Following the birth of my second baby back in July, twelve weeks of tongue tie, a myriad of childhood illnesses for both boys, and a book launch, things have been absolutely hectic here, meaning my website and blog have been very much neglected.

Now that we’ve entered November, the leaves are falling from the trees, the nights are creeping in earlier and the candles are lit, I’ve decided to round up all recent news into a single blog post.

First up… the launch of Pearl & Bone!

Given that it was a rainy Tuesday, I was absolutely gobsmacked to see so many people turn up to the launch of Pearl & Bone in Waterstones – tickets even sold out!

This book is really special to me, so I’ve been thrilled to have had so many positive reviews. If you’re interested, you can see some of them here:

Tears in the Fence
Buzz Mag
Created to Read
Wales Arts Review

Or, just grab a copy of the book and decide for yourself….

How I wrote ‘Blessing for the Women’

I was pleased that Poetry Wales asked to publish my poem ‘Blessing for the Women,’ which was written in response to the overturning of Roe v Wade.

Thank you to Zoë Brigley and Poetry Wales for publishing the poem and asking me a few questions about my writing process for their #HowIWriteAPoem series. You can read the poem and the interview on their website: ​

The Sylvia Plath Poetry Prize

As a long time admirer of Sylvia Plath’s poetry, I was delighted to have placed second in Nine Arches Press’ recent Sylvia Plath Poetry Prize.

My poem ‘A Sudden Mother,’ about my stay on the postnatal ward following the premature birth of my firstborn son, is a piece that still trips me up when I read it aloud, so to have had this particular poem chosen makes the prize all the more meaningful.

The poem was published in the After Sylvia anthology, which launched in October. After Sylvia is a collection of essays and poems, published to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Plath’s birth.

‘Sorrow’ in Litro Magazine

‘Sorrow’ is a short story I wrote a few years ago. It has recently been published online by Litro magazine, and can be read for free on their website.

‘Rumours’ in The Ghastling

I’ve been a subscriber to The Ghastling magazine for a long time, so I was overjoyed when my short story, ‘Rumours,’ found a home in the spooky publication. The Ghastling is unique on the Welsh literary landscape – it’s a true work of beauty, complete with skilfully woven stories and stunning artwork. The magazine can be ordered direct from their website, and is well worth an annual subscription.

Events

Following the launch of Pearl & Bone at Waterstones Aberystwyth, I was due to be at Waterstones in Swansea on National Poetry Day, alongside Emily Vanderploeg, Rae Howells, and Natalie Holborow. Unfortunately, my boys had chicken pox leaving me trapped in quarantine! But the event went ahead with the trio of talented Parthian poets, and can be watched back here.

I will also be appearing soon at the Swansea Fringe festival, then at Seren’s First Thursday event in Chapter, Cardiff and in Cardigan next year.

So, that’s it for now. If you do happen to grab a hot chocolate and settle down with any of these stories or poems, I’d love to know what you think! (Even if you’re the lady who happily said one of my last lines was ‘a bit obvious.’)

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