco-poem "How to draw a fish".</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1TwWImPsnwe4c4E2Ptf0kDvt0nfp7ocYLPHWvxCUJZ41p61g6g4h3MjscTemTJc-RGhJxiQul3zEeQIEkT4hdzC85T2aHP8oAfjXDhhdbkGbLn376SHJ9VwaxaagcXfChDKMoRsZlv9a/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Earth+Zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1TwWImPsnwe4c4E2Ptf0kDvt0nfp7ocYLPHWvxCUJZ41p61g6g4h3MjscTemTJc-RGhJxiQul3zEeQIEkT4hdzC85T2aHP8oAfjXDhhdbkGbLn376SHJ9VwaxaagcXfChDKMoRsZlv9a/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Earth+Zine.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzuoNHpXXUysAyVjl-WCX-UmWDJekpJ2mnk6i54HzMkqyYYfWQGmSbIv0ZJLxHqKSOK_QMqVCcg9sW_Gc9zZP2_46vCBz-uH1jVTBS4Mbhf9PXN9B-p907k9c3h5h_eMrJa0k6FjULc31/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+How+to+Draw+a+Fish+poem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzuoNHpXXUysAyVjl-WCX-UmWDJekpJ2mnk6i54HzMkqyYYfWQGmSbIv0ZJLxHqKSOK_QMqVCcg9sW_Gc9zZP2_46vCBz-uH1jVTBS4Mbhf9PXN9B-p907k9c3h5h_eMrJa0k6FjULc31/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+How+to+Draw+a+Fish+poem.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div> The poem was then also featured in the Press' <i><a href="https://coinoperatedpress.bigcartel.com/product/2020-2021-annual" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">2020-2021 Annual</span></a></i>, which was really cool.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWDd26TOSUzd_YM5hstKy5-PHuxEYEfq-rGLeF8B4vK-B10_4jNmVKolvcxH-kkkHFN32oScdL_taNBhR-D5beOxM7Vi8GCMt7GzDC-ofA_SyZBU00ldDxa5POKMQe_LIhsqquX1dfj-f/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Coin+Operated+Press+Annual.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWDd26TOSUzd_YM5hstKy5-PHuxEYEfq-rGLeF8B4vK-B10_4jNmVKolvcxH-kkkHFN32oScdL_taNBhR-D5beOxM7Vi8GCMt7GzDC-ofA_SyZBU00ldDxa5POKMQe_LIhsqquX1dfj-f/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Coin+Operated+Press+Annual.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> More excitement came when my poem "Winter blazer" was chosen for the <a href="https://www.skirtingaround.org/issue-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">first-ever issue</span></a> of <i>Skirting Around</i>, a magazine exploring clothes and identity. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4PKdavQqrOEa3L2YGNA2u3KNwCJEK6VxTgrW1oubG3ocSKeBNef0miApgU7sU5PNX6cgnJFuPph6C518eWoDFvEh0QQQMBW6I0Z2e5124nX9Rcu-WvUNV34VXjSF9Mh-j58o2H6jV1ta/s1199/Skirting+Around+Issue+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="848" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4PKdavQqrOEa3L2YGNA2u3KNwCJEK6VxTgrW1oubG3ocSKeBNef0miApgU7sU5PNX6cgnJFuPph6C518eWoDFvEh0QQQMBW6I0Z2e5124nX9Rcu-WvUNV34VXjSF9Mh-j58o2H6jV1ta/w283-h400/Skirting+Around+Issue+1.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> My poem tells the story of the first time I bought and wore a "men's" suit blazer, and the range of emotions that it made me feel. I <a href="https://www.skirtingaround.org/blank-page?wix-vod-video-id=6a0fd5eb3b1149e886c8bff1a5dea5dd&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-kneoyapn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">filmed myself reading the poem</span></a> for the website (wearing the very blazer!), and also read live at the launch, which was a really fun evening.</div><div><br /></div><div> Three of my poems were published in the <i>Amy Ray Zine</i>. Songwriter Amy Ray is one of my biggest inspirations, in my writing, activism, and being comfortable with my identity. It was an honour to be part of the zine, which was created to celebrate Amy on her birthday in April.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOAeSWH25xO2IS9XuzdAsm1dySuAvg-Y_2SPU9PYW0pRmV9H7QL00WJv68FMWqOrTCHgSY0L_Wl9a6UOQol2o7ftsx-xNT4QObwK6zzMiXSQv_bRQgUV2tzYU10-CUOvkpJ43Sa43yG-a/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Amy+Ray+zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOAeSWH25xO2IS9XuzdAsm1dySuAvg-Y_2SPU9PYW0pRmV9H7QL00WJv68FMWqOrTCHgSY0L_Wl9a6UOQol2o7ftsx-xNT4QObwK6zzMiXSQv_bRQgUV2tzYU10-CUOvkpJ43Sa43yG-a/w320-h320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Amy+Ray+zine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI663pCJW6_dEHIGDbDeVZF0VmdWc0sEY6p4K_MTFqpmJEOsfy4er4njdwJMlf9Opiv9NtU2cip67qneRUtVIkkNFl1nWsMkEQT5_681WUP5_LEsW6b3dNspeGkSFm_6eaZnWm18bkuneB/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+The+missing+piece.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI663pCJW6_dEHIGDbDeVZF0VmdWc0sEY6p4K_MTFqpmJEOsfy4er4njdwJMlf9Opiv9NtU2cip67qneRUtVIkkNFl1nWsMkEQT5_681WUP5_LEsW6b3dNspeGkSFm_6eaZnWm18bkuneB/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+The+missing+piece.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> It is also lovely to have two of my queer poems in <a href="https://queerlings.com/issue3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Issue Three of <i>Queerlings</i></span></a> - I had hoped to be part of this journal for a while. I hope you enjoy "My other half" and "Indigo nights".</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmj3LXZeFEpJZLu0EuauUTAYZPfcw101OcWfBXYEn-BjcfVWCU9SdNQptAEQjQXBSH13CUYuMaMgN00vaYbuQ9JIT4MJmlTq9dd-soRdixyMEeEfv9O8pW_eByu54INadiSMpFzx-Em4X/s492/Queerlings+Issue+3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="321" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmj3LXZeFEpJZLu0EuauUTAYZPfcw101OcWfBXYEn-BjcfVWCU9SdNQptAEQjQXBSH13CUYuMaMgN00vaYbuQ9JIT4MJmlTq9dd-soRdixyMEeEfv9O8pW_eByu54INadiSMpFzx-Em4X/w261-h400/Queerlings+Issue+3.PNG" width="261" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am also pleased to have three poems - "Imperfect days", "The player", and "Why you should exist" in the <i>She Speaks</i> anthology from Tipping the Scales. You can read it online <a href="https://www.tippingthescalesjournal.co.uk/she-speaks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">here</span></a>, or buy the paperback <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/lori-graham-and-natascha-graham/she-speaks-an-anthology-of-womens-voices/paperback/product-9764d7.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">here</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaovPrM1bpksdB4W5DT0vjWbEW_WFU7D1O3ycN3lFY_TITb678JNy1XSRHSpsQaCPyFkGxYMGWJv-cpgtgw7XcDxnwsK0h8C9FAWEPyOGttX5_-cgsH_kz2CdythJzTfhCndmKyDzGP5Mx/s595/She+Speaks+anthology.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="417" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaovPrM1bpksdB4W5DT0vjWbEW_WFU7D1O3ycN3lFY_TITb678JNy1XSRHSpsQaCPyFkGxYMGWJv-cpgtgw7XcDxnwsK0h8C9FAWEPyOGttX5_-cgsH_kz2CdythJzTfhCndmKyDzGP5Mx/w280-h400/She+Speaks+anthology.PNG" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In May, my poem <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/risen-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Risen"</span></a> was published in <i>Visual Verse.</i> We were challenged to respond to this intriguing image by an Unknown Artist.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrUM4mWAXAQMCdwfrswnqxFopI1EWl-CeZmWrbglMAODcRqUy9Nj2ZPjYG0BqnTMWJwmdUai92zHvRNdecYrKICgJEO-Vs0nBzezGmCFdebjFPccGKR_2gpGzhnnYHXSYj2WNdX7di_0T/s741/Visual-Verse-May-2021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="505" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrUM4mWAXAQMCdwfrswnqxFopI1EWl-CeZmWrbglMAODcRqUy9Nj2ZPjYG0BqnTMWJwmdUai92zHvRNdecYrKICgJEO-Vs0nBzezGmCFdebjFPccGKR_2gpGzhnnYHXSYj2WNdX7di_0T/w273-h400/Visual-Verse-May-2021.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also have poems coming up in <i>Lighthouse</i>, <i>The Adriatic</i>, and <i>Under the Radar</i>, and my queer coming-of-age short story "Siren" is going to be published in <i>York Literary Review</i>. I can't wait to share them all with you.</div><div><br /></div><div> Finally, as always, <i><a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Foxglove Journal</span></a></i> publishes a poem or fiction piece every week - I love editing and taking the photos for <i>Foxglove</i>, and am proud of how the site has grown. I hope you enjoy it, too.</div><div><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Spoken-word, events and workshops</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I was a featured act at Open Dyke Night, run by LQW, and performed five of my most passionate and rallying poems, addressing queerness, self-love, belonging, and the environment. The audience were warm and supportive, all the acts were brilliant, and it was a very special evening.</div><div><br /></div><div> My poem "Pilot" was showcased by Young Identity for Earth Day, with <a href="https://twitter.com/YOUNGIDmcr/status/1385594409396355080" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">a film</span></a> of me performing it. It is so important to me to keep sharing this message - we need to reduce waste, stop polluting the oceans, and protect whales and other animals. </div><div><br /></div><div> I shared <a href="https://twitter.com/Grizonne/status/1394384804553142273" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">a film</span></a> of my poem "What I always wanted poetry to tell me", to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. You can also read the poem <a href="https://www.popshotpopshot.com/posts/20200930-what-i-always-wanted-poetry-to-tell-me" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">at <i>Popshot</i>, here</span></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div> I took part in two editing workshops, one with The Writing Squad and Charlotte Wetton, and one with Fly on the Wall and Nikki Dudley. They were quite different, and it was interesting to get new perspectives. I certainly feel that I have more tools now for editing my poems.</div><div><br /></div><div> I have also enjoyed workshops with Andrew McMillan and Sarah Fletcher through the Poetry Business, and with Rachel Long, Steve Dearden, Sian Meades-Williams, Jamal Gerald and Keisha Thompson through The Writing Squad. Having access to these organisations has been so helpful to me throughout the pandemic.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">Baking, languages and other fun</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It was lovely seeing many of my friends from Village Bakers in person for the first time in over a year, when we met for our socially-distanced Spring Picnic in Heaton Park. I enjoyed discovering a rainbow ice-cream cone!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dEhM0foq8hHrOTcO88veXaE2EBAAwpriDsEZgf2kfzPHL_KIbYw9WuOj-2wRVrsnC1xm_Ibxt2EVHis5e_Gm2CvSF9yNF4i5B55bDuul3RrXdlGt5IfEVcS-7KavEZCjQE6K9MWUSQb6/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Ice+Cream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dEhM0foq8hHrOTcO88veXaE2EBAAwpriDsEZgf2kfzPHL_KIbYw9WuOj-2wRVrsnC1xm_Ibxt2EVHis5e_Gm2CvSF9yNF4i5B55bDuul3RrXdlGt5IfEVcS-7KavEZCjQE6K9MWUSQb6/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Ice+Cream.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div> You can read all about the Picnic, and much more, in our <a href="https://villagebakers.lgbt/newsletter-spring-2021" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Spring Newsletter</span></a>, which I curated as Head of Media and PR. It features delicious bakes by our members, an interview with lovely baker Sakander, and my poem "Apple crumble", which talks about baking and mental health.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7nnM-5CXSfJUrd-C7E5A-N67eBQl7Na9YlwJl0UclLnjYwahDjlo-psmxnynLbiCl1HSbAVK2Uz1R6tZBkBEhU41i-QcTsu_3OyVKnz_-Vpl8e_J-lOXAcAS4eJIEHcIT1DLyO7SK1Z0/s2048/Elizabeth+Gibson+Apple+Crumble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7nnM-5CXSfJUrd-C7E5A-N67eBQl7Na9YlwJl0UclLnjYwahDjlo-psmxnynLbiCl1HSbAVK2Uz1R6tZBkBEhU41i-QcTsu_3OyVKnz_-Vpl8e_J-lOXAcAS4eJIEHcIT1DLyO7SK1Z0/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Apple+Crumble.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> I am very proud to have completed the Irish course on Duolingo, and I am now continuing my work on Mandarin Chinese, as well as starting Finnish. I will let you know how it goes.</div><div><br /></div><div> That's all for now! Many thanks for reading, and for sharing my writing journey. I hope you have a lovely summer - or winter, depending on where in the world you are!