Wayfindings
Poetry happenings, indie publishing and writing within
Tipping towards the vernal equinox brings a groundswell, that culmination of ideas sleeping beneath frozen earth, dreams dwelling under the surface. This month I have a more news-and-updates type dispatch for you, which I still hope will be nourishing and full of small treats, including an offer – Words and Wanderings’ very first reader voucher!
After some time off over the festive season, I spent a week in early January editing, printing, cutting, collaging and hand-writing to make my new poetry pamphlet. Wayfindings is a self-published poetry pamphlet-zine, which I had finished the poems for some months ago. The decision to produce it spontaneously arose, driven by tapping out of academia for a fortnight and tuning into my creative impulses. UK-based friends can order a limited edition copy of Wayfindings from my ko-fi shop. For those of you overseas, a digital version is available. I have lots of copies of Body of Water left too, which are also available on ko-fi.
DIY media has always been a huge draw for me. As an ex-graphic designer and eternal teenager of the 1990s, the indie kid joy is strong. I have always loved making books, text-based art, scanning and digitising, hitting ‘copy’, designing t-shirts and generally making stuff happen. This topic has just made it’s way into Desire Lines Podcast (which you can now listen to on Spotify or here on Substack). The latest episode brings listeners a conversation with Steve Thorp; psychotherapist, poet, writer, indie publisher and editor of Unpsychology Magazine.
Although a diverse person in creative outputs and forms, I am always taken back to words at the centre of things. For this reason, it was my total delight to be invited to Write Within, a writer’s residency cabin near Machynlleth. In this wild valley, Julia Forster (a writer, author and coach) has created a truly beautiful space. Julia hosts writers of all genres to stay on self-led retreats, overlooking the Tarren mountain range. Everything has been considered, and there is even a sauna…bliss! Tiny touches are everywhere; a personal prescription for guests from The Poetry Pharmacy, cups made by local artisans, stationary, writing prompts, timers, a book voucher for the nearby Penrallt Gallery Bookshop. I didn’t just feel inspired being here–I felt cared for.
Julia has kindly created a discount code for readers of Words and Wanderings for £30 off a three-night stay between 1st March and 31st May 2025 - just use the code “Words30” at checkout.
This was such perfect timing, as I needed to stop being dismissive-avoidant with my PhD literature review, so spent most of my three-night stay working on that. I also had time to draft a small editorial contribution which came my way, do lots of journalling (in a sexy new notebook) and even germinate a couple of new poems.
In other news and views, Wayfindings will be part of the Spineless Wonders exhibition at Aberystwyth School of Art running 10th March - 6th May. I will be reading a couple of poems at the evening launch event, Friday 14th March 6-8pm. Also exhibiting is fellow Walkspace member and fantastic artist Paul Wakelam.
New for readers! Introducing One For The Pot…
Usually when I write these substack posts, there are various bits of inspiration floating about that I’d like to share with you. I also get asked what I am reading, listening to or inspired by. One For The Pot… will be a semi-regular melange of foraged things which all go into the creative pot. This is partially inspired by the way I cook, which is to have a) a big pot and b) no plan. It usually turns out tasting pretty good.
One For The Pot…
This month, I am enjoying Shane O’Mara’s In Praise of Walking, a great book recommended to me by walking artist Jonathon Stalls. I’ve also enjoyed seeing some local borders talent in the form of Oswestry’s Meg Elliot, launching her BBC sounds podcast with Overcoat Media. Check out Heart and Stone if you like your folk, rituals and re-inventions. Music-spoken-word wise, I picked up a CD in a second hand box called Saltlines, which was a collaboration between Raynor Winn (author of The Salt Path) and various musicians including the wonderful Hannah Martin and Philip Henry. I can’t find the CD online but here’s a taste on youtube. Hannah has the most beautiful voice. To finish our multi-sensory hotpot with some simple seasoning, I will be ordering these fabulous Simplicity Cards by the school of life, which Julia has thoughtfully tucked away in a drawer at the Write Within cabin.
Just a small pot this time, in future I hope to share reading lists, learning opportunity and many other curious trinkets with you.
Until next time fellow wanderers. Enjoy :)