Better late than never

 The launch of The Overture in May, in Ernies in Wicklow Town.

Re-dedication of Thomas Moore tree

Wicklow Writers, Nora, Carol and Martin read Thomas Moore poems at re-dedication of a tree to replace the one under which the famous poet and composer sat at the Meeting of the Waters, Avoca.

WWs at 'Problem Solving' poetry therapy workshop

A big thank-you to Wicklow Writers for joining me in a Poetry Therapy workshop. It was a lively and, hopefully, a worthwhile session for all involved.

Therapeutic Writing Course

This picture was taken at the end of a brilliant week's course on the Introduction to Therapeutic Writing in Falmouth Uni in UK. Vicky Field (cert poetry therapist) and Ann Taylor (lecturer) ran an informative and insightful introduction to the use of poetry and prose for the mental well-being of groups and individuals.

Participants came from Lithuania, France, Ireland and UK and from the medical and creative disciplines.

Therapeutic Writing Course

Introduction to Therapeutic Writing Summer School: 23-27 July 2012

As part of my training, I am attending a professional development Therapeutic Writing course in Falmouth University, which will demonstrate ways of using creative writing with clients or patients in a variety of health and social care settings.

It will show how reflective, personal writing can improve your own professional practice, in whatever field, and your general well-being. You will experience techniques for yourself as well as develop skills in facilitating others.

The course is led by Victoria Field, a writer and Certified Poetry Therapist, and Anne Taylor, a writer with experience of running writing groups for personal and professional development.

I'll let you know how it goes . . .

Dalkey Book Festival

The Dalkey Book Festival poetry reading by Shed Poets Bernie Kenny, Marguerite Colgan and myself was a great success, with over 30 people coming to hear us - despite competition from much higher profiled events! I sold more of my new book, so breaking the 100 sales target for the month. Wippee! Next target is 200 sales before the end of the summer. Feel free to help me meet this target!

Another Poem

Sorcery in Caheraderry

The home grows from a ring fort
through the clay of Caheraderry
as we fish lines of syllables
from grey Liscannor stone.
Across a marshy field, flag irises
shine through this greener grass
oversee the lift and return
of two coffin stools
legs turned vermicular and
splayed to take the load -
appanages of dignity that lightly
held a master’s weight a month ago.
And like the sorcerer’s apprentice
we witness the breaking of a spell
that turns coffin stools back
into occasional tables.