</div><div><br /></div><div> Liz x</div></div>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-24863580443436127652021-03-27T20:25:00.004+00:002021-03-27T21:24:54.095+00:00Spring is coming! News and poems<p> Hello!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvekDYMRBppSwDg5Zf6qM1m0SZsbJYDpSlluKrtSiBJfL_mwHOjT4z_LJBla8PBiNVT32HsRk52hwF1lKSp4yVrmNZdrcC1r88zm1j_xxi7ng0rDzwE3usy-XxV8v2eqZojyUzGuFTdTlq/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Manchester+Salford.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvekDYMRBppSwDg5Zf6qM1m0SZsbJYDpSlluKrtSiBJfL_mwHOjT4z_LJBla8PBiNVT32HsRk52hwF1lKSp4yVrmNZdrcC1r88zm1j_xxi7ng0rDzwE3usy-XxV8v2eqZojyUzGuFTdTlq/w320-h320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Manchester+Salford.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p> I hope you are doing okay. A lot has been happening, and the world can seem so tiring and frustrating - and yet there are so many beautiful things in it. I have found comfort in community: the groups of women, queer people, writers and/or artists I know, who are doing amazing things to help others. I am very thankful for their friendship, support and inspiration.</p><p> This has been a time of change in my life, as I have been making the transition from working full-time in marketing, to being self-employed as a tutor and writer. It is a less steady and predictable life, but I know that it has been the right decision for me. Working more flexibly has really helped my wellbeing, and some positive things have already begun to happen.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5kjbJ2S8cETpBvts9ZktyfyK511aQwJsMtX60Bj4Lh9gvfkpZCnUe6DpJ8ASxriSfWb4TsnZU6tHAOX6lyB3llMaX5kQzjEMx3GcxNd8iyJDYyrLiPjrArgcBNAszzOCrelbBfcGrAIr/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Daffodils+Manchester.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5kjbJ2S8cETpBvts9ZktyfyK511aQwJsMtX60Bj4Lh9gvfkpZCnUe6DpJ8ASxriSfWb4TsnZU6tHAOX6lyB3llMaX5kQzjEMx3GcxNd8iyJDYyrLiPjrArgcBNAszzOCrelbBfcGrAIr/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Daffodils+Manchester.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p> On my birthday in early March, I received some amazing news - I have been selected by Dibby Theatre for the <a href="https://www.dibbytheatre.org/post/introducing-our-first-dib-dibbers" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">First Dibs programme</span></a> for LGBTQ+ writers. I will receive training and financial support to develop my spoken-word show-in-progress. My show will bring together my poems based around water - from a queer mermaid, to sea otters, to pilot whales. </p><p> It has been lovely to meet my four fellow First-Dibbers, and the team at Dibby Theatre. I am really looking forward to continuing this journey together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOPlDvlzcL7HhXzaY6TSZXWtbALGJKxTJgew9sZ5FlZwdRTTv2YCSLh0PHNUrYilmIF3kXNTv-KvVbnG71Cj29bbtSVxDDCMNCl8p4UHzwm9KWN0Yz7ZNd7F9HhM_2QMNvAd6vGdjKeO1/s598/Dibby+First+Dibs.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOPlDvlzcL7HhXzaY6TSZXWtbALGJKxTJgew9sZ5FlZwdRTTv2YCSLh0PHNUrYilmIF3kXNTv-KvVbnG71Cj29bbtSVxDDCMNCl8p4UHzwm9KWN0Yz7ZNd7F9HhM_2QMNvAd6vGdjKeO1/s320/Dibby+First+Dibs.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our first session!</span></div><p> I have also been commissioned by Beatfreeks for their The Little Things project, and I have created a spoken-word project thanking the people and groups who have helped get me through this difficult, different year. I am excited to debut my piece next week.</p><p> I will also be leading a workshop <a href="https://www.durhamsu.com/groups/poetry-a857/events/the-magic-in-the-mundane-workshop" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"The magic in the mundane"</span></a> for Durham University Poetry Society on 3rd April. I am very excited to create and share this workshop, and would love to see you there.</p><p> I have recently had a number of poems published that are very personal to me. <a href="https://inksweatandtears.co.uk/elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"The golden hare"</span></a>, inspired by my long-distance birthday surprise for my Mam, was published by<i> Ink, Sweat & Tears</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSQW7vruZLAyxB2XyhrJ8keM7VLbBdfQcDX6ScUsK_rxLPYEm7ul664pOFuACiFd3JWZRnSeDoe7vqP0lDZNkxPgvUKEsMPOBmr1xzbYvCV0jgCpkSksLNtFH3w3lmQAThVZQrP6vE9rC/s598/Elizabeth+Gibson+The+Golden+Hare+Ink+Sweat+and+Tears.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSQW7vruZLAyxB2XyhrJ8keM7VLbBdfQcDX6ScUsK_rxLPYEm7ul664pOFuACiFd3JWZRnSeDoe7vqP0lDZNkxPgvUKEsMPOBmr1xzbYvCV0jgCpkSksLNtFH3w3lmQAThVZQrP6vE9rC/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+The+Golden+Hare+Ink+Sweat+and+Tears.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Graphic by<i> Ink, Sweat & Tears</i></span></div><p> <span style="color: #ffa400;"> <a href="https://severinelit.com/2021/02/02/the-mint-lounge-manchester-december-2018" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"The Mint Lounge, Manchester, December 2018"</span></a></span>, celebrating a pivotal night out for me in embracing my identity, was published by <i>Severine</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegX5vDF3aNTWGuDFypv9TqkpvGc92ikGqn6Tq9KltNEDu4cLLTOeuyqTq9vJcAwhRreXUaA-ntWoIqcs4sS9Yb-1G9g4SwVzXwd3uT71xnyKBR6B-Hd3eVHmRZzEwaDFTcNtNe5AYLON6/s800/E+Gibson+Mint+Lounge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="800" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegX5vDF3aNTWGuDFypv9TqkpvGc92ikGqn6Tq9KltNEDu4cLLTOeuyqTq9vJcAwhRreXUaA-ntWoIqcs4sS9Yb-1G9g4SwVzXwd3uT71xnyKBR6B-Hd3eVHmRZzEwaDFTcNtNe5AYLON6/w200-h198/E+Gibson+Mint+Lounge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Me at the Mint Lounge</span></div><p> My poem "Lost in a jumper", about body image and self-love, was published by <i>Selcouth Station</i> in their <a href="https://www.selcouthstation.com/product-page/selcouth-3-winter" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Winter 2020 issue</span></a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinviG8RLQ59tXANwhOMAL_H8lCg4eSpixC8xhDYA83e_6gs22ZEcYsWrS82pVNi-BGjTIUgc8Av0PQYRa0JNLgeAAeWPRFq83lhag2qA64U8C_28A1VwQkB3rQYwRDsiUBcrtqN14vk5W/s665/Selcouth+Station+Winter+2021.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="499" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinviG8RLQ59tXANwhOMAL_H8lCg4eSpixC8xhDYA83e_6gs22ZEcYsWrS82pVNi-BGjTIUgc8Av0PQYRa0JNLgeAAeWPRFq83lhag2qA64U8C_28A1VwQkB3rQYwRDsiUBcrtqN14vk5W/s320/Selcouth+Station+Winter+2021.PNG" /></a></div><p> My poems <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/release" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Release"</span></a>, <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/what-i-have-to-say" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"What I have to say"</span></a>, and <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/creation-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Creation"</span></a> have been published by <i>Visual Verse</i>, inspired by the project's monthly image prompts, as well as by themes such as mental health, queerness, fertility, finding my voice, and coming of age.</p><p> I love working with indie zines, and have been part of two recently. My copies of both zines arrived in the same post, which was pretty cool. My poem "One day" appears in <i>Butch</i>, curated by Carson Wolfe, and "Honey Clove and Sea Jasmine" was chosen for <i>Relationships</i> from Coin-Operated Press.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQFmGOmmn-Muaz9hgd4sBG_wR1o5gwVDobV2MkFQFgqiGNmmE-Dt5tlPV7QSJdI4hPGqtdm2MUNQ0U3N4C2ZLZKmIg9fF2aOx85CMPJzAJOT5XgaQx4A2VxHYvxCyntQu_TG-_hZ3FYU_/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Butch+Zine+Carson+Wolfe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQFmGOmmn-Muaz9hgd4sBG_wR1o5gwVDobV2MkFQFgqiGNmmE-Dt5tlPV7QSJdI4hPGqtdm2MUNQ0U3N4C2ZLZKmIg9fF2aOx85CMPJzAJOT5XgaQx4A2VxHYvxCyntQu_TG-_hZ3FYU_/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Butch+Zine+Carson+Wolfe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcC-TcJ2DYD4KCP3wt0foT54j60FWcyIbna0Sc53w_90cCE3owIWAEioKhML-2Ah_EKUkcHBuK7fmtCg5pcQHYctQJVrcfJm5id_8P2xpG7-j_r7s-mmnh4_S4dXPm-ad8NEUztIF5jWOP/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+One+Day+Poem+Butch+Zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcC-TcJ2DYD4KCP3wt0foT54j60FWcyIbna0Sc53w_90cCE3owIWAEioKhML-2Ah_EKUkcHBuK7fmtCg5pcQHYctQJVrcfJm5id_8P2xpG7-j_r7s-mmnh4_S4dXPm-ad8NEUztIF5jWOP/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+One+Day+Poem+Butch+Zine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHbtOJGJCZ6ShIz-BwFmDGsnHgbFO3blwaNn1vVITh7Y-4H5kVKz0M68CziYYZWGOZBDX8bl0O9gEOMtkJRxaDARKFlO66cYNVPLl_Ssb_m5E60FUus46NyjQ1qRhbt6AJEac9v_278Kj/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Relationships+Zine+Coin+Operated+Press.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHbtOJGJCZ6ShIz-BwFmDGsnHgbFO3blwaNn1vVITh7Y-4H5kVKz0M68CziYYZWGOZBDX8bl0O9gEOMtkJRxaDARKFlO66cYNVPLl_Ssb_m5E60FUus46NyjQ1qRhbt6AJEac9v_278Kj/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Relationships+Zine+Coin+Operated+Press.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xIT70_PNBrtiMNVVyf3jyoNMfzOFZwlL77usoVu7sCHr2cWiLTilACtYjshDHl_Yhyphenhyphen9CXcOzAhTt7iOjcIu4Wj5nmI6YIv6X4PQW9O-kAcAm8Cj5T8gsX3yr9v2k6q68YPTYDrA4m3Kr/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Honey+Clove+and+Sea+Jasmine+Poem+Relationships+Zine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xIT70_PNBrtiMNVVyf3jyoNMfzOFZwlL77usoVu7sCHr2cWiLTilACtYjshDHl_Yhyphenhyphen9CXcOzAhTt7iOjcIu4Wj5nmI6YIv6X4PQW9O-kAcAm8Cj5T8gsX3yr9v2k6q68YPTYDrA4m3Kr/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Honey+Clove+and+Sea+Jasmine+Poem+Relationships+Zine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><p> One of my main aims at this point in my career is to collaborate in new ways; trying to be as innovative as possible, and making my work accessible to new audiences. A great example was to be able to share my poem "Pilot" for <i>A Tale of Cork </i>for St Patrick's Day. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7xtT3AIzmhI" width="320" youtube-src-id="7xtT3AIzmhI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> "Pilot" is the real story of a pilot whale that died after swallowing more than 80 plastic bags, and the poem is a call to better respect our planet. You can hear me reading my poem in the film above, at 09:47. The poem recordings will also be heard through an art/sound installation in Cork city centre, which is a really exciting way to have my poetry shared and experienced. <p> You can also read "Pilot" in the <i>GASP </i>anthology <a href="https://issuu.com/poetryschool/docs/gasp_-_new_north_poets/24" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">here</span></a>.</p><p> I was thrilled to be part of the International Women's Day show from Open Collab. I performed my poem "You are warm", about accepting my queer identity, and musicians Charlie and Jake transformed my words into a rich, magical soundscape. </p><p> They added in words from poet Mary Olive who, like me, shared her experiences of queerness and the importance of role models. Hearing the two together, with the music, was so, so special. The gig is below, and you find our part <a href="https://opencollab.co.uk/12/elizabeth" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">here</span></a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4XmLL2YxNO0" width="320" youtube-src-id="4XmLL2YxNO0"></iframe></div><p></p><p> I attended the GM4Women conference, and learnt about some of the issues and inequalities that women are currently facing in Greater Manchester, and the work that is being done to improve things.</p><p> I shared my poem "Célines at Cannes", which was inspired by queer female filmmaker Céline Sciamma, and the ten-minute standing ovation she received at Cannes for <i>Portrait of a Lady on Fire</i>, a film with an entirely-female main cast<i>. </i>Whenever I watch that moment - below - I feel so empowered.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-F18NR3Rbjg" width="320" youtube-src-id="-F18NR3Rbjg"></iframe></div><p></p><p> I was showcased <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMrcnSQBMzM" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">by Young Identity</span></a> for World Poetry Day last weekend, with a film of me performing my poem "Arrival".