Hi everyone,
I have plenty to share with you, and I’m only just getting round to writing this month’s round up. April has run away from me a bit, and it isn’t the first time. Aprils are slippery things if you ask me. Anyway, that means it’s mini-blog time… Onwards!
Shakespeare Week poetry
I was honoured to write a poem for Shakespeare Week again, this year on the theme of “still my beating mind”. Mountains (and my grandparents, who were mountaineers) have been on my mind a lot recently, as you’ll see if you read the poem. What will your creative response be? What stills your beating mind?
New book progress
Did I mention mountains? That reminds me. My new book is numerous drafts in, and I’m at the stage where I’m puzzling out lots of questions and trying to get everything just right. Hopefully more news soon… !
Praise for Glassheart
I was delighted to see this tweet (and this one!) from the brilliant author Anne Booth a couple of weeks ago, heaping praise on Glassheart. It reminded me that saying something nice really can change a person’s day. If you have something nice to say about someone - or something they’ve done - do be brave and tell them. The world really can’t have too much generosity, and some might come back your way, too.
Recent reads
Books I’ve read and loved recently are:
Melmoth by Sarah Perry. Beautiful, horrifying and sumptuously dark.
Far From the Light of Heaven by Tade Thompson. Fast paced, gripping, and brilliantly inventive.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. Gorgeous, lyrical, and tugs at the heartstrings ohh so much.
Bonus: brilliant upcoming books
One of the most exciting things about writing books is getting the opportunity to read some of the gems yet to come out. I’ve read some absolute stunners recently, including:
The Late Crew by Rab Ferguson. Keep your eye out for this exciting yet sensitive middle grade sci fi tale that weaves together life as a young carer, budding school friendships, crash landing spaceships and, of course, aliens! Due in July 2022, and published by Onwe.
The Mooncatcher’s Rescue by Karen Lamb. This book for those aged 8+ is so heart warming and magical - expect quirky ghosts, bonkers pirates and thoroughly enchanting writing. Due out in September 2022 and published by Walker Books.
A Billion Balloons of Questions by Amy B. Moreno. This picture book for ages 4 and up by my talented friend Amy is perfect for kids who’re full of curiosity, skilfully weaving in aspects of life in a bilingual home. Plus, the illustrations by Carlos Velez are soo beautiful. Coming May 2022, published by Floris Books.
That’s it from me for now. See you in May!