I took a moment to reflect this week. There are often quiet moments like these which, if you do not note them, pass by unrecognised. Regard them, hold them in your hand, and name them. They are achievements.
I, like many young writers and professionals, am prone to doubt and a sense of imposter syndrome which can be quite debilitating. That is why it is so important to acknowledge your achievements in this way. We must own our successes and our good news, right? Like a parent, we grew this and now I must care for it with love, hope, so it can grow and progress.
So; I have some exciting news.
The first is that tomorrow, I will be running a Writing Workshop at the wonderful independent book shop Books On The Hill in Saint Albans. I am honoured to be included in this wonderful lineup of events as part of the first annual Festival Of Culture. We will be looking at language, tension, tropes, and expectations - and of course, how we can use these things to play with readers experiences. I am really looking for forward to this event, more than words can say (don’t tell them this, a writer lost for words!). I can‘t wait to meet everyone.
The second piece of news is that I am now officially a co-host of the remarkable The Midnight Quill podcast! Listeners will remember my voice from the earlier series’s, on episodes Description, Nothing Is Original, and Writing Poetry. From series 4 onwards, you will be hearing much more from me. We recently recorded a very exciting episode, with a wonderful guest, speaking about dialogue. I can’t wait for you all to hear it. If you want to catch up on the previous episodes, you can find them on YouTube or here on Spotify. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter to be the first to know about new episodes, extra Patreon content, and guest spot news.
So, I’m celebrating this weekend to say the least, with a new book, a glass of wine, and finding time to get writing lots of new poetry.
I hope you, dear reader, also find a moment to celebrate yourself and your achievements this week, no matter how large or small.
All the love,
a. m. e. smith x
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Taking Stock
It's easy to see the shadows
when sitting in the dark.
How can anyone see
past the tips of their fingers
when all the lights are off?
A figure in the corner -
possibly a threat -
with closed eyes
I hear a taunt,
"You're not even half way yet."
But take a moment,
let the eyes adjust -
the figure was
only particles of dust
that floated in the nothing
that sometimes haunts my room.
There was progress,
still so much to be done.
What I heard was my own voice
saying there's still time, there is no need to run.