</p><p> I love attending open-mic nights: I perform at Sale Out Loud every month and, in March, I paid my first virtual visit to Testify, which was a cosy, supportive evening. </p><p> The Writing Squad and Louise Essex hosted The Home Concert, and I felt so honoured perform alongside some incredibly talented people.</p><p> I also love workshops, and attended one celebrating long, sprawling poems with Laura Scott and The Poetry Business. I have also enjoyed a wide range of workshops from The Writing Squad: Malika Booker on poem sequences, Andy Owen Cook on experimenting with media, Gregory Kearns on the use of number in poems, and Stevie Ronnie on ekphrastic writing. </p><p> I guest-hosted the Writing Squad's Poetry Goals group, and enjoyed getting to know my lovely fellow poets even better.</p><p> As part of an LGBT Foundation workshop led by Seleena Laverne Daye, I created this zine, inspired by my sense of fluidity in my gender, body and identity:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm73FLJFosVl4zfRr54BWFGNf1qVVA0xl-WTnlvxKHw3ThqbA5aIF0KxrAK0jCOafyfkB_OlnSNXtFmxxzu0a3-hWdDDuRUelq-ripj_ljHuO8vO6OFjaglchVMePugMzhi8soxmXu1AGc/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm73FLJFosVl4zfRr54BWFGNf1qVVA0xl-WTnlvxKHw3ThqbA5aIF0KxrAK0jCOafyfkB_OlnSNXtFmxxzu0a3-hWdDDuRUelq-ripj_ljHuO8vO6OFjaglchVMePugMzhi8soxmXu1AGc/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYirStZ0jdTk7e2bPlOIrJQtICTANNpHzpObOSkgqA9dsLXyc-vfbiOQuMkM72Ir8WfLVO30U_7WrMnnUellGMZ4FwuNM_z12qaRW19fERbnAxRwqauRtvYanGjUit_k2HYu-W204RWOAh/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYirStZ0jdTk7e2bPlOIrJQtICTANNpHzpObOSkgqA9dsLXyc-vfbiOQuMkM72Ir8WfLVO30U_7WrMnnUellGMZ4FwuNM_z12qaRW19fERbnAxRwqauRtvYanGjUit_k2HYu-W204RWOAh/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTuJFJb7JT1AbXSYSwX_ONJk0Q-tVE4OOMdHeWEw6TQb8NbBZ6-ir4tKDsXPOifZH7z-lGtxSrK0dNsVfd3P_r7y7Z5bZeJVWpfdubl1JbKN0QWkI5vxReKwOSua0CvHb4fmMMC1orWVj/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTuJFJb7JT1AbXSYSwX_ONJk0Q-tVE4OOMdHeWEw6TQb8NbBZ6-ir4tKDsXPOifZH7z-lGtxSrK0dNsVfd3P_r7y7Z5bZeJVWpfdubl1JbKN0QWkI5vxReKwOSua0CvHb4fmMMC1orWVj/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrT2rnGcykskH1HwU11MyBXDu1QG3JHa-M7EHs7I8YFQ49U26jbTXNY4TVZMV7BYAe2Y6p5z_fwfIoPzG5wYTDktY-69zMASomKRL0vK6AJBoBjZVLBnySiwARko_vPi84MXLsFMk4Noz/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrT2rnGcykskH1HwU11MyBXDu1QG3JHa-M7EHs7I8YFQ49U26jbTXNY4TVZMV7BYAe2Y6p5z_fwfIoPzG5wYTDktY-69zMASomKRL0vK6AJBoBjZVLBnySiwARko_vPi84MXLsFMk4Noz/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQMdwbdy6VCjuBtmCbW6Wi6764_mvGK90LjDRl3FwiFejy20DGl-Wbk0Fol3a4U2VE9QEYhf8TPL7k1V2EmZpii_cIyGbh6_3VVfsOYsMZhClqkgFqhkfK9NxBW_RcNFdIqcGRZh4Ik7V/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQMdwbdy6VCjuBtmCbW6Wi6764_mvGK90LjDRl3FwiFejy20DGl-Wbk0Fol3a4U2VE9QEYhf8TPL7k1V2EmZpii_cIyGbh6_3VVfsOYsMZhClqkgFqhkfK9NxBW_RcNFdIqcGRZh4Ik7V/w200-h200/Elizabeth+Gibson+Moon+Zine+5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #ffa400;"> </span><i><a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Foxglove Journal</span></a></i> had a recent open submissions period, and I am currently reading some really exciting writing, which I can't wait to share. We showcase a new poem or story every week.</p><p> I was overjoyed to be re-elected as Head of Media and PR for the Village Bakers, and I look forward to bringing you more newsletters - you can see our last one <a href="https://villagebakers.lgbt/newsletter-winter-2020" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">here</span></a>. This group have been brilliant for me, bringing me confidence in my baking and my queerness. </p><p> I am also enjoying being a Young Ambassador for AKT, and have been doing some leadership training through them.</p><p> I took part in a really useful and fun theatre course with Oldham Coliseum, and have now joined one of their social groups for writers and creatives. </p><p> I have also completed a cooking course with Cracking Good Food, and am proud of what I have created.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuW0qe7PvQB9UykUlxI9plKfp1W88I2Rp9jKa7YZu2u1mZgjhD4eXPrplZ2RQVPjBpYnn3F4SETwDIPixWAgWJFcvqePXGDaxV2OvBmTIhwBbgjah8pz6R71488MdBt6RnJ9XyKJuOAS0/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Vegetable+Soup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1080" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuW0qe7PvQB9UykUlxI9plKfp1W88I2Rp9jKa7YZu2u1mZgjhD4eXPrplZ2RQVPjBpYnn3F4SETwDIPixWAgWJFcvqePXGDaxV2OvBmTIhwBbgjah8pz6R71488MdBt6RnJ9XyKJuOAS0/w200-h196/Elizabeth+Gibson+Vegetable+Soup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div></div><p> This feels like a time of learning and exploring for me, and I am living day by day, appreciating where I am and who I have in my life. The future is uncertain, but there are some bright, hopeful things ahead.</p><p> Thank you so much for reading, and sharing my journey.</p><p> Speak soon,</p><p> Liz x</p>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-69083890374299679512021-02-07T20:32:00.008+00:002021-02-07T20:39:32.396+00:00Hello from 2021!Hello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxpbKbPiodfxFhQxPnQGVfpF_ret6TIR4tytsv0DFhgNz0g65djcfEq0LwAJe7tD8tDdQJ0m2Y_JNdxb6ycfnJq93BUN-1j-pFSAy3UN3xiUbAdCvSrV9MSGlIOl7GhzHtSWklKhW5yQD/s2048/Elizabeth+Gibson+Writer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxpbKbPiodfxFhQxPnQGVfpF_ret6TIR4tytsv0DFhgNz0g65djcfEq0LwAJe7tD8tDdQJ0m2Y_JNdxb6ycfnJq93BUN-1j-pFSAy3UN3xiUbAdCvSrV9MSGlIOl7GhzHtSWklKhW5yQD/w179-h179/Elizabeth+Gibson+Writer.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-r6kZi4cb-lWzl96Axz79zDh-yl4Ghze0Rfz8HTdu9PNQtpU0HWEXfl4PURwgGTyo79X-dbBRQ8rRcndvrGdX6M6GjwdsAHU4qGgs5VA7WuCQyxcZAfJy9T4tENqCYtjxi_0x0MLLUk-/s1080/Elizabeth+Gibson+Blossoms+Ancoats.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-r6kZi4cb-lWzl96Axz79zDh-yl4Ghze0Rfz8HTdu9PNQtpU0HWEXfl4PURwgGTyo79X-dbBRQ8rRcndvrGdX6M6GjwdsAHU4qGgs5VA7WuCQyxcZAfJy9T4tENqCYtjxi_0x0MLLUk-/w178-h178/Elizabeth+Gibson+Blossoms+Ancoats.jpg" width="178" /></a></div></div><br /></div></div></div><div><div> I hope you are doing okay at this very strange and difficult time in the world. I haven't posted on this blog in a while, as I am working on a new website, which I am looking forward to sharing with you. However, I want to give you an update of what I got up to creatively in 2020.</div><div><br /></div><div> It was a very different year - certainly unique for me within my lifetime. The pandemic meant that I was unable to see many of my friends and loved ones, and there has been so much general fear and anxiety. The writing groups and spoken-word nights that I used to go to have either stopped or have been moved online. I have become very adept at using Zoom!</div><div><br /></div><div> I am grateful to the people and groups that have really stepped up and have been there for me and many others at a time that would otherwise have been very lonely. Huge thanks to The Writing Squad, Out on the Page, The Poetry Business, Arvon, Sale Out Loud, LGBT Foundation, and AKT, as well as my personal social groups and Zoom quiz team.</div><div><br /></div><div> A key achievement for me was getting through to the first stage of Penguin Random House's Write Now scheme, with my Young Adult novel-in-progress. It is a queer, coming-of-age story set in Salamanca, Spain, where I once studied. Through Write Now, I had a feedback session with Editor, Becky Brown, and I attended the Write Now Day, which allowed me to meet so many lovely people and make some friends.</div><div><br /></div><div> I also achieved one of my dreams as a writer - being published in <i>Popshot</i>, both in print and online, and having my poem illustrated. <a href="https://www.popshotpopshot.com/posts/20200930-what-i-always-wanted-poetry-to-tell-me" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"What I always wanted poetry to tell me"</span></a> means so much to me, as it really is what the title suggests. I was overjoyed to be able to put that message out there and help people feel comfortable in their body and identity. Chu Chu Briquet did a gorgeous illustration to go with it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekZT2_113AMyKz9FfaRGwvYFP_JZn6UIwu8Ui9Cx_XZ7mZU2vj4ElJ-nRGB2iPTJPgqHItoIgJl8yPFq6yECYx7KS_TE5KVYpDt9dZFFwTfSYJV36mqznPBuVwOMmvNqxxA-sMDy0fuvQ/s4885/DSC01109+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3838" data-original-width="4885" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekZT2_113AMyKz9FfaRGwvYFP_JZn6UIwu8Ui9Cx_XZ7mZU2vj4ElJ-nRGB2iPTJPgqHItoIgJl8yPFq6yECYx7KS_TE5KVYpDt9dZFFwTfSYJV36mqznPBuVwOMmvNqxxA-sMDy0fuvQ/s320/DSC01109+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO6vty08w6bWp86DiVEmaFV6vCnyIvKOHxiam2xGiLwopUTM5vxAcQvRK0hYWWbfI0yfOb4Ua7KmG_Mn_2ltoyf8akDF2YzNXm1wCW5ZWTA1T-x0RvySoEhRqqlJHsBbz899bgE9txxay/s5184/Elizabeth+Gibson+Popshot.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3625" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO6vty08w6bWp86DiVEmaFV6vCnyIvKOHxiam2xGiLwopUTM5vxAcQvRK0hYWWbfI0yfOb4Ua7KmG_Mn_2ltoyf8akDF2YzNXm1wCW5ZWTA1T-x0RvySoEhRqqlJHsBbz899bgE9txxay/w178-h254/Elizabeth+Gibson+Popshot.JPG" width="178" /></a></div> </div><div> This was one of several collaborative pieces I have been involved in recently, and I am excited by this trend. Through editing and illustrating <i><a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Foxglove Journal</span></a></i>, I have long been collaborating with writers. However, collaborating as a writer myself, with creators of other media, is something I had hoped to do more of, and I am very happy with how it is going.</div><div><br /></div><div> I was delighted to be chosen to represent Manchester City of Literature in the Bus Poetry Project in Tartu, Estonia. My poem "Arrival" was selected to be translated into Estonian, and feature on buses in the city. I cannot wait to see the translation, and a photo of my poem on a bus, and to share it with you.</div><div><br /></div><div> After a workshop with The Writing Squad and Manchester Poetry Library, I wrote the surreal poem <a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-16/the-goldfish-library" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"The goldfish library"</span></a>, which was published in <i>Push</i>. I was later commissioned by the Writing Squad for a special poetry project, which I will be able to talk more about in the future. I worked with brilliant Hannah Hodgson, who gave me feedback to develop two of my poems. They are about a cat and goslings - but also about so much more. I am looking forward to sharing them.</div><div> </div><div> It was lovely to be selected for Yorkshire Dance's Writing Dance project, where a small group of writers and dancers worked together to create new work, experiment, and just get to know each other and have a really nice time. I found this experience very freeing, and it inspired work that I am looking forward to returning to and developing further.</div><div><br /></div><div> My poem <a href="https://issuu.com/scrittura_mag/docs/scrittura-magazine-issue-20-summer-2020/9" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Balloon Street"</span></a> was published and illustrated by lovely <i>Scrittura Magazine</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7PPXLHADNgbXzm0VXYSZ5x0lXvyJ_De6GbnM-e51Pb33GZlPzB6Dv29OA4sG4pRd8wLLI6r1kHpPtq16SStj7PY_J6vvP_yeIN7B5ikFkxyBBWQ9xQZpNCvhhlNAj41h9DdHj-71jw64/s677/Scrittura+Magazine.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="478" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7PPXLHADNgbXzm0VXYSZ5x0lXvyJ_De6GbnM-e51Pb33GZlPzB6Dv29OA4sG4pRd8wLLI6r1kHpPtq16SStj7PY_J6vvP_yeIN7B5ikFkxyBBWQ9xQZpNCvhhlNAj41h9DdHj-71jw64/w194-h275/Scrittura+Magazine.PNG" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nOtsyOR5k7Xh1DcpcYmqufLmKYVFIHL4INFZfzc2eJ8EvkEq8oym1AbTfRs8PiFg8x_-ler5j8gcYDSflMIhbJkPH8FXBXNjy0ghW6FoO0xvN79dwQoJqQ3JnJ3s2-GicoZb7Jm1nBrL/s674/Balloon+Street+Elizabeth+Gibson+Scrittura.