I’m on the final proofread of the novel. Can’t quite believe I’ve made it this far. Finding the right copy-editor and proofreader is essential. No matter how many edits I’d done, there were still things I’d missed, not just with punctuation and grammar but also with clarity of thought at times. All of these layers add to the process of birthing this book into the world so that I feel confident it’s the absolute best piece of work I can…
It’s a strange thing, birthing a book. At times I’ve felt like Kit here, absolutely committed, but wondering if I’m not fully aware of the extent of the ambition. There’s times I thought I should just quit. Aren’t there enough books in the world? What do I have to add? I’ve also given a lot of my power away, expecting others to understand (and validate) my vision, and when they didn’t, I took this as proof that the book should…
EVERYTHING YOU DREAM OF IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR – George Addair. A regret-filled life is nothing to be proud of. Maybe this poem says that in a dark way. Maybe it should be more inspirational & cheery but honestly, there’s nothing cheery about unfulfilled potential. If other people cannot see your vision it doesn’t mean you’re wrong, it’s that they’re not you. Be brave. Whatever it is, just start taking small steps towards it every day. On…
This last week has been emotional. No matter how much work we do on ourselves there’s always the part where we then move back into the world of other people, and it’s daunting. Vanlife for me has been a huge opportunity to hit the reset button: on how I work, how I live, and how I connect with people. It begins with healing the Self, and as that process deepens it allows us to being the work with those closest…
Long dark winter evenings in the van offer time to immerse in more books, podcasts and films. So I thought I’d share the occasional opinion here on the blog. I began The Death of Vivek Oji, by award-winning Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi, in December but only finished last night so felt this would be a good one to start 2021. This quite beautiful river of a book slides silent through the private world of a group of friends in which…
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what kind of artist I am. Which seems ridiculous really – I’m a poet and novelist, a writer. But part of this is understanding how I network (fyi- I don’t); how I cope with rejection, and success; and also who engages with my work, who likes and feels an affinity with what I do.Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in chasing other people’s dreams of success without really questioning why I’m doing it,…
Another thing bringing us all joy during lockdown is this gorgeous hardback book sent to me by the truly generous and inspiring Helen Mort. Andy and I are both currently reading it, and it’s wholly Bonnie approved. “There are two types of people in this world: those who love dogs and those who haven’t spent enough time with them yet.” Absolutely. A beautiful book to hold and immerse in, especially if you and your four-legged friends can’t get out in…
Back from mainland Europe, in quarantine for 14 days. Decided to set a #30daysofbooks challenge over in my Instastories to keep the inspirstion flowing when I can’t get outdoors. If you fancy joining in, tag me and I’ll share yours too. ??? #booklover #bookstagram #poetlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #quarantine…
I haven’t been posting on here so much lately, & it feels as if I’ll be posting less now as the months roll on. Originally I set up this account, and the OUTSIDER Instagram to document our shift from a settled life stuffed full of overwork & fast-paced living, to a more minimalist, slow, migratory way of living. That was thirty months ago. I cannot believe how quickly the time has flowed around us & we have felt like a…