Susan, Author at Shedwriting

March 29, 2022April 9, 2022

Why Didn’t I Think of That?

I’ve been noticing all sorts of cool things recently – all about poetry or literature, of course. And I realised, as I looked into two in particular, that the green-eyed monster was approaching. Standing just behind the initial appreciation was that secretive beast: envy.

He stared out in silence as I read all about The Poetry Pharmacist who travels all around to hand out poems in response to various ailments. And there’s a book of course. I want to do that! I heard myself say.

He smiled and shook his head as I read about The Emergency Poet who recently opened a storefront (and adorable) space in Shropshire – consulting room with velvet couch, open mic events, and books lining all the walls. And there’s a book of course. I want to do that! I heard myself say.

But the more I looked, the more the green monster began to frown and back away. Because I was slowly learning how to find joy in someone else’s success. I’m trying to turn envy into inspiration that can push me onwards in my own literary journey. Hey, I could find an empty shop unit and dispense poems to passersby. I could drive all around the country to find people who are hurting and offer words to heal. Who knows what the future holds?

And meantime, I can find inspiration in the shed to keep creating something that someday, somehow, will reach someone. And I thought of that!

March 17, 2022March 17, 2022

Saint Patrick

This saint never fails to inspire. Nature and faith go hand in hand. So true.

Click to hear a bit of Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

March 3, 2022March 3, 2022

A love letter to books

It’s World Book Day. Where would we be without them? Here’s my love letter.

Dear Books,
What can I say? You’ve been by my side for as long as I can remember: from childhood fairytales to midlife learning; from university libraries to cosy Tuesday afternoons with a cup of tea and a cat on my lap. 

The world opened up thanks to you.

When life hurt you offered shelter under Ladybird wings, gifted Shakespeare to my confused teenage mind. I got out of hospital and you knew I needed cartoon comfort, leaving Calvin and Hobbes on my bed. Health fears and lockdowns had you rummaging around for something new to surprise me with – the poems of John O’Donohue.

When life was light you offered Thomas Hardy to share my university journey, dropping copies of anything by Neil Gaiman when I was ready to escape into other worlds. When laughter was required you reached out a hand to tickle my sides with Bill Bryson. 

Lately you seem to know that my mind needs to be expanded and I found a 500-page tome by Yuval Noah Harari on my desk.

Most of all, you’ve pushed The Great Gatsby into my hands at regular intervals to bring me home. Words heal, you taught me that. And I’ll always be grateful.

Happy World Book Day. 
Love, Susan

February 28, 2022March 3, 2022

Did You See That?

As the world unravels around us and the feelings of powerlessness start to bite, I’ve taken refuge in nature and (of course) books. Poetry really does hit the spot when all else fails. And there’s nothing like major international crises to switch our focus from big to small. I can’t fix pandemics or conflicts but I can pause in my day to look up at the sky. Other things I’ve noticed: a seagull woke me up this morning with a screeching laugh; the daffodils beside the shed are still trying to come up; Hugo the kitten’s eyebrows are gorgeous.

It’s a scary world, and it was ever thus. Megalomaniac despots will always make a grab for land. Viruses will always make a grab for hosts. But we are here. And in every day there are moments of beauty. Be open to them and they’ll find you.

Here’s my Thought for the Day about my encounter with a goshawk and everything she taught me.

February 11, 2022April 9, 2022

No Worries If Not!

Having spent some time in the company of Mary Oliver last week on the topic of ‘worry’ I couldn’t help but notice that the word is all around. I saw a Twitter post recently that said: “Women are now in charge. No worries if not!”

Unsurprisingly it quickly went viral. It’s funny, of course, but it also manages to say something incredibly deep about what’s going on with that phrase. Women in particular are fond of it, as we seek to minimise requests and thereby take up less space in the world. It turns up at the bottom of emails, on social invitations, even in close relationships. It trips off the tongue (and page) so easily that I have to make a concerted effort to avoid it. And, whisper it, there’s internalised misogyny in there too: men who ask for something are confident; women are annoying.

So. Are you inviting someone for coffee? Sending an email with a new work idea? There’s no need for those little words at the end. You’re worth spending time with and you’ve got good ideas that are worth sharing.

Oh and do you need someone to rescue you from a burning building? You got it. Just ask for help. After all, in this scenario, there are many worries if not.