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="470" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nOtsyOR5k7Xh1DcpcYmqufLmKYVFIHL4INFZfzc2eJ8EvkEq8oym1AbTfRs8PiFg8x_-ler5j8gcYDSflMIhbJkPH8FXBXNjy0ghW6FoO0xvN79dwQoJqQ3JnJ3s2-GicoZb7Jm1nBrL/w190-h273/Balloon+Street+Elizabeth+Gibson+Scrittura.PNG" width="190" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div> My poem "New Year" was published in <i>The Gentian's </i><a href="https://thegentian.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/the-gentian-issue-7-reflections.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Reflections Issue</span></a>, as well as several of my photos - and I even provided the photo for the front cover, which is a new and exciting achievement for me. You can see more of my photos on <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">my travel blog</span></a>, and I provide all of the photos for <i><a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Foxglove</span></a></i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnPQMXMr33hKGAZ76InW89v7sWKXo4N0GbQUq_Ok-o6zngl9zWmc1jpbTdMOpJpwDB_uTfG4I6jyf4pD5dBSd5nDTAUJfZrGL-GCwBegM2N76Pzse2ccEqrzTe-X0gVQhwU9kyQfJzxTc/s554/The+Gentian+cover+Elizabeth+Gibson.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="391" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnPQMXMr33hKGAZ76InW89v7sWKXo4N0GbQUq_Ok-o6zngl9zWmc1jpbTdMOpJpwDB_uTfG4I6jyf4pD5dBSd5nDTAUJfZrGL-GCwBegM2N76Pzse2ccEqrzTe-X0gVQhwU9kyQfJzxTc/w192-h272/The+Gentian+cover+Elizabeth+Gibson.PNG" width="192" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUV7VuZCSoWPNMHbhjCZsCVyS7pGFjTxGcY_V2NJPKT2kSq7D-9ddeuHskvwhtBCjB-2MgfCL8-eYK24URep1oDXUdpa-F15SdDFWZ9v_fkXwxRjEiwgSr0gQlgQm9TtIMty4y-OOQQBb/s557/Elizabeth+Gibson+photos+The+Gentian.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="393" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUV7VuZCSoWPNMHbhjCZsCVyS7pGFjTxGcY_V2NJPKT2kSq7D-9ddeuHskvwhtBCjB-2MgfCL8-eYK24URep1oDXUdpa-F15SdDFWZ9v_fkXwxRjEiwgSr0gQlgQm9TtIMty4y-OOQQBb/w190-h268/Elizabeth+Gibson+photos+The+Gentian.PNG" width="190" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div> <i>Irisi</i> published <a href="http://www.irisi-magazine.org/home/elizabeth-gibson-irisi?rq=gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">four of my poems</span></a> - "The first time", "Summer in Manchester", "Perfume" and "Star and bird and egg and rose" - as well as recordings of me reading them, and one of my photos, for their Hope issue. Creating this multimedia experience was really enjoyable, and I would love for you to have a listen or explore.</div><div><br /></div><div> One of my proudest moments of 2020 was collaborating with Unheard Poetry to mark World AIDS Day. My poem <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Fch4D-8wo7k" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Beyond words"</span></a> was combined with a beautiful visual, and many different voices, to create a powerful multisensory piece. Artist Clare Johnson also created <a href="https://www.unheardpoetry.org.uk/post/pride-and-protest-love-and-touch" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">an artwork</span></a> inspired by my poem. It was such an honour to see the team work together to allow my poem to become so much more.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIvEm58jgAY3Fd5cr8pCoZq_3f3qZ1PGm2QqbvyYZZmWWcVZ9BjSpzpjMBSGGGBj4Hq8p_BmirAkzc9BFbn2Ev40Yah7bVQtzwFLjBCoiQS59kgPqzwTAar8jVB1VNnF6LtBK4foUU56j/s585/World+AIDS+Day+candles+Elizabeth+Gibson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="585" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIvEm58jgAY3Fd5cr8pCoZq_3f3qZ1PGm2QqbvyYZZmWWcVZ9BjSpzpjMBSGGGBj4Hq8p_BmirAkzc9BFbn2Ev40Yah7bVQtzwFLjBCoiQS59kgPqzwTAar8jVB1VNnF6LtBK4foUU56j/w172-h163/World+AIDS+Day+candles+Elizabeth+Gibson.jpg" width="172" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9WVI0sA7OBPEb8ndcxdYcRy8_f8kzQR0TSgEDCTUjEIaTN2Mr6lF6E01fg6QRbtyoxRZ_gDGZ_9R1hYmo-ojM0JSKk8_3hFqajgzPgAcjNTeZL6Fmn7hPlnAQocLaqhASNdf07zCNYUN/s585/World+AIDS+Day+Elizabeth+Gibson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="585" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9WVI0sA7OBPEb8ndcxdYcRy8_f8kzQR0TSgEDCTUjEIaTN2Mr6lF6E01fg6QRbtyoxRZ_gDGZ_9R1hYmo-ojM0JSKk8_3hFqajgzPgAcjNTeZL6Fmn7hPlnAQocLaqhASNdf07zCNYUN/w163-h163/World+AIDS+Day+Elizabeth+Gibson.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My photos from World AIDS Day 2019, which inspired "Beyond words"</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div> I feel I have got much more confident about raising my voice on issues I care about. I had <a href="https://www.addastories.org/return-and-silent" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">two poems</span></a>, "Silent" and "Return", published by <i>adda</i> to raise awareness of climate change. I was longlisted for the Quiet Man Dave Prize with my fiction piece "Waiting for Felix", about queer love and family.</div><div><br /></div><div> I was Commended in <i>The Bangor Literary Journal</i>'s 40 Words Competition with my poem "Stars", about mental health and loneliness, and I was Highly Commended in the Eighth Annual Bangor Poetry Competition with my poem <a href="https://thebangorliteraryjournal.com/2020/12/05/the-eighth-annual-bangor-poetry-competition-shortlist-vote-now" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Something happened"</span></a>, about human connection and support.</div><div><br /></div><div> I was part of two Manchester anthologies - <i><a href="https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/product-page/mancunian-ways-anthology" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Mancunian Ways</span></a></i> from Fly on the Wall Press, which features my poems "Arrival" and "On this hot May afternoon", and <i><a href="https://www.localgemspoetrypress.com/buzzin-bards-preorders.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">The Buzzin Bards 2020 Anthology</span></a></i>, which includes my poem "Farawayland". It is wonderful to be able to share my love for this city. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwExsFKZw6caiaTH6yc0UWSXbxkh6xiZ4BPfgK1T_zRMKwEJkPmG-t4CfrXqnI59UGpyD0DZOrGtX7T3cdfjKG5zhdZjxdEYj1E0D_DQFpYdReacTDZh2DWbxUyaDoo9SHJaJ0YKa8nNaP/s2048/IMG_20200928_182448_340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwExsFKZw6caiaTH6yc0UWSXbxkh6xiZ4BPfgK1T_zRMKwEJkPmG-t4CfrXqnI59UGpyD0DZOrGtX7T3cdfjKG5zhdZjxdEYj1E0D_DQFpYdReacTDZh2DWbxUyaDoo9SHJaJ0YKa8nNaP/w231-h231/IMG_20200928_182448_340.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> I also have three poems in the <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Voice-Publishing-Anthology-Anthologies-ebook/dp/B08Q27CZ8V" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Hidden Voices 2020 Anthology</span></a></i>: "Why I usually like being queer", "Feed", and "Céline at Cannes", the third, a celebration of filmmaker Céline Sciamma. Another poem inspired by Céline's <i>Portrait of a Lady on Fire</i>, as well as by the amazing queer women's community in Manchester, is <a href="http://stayinghome.squadsite.uk/portfolio/red-plaid" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"The ballad of the red plaid"</span></a>, which was published by The Writing Squad as part of the Staying Home project.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AAhxLJ0Xv5P9OZ40sPscpMCYtK3IDe1UhF-6M8qzzjwys7d3qRed21Z6IFl80_mcv4cYNVN4V3UxqDW_Uhfhv8yJy978XTrcBycAvfruPCQEtoyTaZ7QERXPd_orkXjdvVZApMrHSqOQ/s2048/Elizabeth+Gibson+Red+Plaid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AAhxLJ0Xv5P9OZ40sPscpMCYtK3IDe1UhF-6M8qzzjwys7d3qRed21Z6IFl80_mcv4cYNVN4V3UxqDW_Uhfhv8yJy978XTrcBycAvfruPCQEtoyTaZ7QERXPd_orkXjdvVZApMrHSqOQ/w173-h173/Elizabeth+Gibson+Red+Plaid.jpg" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm3bxpsX6KC50fVCqKM4eigm79RpVQa2-DGn_taLBzIsODIXIuUhjgpLAFKGGPxd9-NaYE2xT8ySnWxlxK3oxiRGthTG11XAjWzglAkV89I0UrtcgjRzhUwnPQdngzhDaYJ5wQ-dganX8/s2048/Elizabeth+Gibson+Hot+Chocolate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm3bxpsX6KC50fVCqKM4eigm79RpVQa2-DGn_taLBzIsODIXIuUhjgpLAFKGGPxd9-NaYE2xT8ySnWxlxK3oxiRGthTG11XAjWzglAkV89I0UrtcgjRzhUwnPQdngzhDaYJ5wQ-dganX8/w172-h172/Elizabeth+Gibson+Hot+Chocolate.jpg" width="172" /></a><br /><br /></div></div><div> I had several poems published by <i>Visual Verse</i> in response to their 2020 image prompts: <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/across-the-ocean" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Across the ocean"</span></a> is about an American writer I love, while <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/tracks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Tracks"</span></a> is about the ache of someone driving away from you, and having no idea when they will return. <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/at-nineteen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"At nineteen"</span></a> is a sonnet on queerness and self-acceptance, <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/salvation" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Salvation"</span></a> remembers how I used to hatch ladybird eggs, and <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/finding-the-yeti" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Finding the yeti"</span></a> is about airships, and believing in things. <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/my-own-valley" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"My own valley"</span></a> is a particular favourite of mine: a fierce cry of self-love after the end of a relationship.</div><div><br /></div><div> I continued editing <i><a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Foxglove Journal</span></a></i>, and it has been a great way to connect with people around the world, and share their fascinating and diverse writing. I also published two of my own poems over 2020: <a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com/2020/04/26/octopus-dusk-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"Octopus dusk"</span></a> and <a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com/2020/06/10/how-it-was-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">"How it was"</span></a>, both inspired by <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">my time living in Vigo, Galicia</span></a>, with its hills and sunsets and foals and frogs.</div><div><br /></div><div> I attended Arvon's Queer Poetry course with Caroline Bird and Richard Scott, which was amazing - I will probably write more on this soon. I also hosted a Writing Squad open-mic, which was great fun, and I have performed at a number of magazine, anthology and book launches, and at open-mics - particularly the monthly Sale Out Loud, which is such a warm and supportive community.</div><div><br /></div><div> I will do another blog post soon, bringing you my 2021 news so far. Already, some lovely things have happened with my writing and creative projects, and I feel that my confidence is growing. Until then, I hope you have enjoyed this catch-up. Please do get in touch if you would like to collaborate with me, or float any project ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div> Many thanks for reading,</div><div><br /></div><div> Liz x</div></div>Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-6881698138168792422019-09-01T17:12:00.002+01:002019-09-01T17:12:48.974+01:00Visual Verse - When you told me about pigs Hello! Oink!<br />
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Just letting you know that my flash fiction piece <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/when-you-told-me-about-pigs" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"When you told me about pigs"</span></a> has been published in Visual Verse. For August's issue we were challenged to respond to the above image by Jacob Owens.</div>
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I hope you enjoy my story.</div>
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Liz x</div>
Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-91061741998730157292019-09-01T14:15:00.002+01:002019-09-01T14:15:36.211+01:00Starring on AndWhatTV! Hello!<br />
