Do you like Sherry Trifle?

I have three questions for you to consider. At first you may not see the connection but read on:

Do you like Sherry Trifle? Where do you get your inspiration? Where do you write?

This is my answer:

I wrote a ballad after a funny conversation with a friend. We were discussing the notion of eating Sherry Trifle that was laced with alcohol. We wondered if you were stopped by the Guards how many portions of it would put you over the legal limit for driving. This particular friend I find very inspiring so I decided to pen a ballad based on our chat.

A train journey the following day provided the perfect opportunity to put pen to paper. The first train wasn’t too busy, so I scribbled away at my ease, sniggering to myself. I had a connection change to a smaller train that provided less occupancy for the passengers. I took my seat and resumed my writing while continuing to giggle and laugh to myself as ‘The Ballad of the Sherry Trifle’ told its story.

All of a sudden I looked up and noticed how packed the train was but I remained at a four (small) seater table, on my own!

Well, the balled got written, I travelled in comfort and now I know how to gain the best space on a packed train.

Oh and according to the ballad what happened to the man who ate too much Sherry Trifle…well you’ll just have to watch this space and see.

Stephen Murray's Passion for Poetry

If you haven’t had the chance to attend a workshop by Stephen Murray, do so when the next opportunity arises.

His open, fervent and helpful nature created an environment where the depths of our hearts and souls were searched to draw out poetry. At the end of this very productive workshop, the results were a pleasure to hear, as my fellow attendees read out their pieces.

The passion for his craft shone through and he clearly enjoys reading as well as writing poetry. He lent his voice and read some pieces written in the workshop with as much passion as if he’d written them himself. It was definitely a worthwhile day.

Check out his work and his Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Murray-Poet-Author-Raconteur/156795801014130

Writers who run or are considering it...

Those of us who write know the perils of sitting on our rear ends for long periods of time. Getting some exercise in when you’re on a writing roll would not necessarily be high on your list of things to do. However, getting out and breathing fresh air, by going for a walk or even a jog, could open your mind to progress your story when you’re wondering where you want it to go next.

For those of you who write and run (or run and write), I don’t advocate doing both at the same time, there is a resource you should really check out.

http://intelligentrunning.com/about-2

George Anderson’s intelligent running website contains very helpful tips and hints.

I had the opportunity to submit a piece about returning to running after an injury and he included it in his website. Check mine and Amy Martin’s story here http://intelligentrunning.com/returning-to-running-after-an-injury

Sitting for long periods, then expecting your body to kick into exercise mode can cause injuries. There are some great tips on the best stretches to help the transition.

George’s ‘Beginner’s Luck' programme is free to download here http://intelligentrunning.com/ and is a great way to start off or return to running after an extended break.

Check it out and let me know what you think.