Lily Lawson's Blog: Lily's log, page 22
May 20, 2022
Instructions to remember
To mark the 90th anniversary of Brightlingsea Lido, poets and writers were asked to capture the occasion in 90 words or characters in flash or poetry, a project run by Writer in Residence Ruth Loten. This is my effort which was shared on their Facebook page this week.
Cup my hand,
move it through the water,
make a circle with my arm back to the start,
do the same with the other arm,
one goes down and back,
one goes up and forward,
kick my legs alternately,
turn my head away from the arm entering the water,
breathe,
putting my face in the water is safe,
focus on what I’m doing,
never mind who’s there,
block the noise out,
listen to my aunty’s voice in my head,
I’ve got this,
I won’t drown,
It’s ok,
I can swim.
Copyright © 2022 Lily Lawson
Photo Olivia from Braintree by Martin Green
If you want to know more about the Lido visit their website https://www.brightlingsealido.org/
May 13, 2022
Book Review - Blood Kisses - Jane Langan
My Review This may say I'm finished but I suspect Jane Langan's words will draw me back. I have already read several of these poems twice or more. This is emotional stuff. It stays with you. It speaks of a life not easily lived. It also speaks of a survivor. Light hearted stuff here too. Some of the content is not easy to read given the subject matter but it is all relatable and well worth reading. I hope there will be more to come.
Jane Langan writes fiction and poetry and is currently working on her debut novel.
Jane has been shortlisted for a number of writing competitions and been published in several magazines. Besides writing, she enjoys photography and tap dancing. She has just completed an MA in Creative Writing. You can see more of her work on her blog: http://howilikemycoffee.blogspot.com/ Or Google, Muddynosugar, where you will find Jane on social media. https://www.instagram.com/muddynosugar/ and https://twitter.com/MuddynoSugar
Jane is one of the editors of Makarelle.
Jane enjoys her coffee and being creative in other ways not just writing. Check out all her links here.
If you would like to know more about her this is her interview and this is her guest post.
May 6, 2022
The books that stay in my head
This is an updated version of a previous blog post with an updated list of books.
I have read a lot of books in my life and some of them hold no memory. Yet some of them, years later, I can still recall some of the details, fragments or sometimes the whole premise. If you are an author, this is what you are aiming for, the hope your book will be read more than once or that the first impression your book makes lives on in the mind of the reader. That they will recommend it to anyone that asks and even those that don't. Some authors will be forever associated with one book, some for the vast range of their work. Some authors will be torn to shreds, some hailed as heroes and some will be forgotten their books assigned to dusty shelves or heaped in boxes sold in bulk. As writers we reach for the stars, many have said they wish they had written Harry Potter. I devoured the whole series in succession one summer waiting for the last book to come out and then devoured that. However, I do not share the wish that I had wrote them.
These are the recent books that will stay in my head
Haven Wakes - Fi Phillips
Beyond - Georgia Springate
Keepers - Cheryl Burman
Guardians series (including Winged Lion) - Cheryl Burman
The Landlord of Hummingbird House - Jane Harvey
Unforgettable - Ruth Loten
Tropical Kiss - R S Jonesee
Daylight Chasers - Rue Sparks
The bravery in writing, the reason we do it is to share a little of who we are, to speak to those who would never hear us otherwise, to make a difference. I may write under a pen name, but it wasn't a wish to hide and not own my voice. It was a wish to free it. The reality of our history is it cannot be erased. I reinvented myself to close the door on who I used to be, within my writing, in the hope of being taken seriously. I felt my history would hold me back from that, if only in my own mind.
Lily Lawson is no character, she is me, a real person, probably more so than I ever was. I use my real name as a student, a carer, with my family and interchangeably with my friends. I am often amused by the backwards and forwards shift in my identity. I can only put me on the page if me has another name that allows the full expression of who I am. I have been judged and found wanting, like so many of us are. As Lily Lawson I can say that happened to someone else, that person exists and continues to live in me, but she is silenced in my writing because that way I can believe in myself, in what I have to say.
I want to speak to people where they are not fill my books with words and ideas than confuse people and leave them wondering what I was on about. If I have a goal in my writing maybe its that one day someone will list one of my books in a list of 'The books that stay in my head'
April 29, 2022
Julie Kusma Interview
Tell me about your books
My first book, Stuck That Way & Other Quandaries, is a collection of short stories. All were previously published with Coffee House Writers while I was a content writer with them, except for one. “Relevant Evidence” was written for a contest.
I then decided to publish several children’s picture books written during my master’s degree in Creative Writing, including Pigglety Pigglety Poo and Where Wildflowers Grow.
The Many Worlds of Mr. A. Skouandy & Other Stories from Oakwood Sanatorium is a postmodern collage-style short story cycle written as my master’s thesis and published in 2021.