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I am very happy that my poem "Blood ghazal", which previously appeared in <i><a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/10/gasp-by-new-north-poets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">GASP</span></a></i>, is this week's featured spoken-word piece at AndWhatTV! You can see me perform it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey-BQmWjMFQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">here</span></a>.<br />
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We drove all around Manchester one cold, sunny morning, finding the perfect spot to film. I hope you enjoy the result. I am always surprised by how Northern I sound!</div>
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Thank you to Nicole May for organising, and to everyone who has supported my spoken-word work.</div>
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Liz x</div>
Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-49856079632183210312019-07-07T19:35:00.000+01:002019-07-07T19:35:08.472+01:00Speak Easy, Stretford - A summer adventure Hello!<br />
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Having performed at a number of the central Manchester spoken-word nights, such as <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/03/one-mic-stand-february-2019.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">One Mic Stand</span></a>, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/speak.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Speak!</span></a>, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/08/bad-language-manchester.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Bad Language</span></a>, the <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/05/poetry-pop-jukebox-co-op-3.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Poetry Pop Jukebox Co-op</span></a> and <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/stirred-underworld.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Stirred</span></a>, I started venturing further out. I recently read at <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/07/news-spring-2019.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Verbose</span></a> in Levenshulme, which was lovely, and this week I tried out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymanchester" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Speak Easy</span></a> in Stretford.<br />
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I had never been to Stretford, and as it was a sunny evening, I decided to walk there from the centre of Manchester after work. The journey took me around an hour and a half, and I stopped from time to time to talk photos in the lovely summer light.<br />
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I arrived at Stretford Sip Club and enjoyed a fun and genuinely varied night of performance, with a mix of humour, seriousness, and some singing, which was quite different and refreshing. It was really nice when everyone got the chorus and joined in.<br />
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I enjoyed performing my poetry to a new crowd, and was really happy to be invited back to do a longer set. I hope to return - watch this space! I caught a tram back to Manchester, as walking all the way back might have been a bit much! But I am glad I walked there.<br />
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Thanks to Speak Easy for having me, and to the warm and welcoming audience, and thank you for reading my blog and sharing my adventures.<br />
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Liz xElizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-85994758831182007582019-07-04T20:40:00.002+01:002019-09-01T14:36:21.875+01:00News - Spring 2019 Hello!<br />
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Happy July! I am settled in my new job and greatly enjoying life in Manchester. I have been taking part in a number of creative events, from meeting the recent US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, to being a member of the newly-formed International Foundation of Us, and having my jumper and scarf become archive items.<br />
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In May I took part in my second film-making weekend in Sheffield with the Writing Squad, and this time I had a starring role! I hope you enjoy <i><a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-14/5-new-messages-film-weekend" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Five New Messages</span></a></i> and my acting debut as Catherine, the hotel cleaner.<br />
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I reviewed <a href="http://www.time-to-read.co.uk/news-blog/spacebetweenus" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">The Space Between</span></i></a> by Meg Grehan for North West Libraries' Time to Read blog - I hope you enjoy reading about one of my favourite books.<br />
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I received a free ticket to see Siri Hustvedt at Manchester Literature Festival, as a member of the Festival's YA Steering Group. On a gorgeous spring evening, I headed to Deansgate Waterstones to hear Siri read from her new book, <i>Memories of the Future</i>, and then discuss it with Katie Popperwell. Siri is clearly incredibly intelligent, with her own way of seeing the world and fascinating ideas about time and memory. It was a thought-provoking event.<br />
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I then attended the launch of Manchester Metropolitan University's journal aAh!, at which my friend Laura Potts performed her poetry. It was lovely to hear her, and we enjoyed a meal out afterwards.<br />
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The next day was the Northern Publishers' Fair at Manchester Central Library. I learnt about so many presses and publications, and met some cool people. I had a nice chat with Jo Clement, Editor of Butcher's Dog Magazine, and bought Issue 11, which I read in one sitting and really enjoyed.<br />
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I took part in two spoken-word nights in three days, with Verbose on Monday and Bad Language on Wednesday. It was intense, but fulfilling and fun. May's Verbose had the theme of Zodiac, and I shared my poem <a href="https://issuu.com/severinelit/docs/wild_final_nocover/13" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Dogteeth"</span></a>, among others. My set at Bad Language included <a href="https://issuu.com/poetryschool/docs/gasp_-_new_north_poets/21" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Blood ghazal"</span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_rDidFA1M" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Arrival"</span></a>. At both events I chatted to some new people and had a good time. I also discovered Levenshulme and its colourful bee!<br />
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Again through the Manchester Literature Festival Steering Group, I was offered the chance to see Tracy K. Smith in conversation with Jackie Kay at the Central Library. It was an incredibly rainy June night, but for a couple of hours my world was lit up by incredible poetry and a great chat between two amazing women. I met both afterwards and got my books signed. They were so sweet and really uplifted me.<br />
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I attended a Writing Squad workshop at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, at which we decided to start the <a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-13" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">International Foundation of Us</span></a>. We reviewed <a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-13/library-unused-blurbs" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">books we love</span></a> - guess which is mine! - catalogued <a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-13/the-ifu-archive" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">our possessions</span></a> and made <a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-13/the-tapes" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">podcasts</span></a> in which we discussed our creative inspirations and work. We also ate a lot of chocolate and grapes. It was a gentle and memorable day.<br />
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The poem I wrote during the Writing Squad <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-writing-squad-lunch-poems-in-leeds.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Lunch Poems</span></a> workshop in Leeds earlier this year is also now online - I hope you enjoy <a href="http://www.writingsquad.com/push/issues/issue-14/lunch-poems-elizabeth-gibson" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Sweet"</span></a>.<br />
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So, that was my spring, writing-wise. I'm hoping to keep the energy going for a positive, creative summer. I already have some new and exciting things lined up, from mentoring to festivals to radio to poetic film, so watch this space!<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
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Liz xElizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-75173309702121363832019-05-11T22:51:00.001+01:002019-05-11T22:51:36.567+01:00The Writing Squad - Lunch Poems in Leeds Hello!<div>
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As a graduate of <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-writing-squad-2018-highlights.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">The Writing Squad</span></a>, I was delighted to get the chance to visit Leeds to take part in a workshop with poet Andrew McMillan and photographer Lizzie Coombes.</div>
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At Yorkshire Dance, our base, Andrew shared some poems capturing place and city life, and we discussed them. Lizzie gave a presentation on the history of street photography, from which I learnt a lot. She gave us some tips, and then we headed out into Leeds to take some photos.</div>
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It was great to be reunited with my friend and fellow writer Laura Potts. We ate lunch together, and it was lovely to catch up.</div>
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Some of the things I spotted and try to capture on our travels were a brolly in a bin, a lone baby boot sitting on a post, a rainbow mosaic, fruit sellers at the market, multicoloured rolls of carpet, many pigeons, and a man working in a sweetshop, who inspired a poem I wrote on our return to the group.</div>
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I hope to do something more with these photos, so for now I will abstain from posting them, except for the rainbow above. I performed the first draft of my sweetshop poem to the group, and it received really nice feedback. It may well be appearing online soon, so I look forward to sharing it with you.</div>
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I returned to Manchester feeling happy and accomplished, having drunk three hot chocolates, taken lots of photographs, written a few poems including one I really liked, and spent the day with cool people.</div>
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Thanks to Steve, Andrew, Lizzie, Laura, Lydia and the rest of the crew for creating such an encouraging and relaxed atmosphere. I hope to be able to take part in many more workshops.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-56677267802219136372019-05-11T20:51:00.002+01:002019-05-11T20:53:00.409+01:00Queers of Manchester, and "Arrival" Hello!<br />
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I felt incredibly proud to be featured by Queers of Manchester on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QueersOfManchester/photos/a.492425544565901/617318402076614/?type=3&theater" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_rDidFA1M" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Instagram</span></a> pages. </div>
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Tom Quaye took the above photo of me, which I love, and you can also read my poem "Arrival". This sonnet describes my growing sense of belonging in Manchester, having previously lived in <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">a number of different places</span></a>.</div>
