A little treat for you writers...

Like most people who are writers I am constantly looking for sources of inspiration, words of advice, nuggets of nourishment, just to keep the mind focused and the heart engaged.
There are a number of books, quotes, blogs and websites I return to, over and over.
Ray Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing is a constant inspiration, particularly the essay 'Run Fast, Stand Still...' which advocates practising one's art constantly but also letting go of the outcome. Instead of bashing one's head against the keyboard trying to force the words out, just push your ego out of the way and allow it to happen.
That leads me neatly to the Zen Habits website (zenhabits.net). Not strictly speaking about writing, the website nevertheless offers masses of compelling posts to keep your spirits up.
Also, try dipping into writetodone.com, again, another zen-influenced website, but packed with advice and practical guidance.
Over the years I've read every writing book you can imagine. I won't even attempt to list them but the ones I've found most useful are the aforementioned Bradbury one, Sol Stein's brilliant brace of classics Stein on Writing and Solutions for Writers, and Jerry Cleaver's Immediate Fiction, which has perhaps the most practical how-to storytelling advice I've seen.
If you're in need of a little pampering and self-indulgence, take yourself away and try these recommendations.

Words worth reading

One of my favourite places in the Lake District is Grasmere. Where Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside are the loud, attention-seeking, bigger members of the Lakeland family, Grasmere is the quiet, more thoughtful one that doesn't feel the need to jump up and down to get attention.
Yes, it gets its visitors, of course it does. But there is a tranquillity about the village that doesn't exist in the hubbub of those other tourist spots.
And another reason I like it is its literary heritage. Yes, it's where the Wordsworths - William and Dorothy - lived.
Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Trust do a fantastic job keeping the poet's and his sister's legacies alive. But more than that, the trust is responsible for some great literary festivals, readings and events.
It's particularly strong on poetry, naturally, and big names who have appeared in the village in recent years include Simon Armitage and Carol Ann Duffy.
Indeed, Duffy - our current Poet Laureate - makes her second appearance in Grasmere in 12 months during the Dorothy Wordsworth Festival of Women's Poetry, which begins on Friday.
This weekend-long event is billed as 'A three-day showcase of women's poetry in Grasmere. Featuring some of our finest women poets, chosen and introduced by Carol Ann Duffy'.
The Poet Laureate says:

'When I accepted the position of Poet Laureate, I saw part of my role as highlighting the huge range of poetic talent around today, particularly among women poets. As part of this, I am delighted to work with the Wordsworth Trust on presenting what we hope will be an annual showcase of women's poetry. It seems very appropriate to do this in the name of Dorothy Wordsworth, a nurturing spirit behind William and herself an enormous talent.'
The festival features my personal selection of women poets giving readings and workshops and discussing what it means to be a female poet today. I do hope that you can join us.

Jackie Kay opens the festival, which runs until April 18, with a reading at Dove Cottage. During the weekend, you can see the likes of Lavinia Greenlaw, Gillian Clarke, Vicki Feaver and Duffy herself.

More details at: wordsworth.org.uk where you can also find lots of other interesting upcoming events.

Hello

Welcome to my blog.
Yes, that is me in the profile picture, circa 1970. I was about 18 months old at the time. Look at the car parked on our drive behind me - straight out of Life on Mars.
That's the family home in Kendal in what was Westmorland (now Cumbria). Had no idea what was ahead of me, all innocent and naive. A bit like now as I prepare to begin my journey as a blogger.
Hope you'll call back and see how I'm getting on. Thanks for calling.