Okay, that heading may be a bit of an overstatement, especially at this moment as I sit before my laptop wearing pyjama bottoms and heavy fake-wool jumper, with runny eyes and nose, a sawdust throat, fits of sneezing regularly punctuating my out-of-season shivers. The intended purpose of this over-dramatic exultation, however, is twofold: first, toContinue reading “Resurrection!”
‘Art of Insomnia’ Revised for Reprint (Part 2)
As a follow-on from the Part 1 Blog, Art of Insomnia Revised for Reprint (Part 1) here are the details of the five revisals made in the reprint of Art of Insomnia, each explanation accompanied by a photograph showing the revised version of the poem as it now appears in the chapbook. Revisal 1: ‘HELENIUM ONEContinue reading “‘Art of Insomnia’ Revised for Reprint (Part 2)”
Art of Insomnia Revised for Reprint (Part 1)
As some of you know, at the end of May 2021 my debut poetry chapbook Art of Insomnia was published by The Hedgehog Poetry Press, a matter of great importance to me, especially as it was dedicated to and largely inspired by my beloved wife Helen, whose unexpected death broke my heart exactly one weekContinue reading “Art of Insomnia Revised for Reprint (Part 1)”
COP26: Saturday’s big march
I have been on very few marches; a couple of years ago for Scottish independence, 40-odd years ago for CND. I’d never be considered a radical but had to join this one. Saturday’s outing was a protest against the causes of climate change and those behind it; it took place in Glasgow on 6 NovemberContinue reading “COP26: Saturday’s big march”
Post Postscript: Monday Meander: Finnieston, Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Although it is not quite on the same theme as my most recent post https://peterawriter.com/2021/09/30/random-monday-meander-27-september-2021/ , I feel compelled in this postscript to display a couple of photos of a statue of Charles Rennie Mackintosh of which I was not previously aware. I would still be unaware of it had I not ventured to, andContinue reading “Post Postscript: Monday Meander: Finnieston, Charles Rennie Mackintosh”
Random Monday Meander (27 September 2021)
It’s a few months since I wrote a blog for this site and quite a few things have happened in the interim, most of which I’ll spare you. There were two or three highlights which will be covered in my next blog but first a simple example of my regular randomness. At this stage ofContinue reading “Random Monday Meander (27 September 2021)”
Home Stage: Meet the Poet (Phil Vernon & Peter A): 23 June 2021
Well, well, well – that was quite something last night, and I am a little lost for words today! To be paired with a poet possessing the experience, inventiveness and skill which Phil Vernon has in abundance, in a poetry presentation format which enables viewers to see the text of the poem as the poetContinue reading “Home Stage: Meet the Poet (Phil Vernon & Peter A): 23 June 2021”
Review of ‘Art of Insomnia’ by Nigel Kent
Originally posted on Nigel Kent – Poet and Reviewer:
I remember back in the eighties reading Douglas Dunn’s Elegies, his profoundly moving collection of poems about the passing of his wife that were at times almost too painful to read. The same can be said of Peter A’s Art of Insomnia (Hedgehog Poetry Press, 2021),…
Drop in with Nigel Kent – Poet
Following a break from blogging I shall return to posting fairly regular blogs this month. In the meantime, I take this opportunity to Reblog from my Drop-in with Nigel Kent published this morning. Next Saturday his review of ‘Art of Insomnia’ will appear on the Nigel Kent – Poet website Drop in by Peter A TodayContinue reading “Drop in with Nigel Kent – Poet”
Unauthorised Use
This is a very short post, mainly for the purpose of introducing a very short film I have just made for a poem recently written, called Unauthorised Use. The poem is short, and fairly straightforward I think, so there is no need for me to speak about it at all, except to tell you whenContinue reading “Unauthorised Use”
Locks and Other Things Coming Out of Lockdown
This strange photograph, which to my eyes has the appearance of two fluffy poodles competing in a race against each other, was taken by my hairdresser following my recent appointment for a lockdown-style haircut. The photo captures the hair gathered up following that event. It took me over nine months to grow those luxurious lockdownContinue reading “Locks and Other Things Coming Out of Lockdown”
Hedgehogs and Dragonflies show up for Spring
First of all, welcome one and all to Peter/A/Writer blog post number Forty, the first of the astronomical Spring, 2021. In the recent warmer dryer weather there has been much to enjoy of nature, though I did not during that balmy time see any hedgehogs or dragonflies. Now in the windswept and wet days ofContinue reading “Hedgehogs and Dragonflies show up for Spring”
Review: Feverfew by Anna Saunders (Indigo Dreams Publishing, 2021)
That Feverfew, the sixth and latest poetry collection from Anna Saunders, is laced with quality – at times luxury – is easily evidenced. What is more difficult to explain, though ironically it may be inherent in its stylish packaging, is the exquisite economy and value to be found in this publication. In large part thisContinue reading “Review: Feverfew by Anna Saunders (Indigo Dreams Publishing, 2021)”
Review: HONEY DEW by Darren J Beaney (from Hedgehog Poetry Press, December 2020)
Can love ever be perfect? Can poetry about love be perfect? Can two people living together for a long time be perfect? In my humble view, those are time-wasting questions because answers to them are virtually impossible. It would be more useful I suggest to dip into the approach adopted by Darren J Beaney inContinue reading “Review: HONEY DEW by Darren J Beaney (from Hedgehog Poetry Press, December 2020)”
Review: Venus in Pink Marble by Gaynor Kane (published by Hedgehog Poetry Press)
I am glad I delayed writing this review. When I first received a copy of this poetry collection a few weeks ago I dipped in and out of it, savouring individual poems for themselves, not attempting to take in the effect of the whole collection. On a more recent day I sat down andContinue reading “Review: Venus in Pink Marble by Gaynor Kane (published by Hedgehog Poetry Press)”
Review: Keep on Spinning, a debut Chapbook by Jen Hughes
Review: Keep on Spinning, a debut Chapbook by Jen Hughes
What happens if the planet stops spinning? Frankly, you don’t want to know.
Review of ‘Poetry after Auschwitz’ by Phil Vernon
Originally posted on Nigel Kent – Poet and Reviewer:
I remember reading Phil Vernon’s micro-collection, entitled This Quieter Shore, back in 2018 and thinking what a talented writer he is. Therefore, I looked forward to delving into Poetry after Auschwitz (SPM Publications, 2020) when it arrived and wow, what a collection it is! Vernon’s principal…
Peter/A/Writer 