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Many thanks to Queers of Manchester for choosing me and showcasing my writing, and to everybody who has responded so positively and kindly to the posts - it feels amazing.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-66014529367184762522019-05-11T20:30:00.000+01:002019-05-11T20:30:58.915+01:00Poetry Pop Jukebox Co-op #3 Hello!<br />
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I was very happy to be invited to perform at the third edition of the Poetry Pop Jukebox Co-op. This is a spoken-word night with a difference - each of the five guests reads their own work, a piece by another writer, and some song lyrics that they admire or which have a personal meaning for them.<br />
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It was a beautiful evening, with spring just arriving. I made my way to Gullivers, a venue I really like and where I performed last year, at <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/08/bad-language-manchester.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Bad Language</span></a>.<br />
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I would be reading first, which was slightly daunting, but I embraced the challenge. I was very moved when my friends Hayley and Andy arrived to support me - it was lovely to be able to share my passion for poetry and performance with them.</div>
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I read four of my poems which, although I chose them primarily because I liked them, happened to be a good taster of my work, touching on some of my key themes.<br />
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These included bodies and identity in "Blood ghazal", travel, nature and memory in "Peaches", destiny and chance in "17th February", and Manchester and belonging in "Arrival".</div>
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For the poem by somebody else, I chose "Venus" by Carol Ann Duffy, as I love its simplicity, and how it combines very intimate moments with a moment watched by people all over the world - a lover's body with the transit of Venus.</div>
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For my song lyrics, I recited "Point Hope", by <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2017/08/now-then-indigo-girls-review.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Indigo Girls</span></a>, written by <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2017/07/now-then-interview-with-amy-ray.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Amy Ray</span></a>. Amy is a big inspiration to me as a writer, and I chose "Point Hope" because its message is so important, and because for me it is a remarkable example of how to write respectfully and well about something that seems so awful as to be unwritable.</div>
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I enjoyed hearing the other four performers, including Jane Bradley, with whom I got talking after the gig, and who had some remarkable stories to share involving togas and babies. She hosts the spoken-word night That's What She Said, which I hope to visit soon and maybe even perform at.</div>
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I hadn't known exactly what to expect from the Poetry Pop Jukebox Co-op, but it turned out to be a wonderful night out, and I certainly intend to return for more poems and song lyrics, and the great sense of camaraderie and support.<br />
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If you would like to invite me to perform at an event, please do <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">get in touch</span></a>.<br />
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Thanks for reading,<br />
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Liz x</div>
Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-24152333442293248432019-03-17T20:36:00.003+00:002019-03-17T20:41:09.945+00:00News - January and February 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Since my <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/01/news-november-and-december-2018.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">last news update</span></a>, Spring has been slowly making its way to Manchester. I am enjoying my job and flat, and exploring parts of the city I didn't really know as a student. I have been very busy, but have made time for hobbies such as baking and singing and, of course, my creative writing.</div>
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I have been attending <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/young-identity-2018-highlights.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Identity</span></a> regularly, and learning so much. It really is like a family, and one of the highlights of my week. Through Young Identity I took part in my first poetry slam, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/03/one-mic-stand-february-2019.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">One Mic Stand</span></a>, which was an important experience for me, and a quietly empowering one.</div>
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I shared my poem "Campfire", about health and body image. Through it I discuss some painful moments, but the tone is of comfort and hope.</div>
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I also represented Young Identity at <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/03/young-identity-at-big-words-chorlton.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Big Words</span></a>, a cosy and fun spoken-word night in Chorlton. I read four poems, which all mentioned blood - it wasn't intentional but ended up being quite a nice link! You can read one of them, my <a href="https://issuu.com/poetryschool/docs/gasp_-_new_north_poets/21" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Blood ghazal"</span></a>, online in the <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/10/gasp-by-new-north-poets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Poetry School's anthology <i>GASP</i></span></a>.</div>
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I took the train to Liverpool to attend the launch event for both Coast to Coast to Coast, and pamphlets by Jane Lovell and Rebecca Gethin - the latter of whom I have had the pleasure of publishing in <a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/crepuscular-rebecca-gethin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Foxglove Journal</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuii22MVGuz0QtRvuI-lN8sUiOMAvaAvzDTXkddYjQ4X1Xpv0XEG5B4kKkRUCMQqskplaTBM32BkxXK6KmeQBHh-0F0vaJ6P9ThuAWf9JK_-pZj2izsy3bq1zW0YOtwdUwT7lhJQJQuuT/s1600/Elizabeth+Gibson+Liverpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuii22MVGuz0QtRvuI-lN8sUiOMAvaAvzDTXkddYjQ4X1Xpv0XEG5B4kKkRUCMQqskplaTBM32BkxXK6KmeQBHh-0F0vaJ6P9ThuAWf9JK_-pZj2izsy3bq1zW0YOtwdUwT7lhJQJQuuT/s400/Elizabeth+Gibson+Liverpool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I heard some beautiful and unusual poetry, and watched the sun set over the docks. It was a memorable evening.</div>
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I enjoyed a writing workshop by Malika Booker here in Manchester, with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span id="goog_1535295675"></span>The Writing Squad</span><span id="goog_1535295676"></span></a>. I learnt some new writing exercises and took fellow participant and poet Laura Potts on a magical mystery tour of Manchester in search of inspiration.<br />
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We visited Emmeline Pankhurst and ended up in Chinatown. </div>
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We also wrote a poem about lemons. It was a strange and lovely day.</div>
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I have been continuing my year as a <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/home-digital-reporters-and-capsid.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Digital Reporter</span></a> at HOME, learning new skills and polishing old ones. So far in 2019, we have had masterclasses in filming and editing video, and working with audio. I am really enjoying getting to know the group and creating little projects I can be proud of.</div>
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Issue 62 of Now Then Manchester's <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/03/now-then-word-life-62.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Word Life</span></a> had the theme of "Magic" and was a really nice one to curate - I hope you enjoy it. We have also had some powerful poetry and fiction in <a href="https://foxglovejournal.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Foxglove Journal</span></a>.</div>
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I received an exciting piece of news: I have been announced as a winner of Hedgehog Poetry Press' <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/03/hedgehog-poetry-press-tree-poets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tree Poets Competition</span></a> and will be published in the pamphlet <i>Tree Poets: Flames of Ice</i> later this year. There will hopefully be a launch event - watch this space! </div>
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I look forward to sharing this set of poems, which are inspired by my time <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com/p/posts-by-place.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">living in France</span></a> and explore nature, body and mind, and identity.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi358q_tBd122KTQMKw-xTzdQ_hi2VU1p73WV1qwkynBL4t4heM1qXHdTEBde4Pq5-yAV3vqofZqr-WhoN8KBn7WfpO5AyUcE7k1pcI5-6VYa166aNMDPVdSAV3YJvZOXZR_lBoXJqskJHx/s1600/Elizabeth+Gibson+Canigou+Sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi358q_tBd122KTQMKw-xTzdQ_hi2VU1p73WV1qwkynBL4t4heM1qXHdTEBde4Pq5-yAV3vqofZqr-WhoN8KBn7WfpO5AyUcE7k1pcI5-6VYa166aNMDPVdSAV3YJvZOXZR_lBoXJqskJHx/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Canigou+Sunset.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNuZsY1JmhjuYU_KwuQqFQ50FUfalJYD11Z_95wtszKPt5mqRb7wJQeNTMcWWGUkuHMgzuumxb_wbLegfOnOTXQ3BRwivdlgBvG31xxUWXqThi40aPdgmvT5Xg5nPG6hR3VZpj0aT_eI/s1600/Elizabeth+Gibson+Perpignan+Tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNuZsY1JmhjuYU_KwuQqFQ50FUfalJYD11Z_95wtszKPt5mqRb7wJQeNTMcWWGUkuHMgzuumxb_wbLegfOnOTXQ3BRwivdlgBvG31xxUWXqThi40aPdgmvT5Xg5nPG6hR3VZpj0aT_eI/s400/Elizabeth+Gibson+Perpignan+Tree.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Finally, my short story, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2019/01/visual-verse-on-earth-looking-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"On earth, looking up"</span></a> has been published by Visual Verse and is free to read online - I hope you enjoy this tale of fish, stargazing and wondering whether it is ever too late to take a chance.</div>
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Thanks for taking the time to read my news and share my writing journey. You can also keep up with me on <a href="https://twitter.com/Grizonne" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Twitter</span></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grizonne" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Instagram</span></a>.</div>
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Have a lovely couple of months!</div>
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Liz x</div>
Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-61372612317286539702019-03-02T23:15:00.001+00:002019-03-02T23:15:30.102+00:00Young Identity at Big Words, Chorlton Hello!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2e6vYsMcP_ucALp_eHmp83b7SeaRlCgMSuq3tCPuJ35KrIeKP0PAWquyOYEHfjmZ9I4JIOzrPz7j6iATEherY-tC9PEcdHCG2XCJy2c6K208YXj7jZonLpIIPQqMjW4Ml81LeZMnw_mm/s1600/Big+Words+Vinyl+Fiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="630" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2e6vYsMcP_ucALp_eHmp83b7SeaRlCgMSuq3tCPuJ35KrIeKP0PAWquyOYEHfjmZ9I4JIOzrPz7j6iATEherY-tC9PEcdHCG2XCJy2c6K208YXj7jZonLpIIPQqMjW4Ml81LeZMnw_mm/s400/Big+Words+Vinyl+Fiction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was invited as a member of <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/young-identity-2018-highlights.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Identity</span></a> to perform at spoken word night Big Words at Vinyl Fiction in Chorlton. </div>
