To Queensland and back

Yes I've been away teaching and travelling.  All great consumers of writing time but what benefits in ideas and a chance to observe and learn.(As well as catch up with one part of my lovely family.)

I particularly loved seeing specimens of the bottle tree- how amazing!

As well as a chance to indulge in a passion I've never lost - looking for little beach treasures and lately sea glass is top of the list.

A few lines written in my note book, various short poems all written for a collaboration project with my daughter Tamara for the Bendigo Writers' festival coming up soon, were the main pieces written.

A meeting with my editor and publisher has given me more direction also in the re-writing of two manuscripts.  Now to re-establish writing routines.
How do you manage to make writing, creating a priority in your life?

Writing, teaching, crafting

Two weeks' residency coming to a close- one session left to take- Atmosphere in poetry.  It's been amazing encouraging already creative boys to try one word, one line poems, images, texture, symbols of Australia, Explore... 14 techniques across the year levels, all that I've written.

I love to be also challenged to learn new words, ways of looking at things and be challenged in my own writing of poetry.

Even learnt some origami.

And tried out some challenging techniques for year 6- Atmosphere.

Thanks to Li in the library and the wonderful supportive staff at Sydney Boys' Grammar, Edgecliff.

Writing(Of course)

Well yes I've been writing, but in a different direction-writing poetry strategies to encourage others to write also.

I've used poems in my latest collection : 'Guinea Pig town and other poems about animals' as a basis to explore such topics as:

• Texture
• one word to a line poems
• adverb poems
• simple repetition poems, 'over leaf, under leaf'

In the process, I write an example poem then construct scaffolding for others to 'take the plunge' into the fascination and satisfying realm of writing.

Here's a sample from my texture poem.

'feathers made into moon faces

when owls hunt at night"

And of course another wonderful photo of animals (and Quinn) at my recent book launch.

Talking...

I've been to a local school- very special because it is in the area where I grew up and for some reason, the minute I drive into that area I'm inspired.  Memories crowd in, possibilities arise...

Any way I spent the day at Holy Rosary school with the lovely librarian Eva, who plans to teach poetry to the classes.

Here is a snapshot of the information board she prepared prior to my visit.

It makes me realise that I need to update information on my website too!

If you are after a way to write a new poem here's a website I was on during poetry month.

http://www.lorrainemarwood.com/news/writing-your-own-poem

Thanks for hosting Laura Salas.

Authors need a trick horse

Yah on Wednesday my new book ' Guinea Pig town and other poems about animals' had a book launch in Bendigo at the conservatory gardens and in conjunction with the Bendigo library.  Thank you Tammy.

There was a huge crowd.

We had an animal farm and guinea pigs to hold.

Then we headed to Woodend for a second launch- what a fabulous day!

But I think every author needs a trick horse- here is Eskimo and he stole the show.

Thanks to all my family, supporters and kids for coming!

Happy World Poetry day

Of course let's celebrate by a sneak preview into the covers of my soon to be released poetry book
'Guinea Pig town and other animal poems.'



And look what arrived in the mail today today- from my family in UK to celebrate all things to do with Guinea pigs and poetry.

What poem wil you read on World poetry day or maybe you might write one!

(c) Lorraine Marwood

A short story and craft

I've had a few creative few weeks.  One of the excitements has been my story "It's not your picnic Oscar' published in the March edition of 'School Magazine.'

It's actually a rather gruesome cover, but Oscar is a harmless little dog wanting to discover an Oscar party all his own.  This idea germinated in a park in Western Australia from a comment a lady with a dog made.  I tried many versions, mainly picture book  text until Oscar evolved into the story of an dog who lived with old Jim at the local rubbish tip.

Some stories can years to shape.

As well as writing, I've enjoyed two forms of craft.  I've wanted to knit some dish cloths pattern here.

And these are what I've made so far from thrifted cotton.

Then there is my need to do beading.  I've finally figured out how to make necklaces.

Here is a sample.

I do love crafting and writing- similar in some ways, immensely satisfying.