A big update on an exciting year!

 Hello!

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.

Hiking at Tegg's Nose

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!

'Happy Place' at Oldham Coliseum Theatre

I was honoured to be commissioned to write a new play for secondary pupils, as part of Oldham Coliseum's Secondary Partnerships Scheme. 

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 Inter-Schools Festival.

Workers' Rights Project at Islington Mill

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. 

I wrote four new monologues: 'Strangers', 'Lofty', 'Fire' and 'Fast', and a poem, 'Falling'. In August, we shared this work at an event at the Mill, with actors Keziah Lockwood and Ross Thompson performing the monologues, and me sharing my poem. 

At rehearsals on the event day

It was a very sunny day, and an incredible evening - thank you to all who came.

Elliptical Readings at the Poetry Library

Artist Abigail Reynolds created the Elliptical Readings 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. 

I was chosen for the group at Manchester Poetry Library, and my book was Mary Jean Chan's brilliant poetry collection, Flèche. 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. 

It was great to get to know my fellow group members, and the books they chose, which were all so different and intriguing.

My hand!

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.

Networking at the Poetry Library

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.

I have also joined the Multilingual Poets' Network at the Poetry Library, and am really enjoying chatting about language and poetry. 

I'm looking forward to seeing how both these Networks develop, and what we can create together.

Portico Rewriting at The Portico Library

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'.

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.

Freelance Futures with The Lowry

I was happy to be selected by The Lowry to receive a bursary to attend Freelance Futures, 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. 

Performing at Pride, an Art Gallery, a Castle, and more!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

A pastel de nata at Natter!

Love and blackberries at Lumb Bank

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. 

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.

Competition success

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.

You can read my winning poem, 'A kind of peace', on the LitFest website, along with two of my other environment poems, 'Sap' and 'Lavender', as part of the Poetry Mosaic.

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.

I was longlisted 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.

I was also longlisted for The Rialto's 'Nature and Place' Poetry Prize, with my poem 'Fish at the quarry', which has since been published by Ink, Sweat & Tears. I hope you enjoy it.

On the page!

It was an absolute dream come true to have a poem, 'The attic years', published in Magma Poetry, in Issue 83 on the theme of 'Solitude'. 

One of my favourite of my poems, 'The otter world', was published in the 'Under the Sea' anthology from Fly on the Wall Press, and I am really glad it has found such a good home.

I was published in Popshot for the fourth time, in the 'Roots' issue.

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.

Illustration by Kyle B Solomon

I have had poems in two zines from the ever-fantastic Coin-Operated Press: 'Spirits' and 'Meryn' in the Climate Action Zine, and 'Year of the Cat' and 'Memoir' in the Cats Zine.

I have had two poems published at Visual Verse in response to their visual prompts: 'Tunnelling' and 'Don't you remember? They are where we come from'.

Last but certainly not least, my poem 'Baptism' was published at The Mechanics' Institute Review.

I also have poems coming up in The Storms, 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!

Foxglove fabulousness 

It is really rewarding publishing Foxglove Journal's winter schedule of work - check out the website for some powerful poetry and short fiction. 

I did an interview about Foxglove for Fly on the Wall Press' In Conversation with Literary Journals, and appeared on the panel at the accompanying online discussion. Thanks for having me!

Out and about

I've had some really helpful poetry workshops from The Poetry Business, looking at themes including science, space, memory, and writing from trauma.

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.

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.

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 After Sylvia anthology. I also attended a special workshop and was delighted to get a free copy of the book.

The wonderful Rebecca Goss

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.

The brilliant Kayo Chingonyi

Bakers with Pride!

It was great fun to walk in the Manchester Pride Parade with Village Bakers. 

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 Autumn Newsletter. I always enjoy curating the Newsletter and interviewing our Bakers.

One of my recent bakes - mince-pie muffins!

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.

Hope you have a great January, and see you in spring!

Liz

Autumn, Arvon, and adventures in theatre

Hello!

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.

 Since my last blog post in summer, 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! 

 I hope you enjoy learning more about my autumn, and thank you for sharing my writing life with me.

First Dibs - The Assembly

The First Dibs programme has been a huge part of this year for me. Dibby Theatre selected me back in March as one of five queer writers to take part, developing our skills, and writing a new play.

 I have written The Reason for Geese, 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.

 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.

 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!

 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.

 I got some lovely feedback for The Reason for Geese, 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 my Twitter!

Advent at Oldham Coliseum

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.

 'Christmas Octopus', brilliantly acted by Brianna Douglas, is about an octopus costume, finding and accepting friendship, and understanding yourself.

 'Truffles', performed by me, is about food, family, and adventure.

 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.

Autumn at Arvon

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.

 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.

 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.

Out and about with my poems!

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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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. 

 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.

 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! 

 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.

On the page!

I had an exciting delivery - a batch of copies of Not About Now, 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!

 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, Not About Now! I wrote about goslings and cats and helicopters, but also about loss and hope.

 I am also proud to have one of my poems about PCOS - 'Why we wait to find out why I am bleeding again' - published in Kissing Dynamite Poetry. 

 Be aware that this poem has medical themes, but it is told through metaphor, without anything spelt out.

 I have continued to take part in Visual Verse's monthly writing challenge. In September, I responded to the below image by Vika Wendish, with my poem 'Analysis'.

 In November, I wrote 'Eve', 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.

 Most recently, I wrote 'Os cabalos', inspired by this image by Monica Silva, as well as by the horses of Vigo and Galicia, and my time living there.

 Coming soon: I have a poem, 'Satisfied' in the upcoming issue of Under the Radar, which has been a dream journal for me. I can't wait to share it!

Workshops, shows, friends and fun

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. 

 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.

 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. 

 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.

 I enjoyed two shows at Oldham Coliseum - Gypsy Jam, a passionate, musical coming-together of cultures that was an honour to witness, and Love n Stuff, a play with many characters, amazingly acted by just two people. My brain was constantly tricked into thinking there were more people on stage! 

 With Dibby Theatre, I attended an early table reading of Chris Hoyle's play-in-progress, The Alleyway of Dreams, which was fascinating to be part of. I also saw Nathaniel Hall's First Time at Contact Theatre - having studied the text, finally seeing it performed was a really special experience.

Baking, crafting, candles and community

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! 

 As always, I really enjoyed curating our Autumn Newsletter, with news, delicious bakes, and an interview with one of our lovely Bakers, Andrew. I hope you enjoy it.

 I have enjoyed getting out and about to other LGBTQ+ events, too, from making a clay octopus, to weaving a rainbow bracelet.

 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.

 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 The West Wing, which I was a big fan of as a teenager. I am very ready for a Christmas rest, and lots of reading!

 

 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.

 Warmest wishes,

 Liz x