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I hadn't been to Chorlton in five years, and had a mini-adventure hopping on a tram and heading off into the sunset. It was a relief to see the familiar shape of the big Morrisons, as well as some blossomy trees and Brewski, where I stopped to enjoy a halloumi burger and sticky toffee pudding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCB6pd96Yv6Opvy2yWN7dQAkdO8os4fNn4Bc-Ywzj106mQ4S1lc-BP4Z2AuRNMFF6crQsYSUZWICZ8bbWF3aesjcatpbxMbbWwmjPuYn1KUKLfsBoB_2XW09pTrsONQuiQqtdWwTrMAYm/s1600/Elizabeth+Gibson+Sticky+Toffee+Pudding.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="904" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCB6pd96Yv6Opvy2yWN7dQAkdO8os4fNn4Bc-Ywzj106mQ4S1lc-BP4Z2AuRNMFF6crQsYSUZWICZ8bbWF3aesjcatpbxMbbWwmjPuYn1KUKLfsBoB_2XW09pTrsONQuiQqtdWwTrMAYm/s320/Elizabeth+Gibson+Sticky+Toffee+Pudding.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I arrived at Vinyl Fiction and settled in for a really nice night. I heard some amazing work, both from my Young Identity friends, and from writers who were new to me, and who I am happy to have discovered. </div>
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I shared my "Blood ghazal" from the anthology <i><a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/10/gasp-by-new-north-poets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">GASP</span></a></i>, as well as some of my newer poems, to a great reception - the audience was attentive and warm, and having my friends there, smiling at me and finger-clicking at their favourite lines, was extra-lovely.</div>
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With enthusiastic hosts, a game of Vinyl Fictionary (nothing at all like Pictionary...) in which I correctly guessed an answer (Van Morrison), and little touches such as our names being written up nicely on a board behind us, it was fun, and cosy, and I will definitely be attending Big Words again.</div>
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Thanks for reading,</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-18481947068613785462019-03-02T22:36:00.001+00:002019-03-02T22:36:16.856+00:00One Mic Stand - February 2019 Hello!<div>
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<br /> Having been a regular member of <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/young-identity-2018-highlights.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Identity</span></a> for around six months now (having previously attended on and off as university life allowed), I was overjoyed to be able to take part in my first One Mic Stand, the collective's showcase poetry slam at Band on the Wall.</div>
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I was one of ten poets competing for a prize of £50, although winning was far from my mind as I performed - just standing on the stage and sharing my poem, "Campfire", which is quite personal and very close to my heart, was an empowering and memorable experience.</div>
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I scored 51/60 overall, including a 10/10 from one judge for my content, which was wonderful. The winner was Saf, whose performance was intense and powerful. I loved hearing all of my friends from Young Identity sharing their work, and overall it was an amazing night.</div>
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Thank you to Young Identity and Shirley May for making this happen, to Nicole May and Reece Williams for hosting, and to the lovely, supportive audience.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-4034337290365201662019-03-02T22:14:00.002+00:002019-03-02T22:14:33.644+00:00Now Then - Word Life 62 Hello!<div>
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<a href="http://nowthenmagazine.com/manchester/issue-62/word-life" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Issue 62</span></a> of Now Then Manchester's Word Life was fun to curate as it was all about "Magic". I hope you enjoy this selection of creative writing, whose authors interpreted the theme in many ways, from fantastical to humorous to poignant. </div>
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We have work from Kersten Christianson, Joan McNerney, Linda Imbler, Joyce Graham, Ann Christine Tabaka, Sarah Hulme, Roy Moller, Kayleigh Jayshree Hicks and Ken Allan Dronsfield. There are also the usual listings for literary events in and around Manchester.</div>
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I hope you enjoy Word Life 62.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-19000852322060905642019-03-02T22:03:00.002+00:002019-03-02T22:03:29.292+00:00Hedgehog Poetry Press - The Tree Poets Competition Hello!<div>
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I am delighted to have been chosen as a winner of Hedgehog Poetry Press' <a href="https://www.hedgehogpress.co.uk/2019/01/04/tree-poets-shade-of-fire-competition-results" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Tree Poets Competition</span></a>!I will be one of three poets to have their work showcased in the pamphlet <i>Tree Poets: Flames of Ice</i>. </div>
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I am very happy that I will be sharing this space with the lovely Kate Garrett, who <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/07/stirred-pirates-and-adventurers.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">I met at a Stirred night</span></a> and whose writing I deeply admire. The third poet, Kay Channon, I have chatted to on Twitter, and I am really looking forward to getting to know her work.</div>
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My set of poems is from my time <a href="http://lgfrance.blogspot.com/p/posts-by-place.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">living in the south of France</span></a>, and includes imagery connected to travel, nature, the body and mind, and memory. </div>
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<i>The Tree Poets: Flames of Ice</i> is due out in spring/summer 2019, and there will be a launch at which I hope to perform - watch this space!</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-12755777356123738782019-01-18T23:02:00.000+00:002019-01-18T23:02:02.670+00:00Visual Verse - On earth, looking up Hello!<div>
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My short fiction piece <a href="https://visualverse.org/submissions/on-earth-looking-up" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"On earth, looking up"</span></a> has been published at Visual Verse! This month's prompt was the above image by Matt Boyce.</div>
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I hope you enjoy my story about space, fish, and whether it is ever really too late to try something new.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-64105644597947424422019-01-18T22:49:00.000+00:002019-01-18T22:49:01.959+00:00News - November and December 2018 Hello!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Christmas Market</td></tr>
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<br /> So much has happened in the last couple of months - I started my new job and moved into my flat, which has been really exciting. Living in Manchester has allowed me to get to creative events here much more easily, and my life has been very full and fun.</div>
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I was so happy to be chosen by HOME to be a Digital Reporter, taking part in a year-long series of workshops and opportunities. So far we have studied blogging, photography and film, and I undertook my first assignment: to <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/home-digital-reporters-and-capsid.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">review John Walter's exhibition CAPSID</span></a> for HOME's website.</div>
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I have also had some poetry published: perhaps ironically, the month I moved back to Manchester, my poem <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/visual-verse-leaving-manchester.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Leaving Manchester"</span></a> appeared in Visual Verse! Despite the title, however, the poem describes how I always do end up coming back. It was also a joy to see my poem <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/confingo-oyster.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Oyster"</span></a> in beautiful print journal Confingo.</div>
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I was honoured to have two poems, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/far-off-places-cave-and-finding-fish.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"A cave" and "Finding the fish"</span></a>, in the last-ever issue of Far Off Places, and was invited to attend <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/far-off-places-launch-night-in-edinburgh.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">the launch</span></a> in Edinburgh. I enjoyed a very special and memorable trip, exploring, performing my work and getting to know some really nice people.</div>
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I also travelled to York, to read at the <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/northern-poetry-showcase-and-roadshow.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Northern Poetry Showcase and Roadshow</span></a> as a winner of the Northern Writers' Awards. Although I only got to spend one evening in the city, it was great to get a taster, and I would really like to return in the future. </div>
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Another performance highlight was the launch of Young Identity's anthology <i><a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/no-disclaimers-anthology-and-launch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">No Disclaimers</span></a></i>, in which I have two poems. The event was incredibly lovely, with a chance to share my work, hear my amazingly talented fellow YI members read their poems, and then chill, chat and celebrate.</div>
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I performed at two Mancunian spoken-word nights for the first time, sharing my poems at <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/flim-nite-pans-labyrinth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Flim Nite</span></a> (on the theme of one of my favourite films, <i>Pan's Labyrinth</i>) and <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/speak.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Speak</span></a>. They were very different experiences, and I learnt a lot from both. </div>
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Around Christmas I received the news that I had been long-listed in the Writers' HQ <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/from-lgbtq-with-love-flash-fiction.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">From LGBTQ+ With Love</span></a> flash fiction competition. It kind of caught me off-guard, and was just a really nice thing to happen.</div>
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I am still curating Word Life, and enjoying the huge range of poems and stories I am sent. November's issue had the theme of <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/now-then-word-life-60.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"Gifts"</span></a>, and December's was a <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/now-then-word-life-61.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Identity showcase</span></a>, which made it extra-special for me to edit.</div>
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I also had the chance to interview spoken-word stars <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/now-then-keisha-thompson.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Keisha Thompson</span></a>, <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/now-then-young-identity.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Shirley May and Frankie Blaus</span></a>, and review Keisha's show Man on the Moon, for Now Then Manchester. I am still wrapping my head around Man on the Moon - Keisha moved and inspired me so much.<br />
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2018 was certainly the year I embraced my own passion for spoken-word poetry and found the courage to perform far more often - I shared my work at least seventeen times over the year, at launches, festivals, fundraisers and spoken-word nights.<br />
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Considering I performed maybe twice in 2017, this feels like a huge step forward for me. I am proud of myself, and thankful to those who have supported me - being part of <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/young-identity-2018-highlights.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Identity</span></a> and <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-writing-squad-2018-highlights.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">The Writing Squad</span></a> has certainly contributed towards my confidence.</div>
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Overall, I had a very busy end to the year - but a productive, enjoyable and empowering one. I resolved to write more poetry in the New Year, and so far have managed a little every day. Here's to a creative and hopeful 2019.<br />
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Thank you so much for following my writing adventures.</div>
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Liz x</div>
Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-29534051214842352142018-12-31T22:37:00.001+00:002018-12-31T22:37:45.029+00:00Young Identity - 2018 highlights Hello!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keisha Thompson and Reece Williams presenting One Mic Stand</td></tr>
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<br /> I was a member of Mancunian spoken-word collective Young Identity for the final few months of 2017, but it was in 2018 that I really got stuck in and attended regularly (before that it had been difficult due to me living in a catered university residence, with meal times clashing with workshops). </div>
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I now take part in the group every week that I can, and it has become like a family to me. Everybody has been incredibly supportive and has made me feel comfortable sharing my writing, even when I have only just written it and it still feels very raw. </div>
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Having a space to practise performing has been invaluable to me in a year when I have hugely increased the amount of spoken-word work that I do. It is also humbling hearing the wonderful work of the other writers - we are all so different, and I get to learn about the world in so many ways, through so many voices.</div>
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Special highlights have included attending One Mic Stand, Young Identity's own poetry slam, and being awed by the talent of the performance teams, and reading at the launch of our anthology <i><a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/no-disclaimers-anthology-and-launch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">No Disclaimers</span></a> - </i>such a<i> </i>lovely night of friendship and creativity.</div>
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I enjoyed curating a special Young Identity edition of <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/now-then-word-life-61.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Word Life</span></a>, and putting together <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/now-then-young-identity.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">a feature</span></a> on the group, interviewing CEO Shirley May, and poet and editor Frankie Blaus.</div>
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I was also delighted to review Keisha Thompson's show <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/now-then-keisha-thompson.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><i>Man on the Moon</i></span></a>, and interview her - Keisha was a core member of Young Identity, and her talent for spoken word, music and storytelling really inspires me.</div>
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Thank you to Shirley, who has been so encouraging to me, and to everyone at the group, with shout-outs to Toreh O'Garro, Nicole May, Nasima Begum and Roma Havers for making me feel so welcome.</div>
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I'm very much looking forward to seeing what is next for Young Identity in 2019.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-57269391125694828892018-12-31T20:21:00.001+00:002018-12-31T20:23:12.253+00:00The Writing Squad - 2018 highlights Hello!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeds</td></tr>
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<br /> This year I officially graduated from <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-writing-squad.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">The Writing Squad</span></a>, after two years of workshops and events. However, the great thing about the Squad is that even as a graduate you stay a part of the community and can be very much involved.</div>
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This year, one Squad moment really stands out, and is one of my proudest achievements as a writer. I was commissioned by Manchester Literature Festival to write an original piece about what reading means to me, to encourage young people - and older ones - to read for enjoyment.</div>
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I was incredibly proud to share <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/11/manchester-literature-festival-on.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">"On stories and snow"</span></a> at the <a href="http://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/10/manchester-literature-festival-take-ten.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Take Ten event</span></a> at Manchester Central Library, and it felt like a major milestone for me as a spoken-word performer.</div>
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I also attended two Writing Squad workshops, which both happened to be in Leeds. The first was with Hannah Silva, who taught as about performance techniques and technologies, such as using a looping pedal. </div>
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She also performed for us, and her work blew my mind in how different and brave it is, and how precise her timings have to be for the pieces to work. I was really inspired to try new things and grow as a performer.</div>
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The second workshop was led by Stevie Ronnie, who shared his passion for making books and pamphlets. We learnt how to make precise cuts and folds in paper, and basic book-binding stitches. This workshop included a number of Squad members I hadn't met before, so I made some new friends.</div>
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It was interesting to be so hands-on in a publishing process, making these precious, limited-edition items, and it made me much more aware of the possibilities in putting my work out there. I would definitely consider creating a small run of handmade zines or pamphlets.</div>
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I discussed with Stevie how I wanted to work on the structure and presentation of my poetry on the page, and he was really helpful. Hopefully we can talk more about this in the future.</div>
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I also met with Steve Dearden, the Squad Director, to generally discuss my writing and what will come next. I'm really looking forward to 2019 and moving forward as a creative.</div>
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Thanks for reading, and thank you to everyone who has followed my writing career so far.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-79941396534253857112018-12-23T20:54:00.001+00:002018-12-23T20:54:57.065+00:00Northern Poetry Showcase and Roadshow Hello!<br />
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I had an enjoyable night performing at the <a href="http://newwritingnorth.com/event/northern-poetry-showcase-and-roadshow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Northern Poetry Showcase and Roadshow</span></a> at York St John University. I was invited as one of the five 2017-18 <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2017/07/northern-writers-awards-2017.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">New North Poets</span></a>, and read three of my poems to an attentive audience. </div>
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It has been a whirlwind year since I won my Northern Writers' Award. I have been mentored by Clare Pollard, attended two <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/05/second-highgreen-arts-residential.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">writing retreats</span></a> , been published in <i><a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/10/gasp-by-new-north-poets.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">GASP</span></a></i>, and felt my poems strengthen. The Showcase was a cosy and fun way to celebrate the journey we New North Poets have been on.</div>
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Thank you to the Poetry School, New Writing North, and everyone else who has supported my writing.</div>
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Liz x</div>
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Elizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616987706310974264.post-60112860321515766062018-12-23T19:39:00.000+00:002018-12-23T19:39:53.953+00:00HOME Digital Reporters and CAPSID Hello!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0hjr_78DGPEFUMk7Z074D7NkQTXDOWlz4bUTmSYNp73OZOogBigAvTvFPdQa9rrZnjgKmcWhmoXuI2gCWtlk8otrpxMzBIG4dfVZzGZkhI3CxK8KMDOsTwS49ZFJ38x2A8XBwUIJY7pX/s1600/Elizabeth+Gibson+Capsid+at+HOME+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0hjr_78DGPEFUMk7Z074D7NkQTXDOWlz4bUTmSYNp73OZOogBigAvTvFPdQa9rrZnjgKmcWhmoXuI2gCWtlk8otrpxMzBIG4dfVZzGZkhI3CxK8KMDOsTwS49ZFJ38x2A8XBwUIJY7pX/s400/Elizabeth+Gibson+Capsid+at+HOME+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From CAPSID by John Walter</td></tr>
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I am very happy to have been chosen as a Digital Reporter this year by <a href="https://homemcr.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">HOME</span></a>, Manchester, a really cool venue where I have previously been involved in projects such as <a href="https://elizabethgibsonwriter.blogspot.com/2018/12/no-disclaimers-anthology-and-launch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Identity</span></a>, <a href="https://homemcr.org/article/young-curators-at-cornerhous" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Young Curators</span></a> and <a href="https://homemcr.org/article/creative-stars-insiders-story" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Creative Stars</span></a>.<br />
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Being a Digital Reporter means having monthly masterclasses, and so far we have studied blogging and photography. In the New Year we will be looking at film. I am enjoying the project so far, and looking forward to what is to come.<br />
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My first assignment as a Digital Reporter was to review John Walter's <i>CAPSID</i> for HOME's website. I hope you enjoy <a href="https://homemcr.org/article/exhibition-review-capsid" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">my thoughts</span></a> on this fascinating and different art exhibition.<br />
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Liz xElizabeth Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08345371799883361539noreply@blogger.com0