I also released, That’s Creepy, Santa! The Trilogy (eBook only) December 2021.
Additionally, I have collaborated with my dear friend and editor, Jill Yoder, on two children’s picture books; A Perfect Place for Scary Monsters to Hide and Eggie’s Easter Counting and Color fun.
However, most of my work has come at a fast, furious pace with my writing partner, Derek R. King. Together we have written; Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, & More, Abracadabra: The Lighter Half, Volume 1, Unchaste: The Darker Half, Volume 11, Santa’s Claws: The Darker Half, Volume 12, Our Christmas: Traditions, Memories, & More, and The Darker Half, Volume 13, all in the past six months.
When and how did you start writing?
The ‘when’ is easier than the ‘how.’ I wrote a children’s Christmas story, Santa’s Coat, and I had it critiqued at Butler University (Indiana, USA) in 2000 during a writing workshop. And although I received encouraging comments, I was told the subject matter was taboo in traditional publishing houses. I lost confidence, and the wind let out of my writing sail, so to speak. I didn’t pursue writing further until finishing my degrees between 2012 ad 2018. Santa’s Coat was published in Our Christmas: Traditions, Memories, & More, written with Derek R. King in 2021.
Although you are known as the Queen of Horror, you write in other genres too. Is it a different experience?
The energetic quality is different, although the writing process is the same. Honey: Words to Heal & Mend is an inspirational book based on the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and the art of Kintsugi. This is an entirely different vibe from, say, That’s Creepy, Santa! or even Pigglety Pigglety Poo. The truth is, I love to write, and I write whatever comes to me, no matter the genre.
What was your favorite research activity you have done for a book?
This is a tricky question. I thoroughly enjoyed the language development research that led to Pigglety Pigglety Poo, all done in a master’s course. And I love all the individual research that has gone into Our Christmas: Traditions, Memories, and Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, & More. But if I must choose, I will say the research I did for an upcoming book, We Three: The Ipswich Chronicles is my favorite to date. I researched the history of magic and religion back to the prime source. I can’t wait to release it, hopefully by spring 2023.
What do you consider your greatest writing accomplishment?
My greatest writing accomplishment is an unpublished nonfiction book on the Mind-Body-Spirit connection and the impact the development or underdevelopment has on our lives. I broke each of these three aspects down into three categories, and each of these into three further subcategories. I have tools to evaluate one’s status in each and tools to enhance and balance each. It is my magnum opus.
And which was your biggest challenge?
Writing has never been a challenge for me, fortunately. But formatting? Argh! Seriously, I dislike formatting with a passion.
What’s the best thing someone has said about your writing?
Undoubtedly an Amazon review I received for Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries.
WB wrote,
“Julie Kusma’s angle on horror is both fresh and beautiful. She takes the reader on a glorious journey through the ‘what-ifs’ of dark things hidden behind our everyday lives and uses an exceptional talent for writing to bring horror alive. Each story keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the endings are almost impossible to predict. This is an extremely enjoyable book for those of us who appreciate both a new take on horror and writing as a form of art. I warmly recommend it.”
This still gets me! I have the quote “a new take on horror and writing as a form of art” in my Twitter bio. Teary-eyed right now because these words make my heart happy.
What would you do if you didn’t write?
I suppose I would return to a former career. Probably as a stained-glass artist, but I am a licensed cosmetologist, so I could cut hair again. Or work as a personal trainer. I’ve even worked as a Human Resource Director, but I’ll pass on returning to that last career option. Maybe I would do graphic design work for other writers.
Has a book really touched you? Made you rethink your views on life? If so, what was it?
Yes, Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman. After reading this book, I learned how to let go of the hurt and pain I carried for decades associated with my own mother’s death when I was nine years old. I read the book in my thirties, and it changed my life.
What is your ultimate dream as a writer?
To reach others in a similar manner, Edelman’s book reached me. To have a positive impact on even just one person would make my writing journey complete.
What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?
Amore, The Lighter Half, Volume 2 with Derek R. King, May 5, 2022 (poetry)
The Enchanted Faerie Realm with Derek R. King, June 2022 (children’s poetry)
ABCs of Summer Fun with Jill Yoder, June 2022 (children’s picture book)
The Circus is in Town, July 2022(children’s picture book)
The Crooked Crone and Other Mystifications, Fall 2022 (paranormal horror)
Jaggy Little Babies with Derek R. King, 2022 (children’s picture book)
What advice would you give other writers?
When asked this question, I always answer the same way because I firmly believe this: study the craft, take what you will, and throw the rest away. It’s how we find our voice as authors. There’s no one way— no right way. Just write. And as Ray Bradbury said, “Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.”
Thank you, Lily. You interview questions were a delight to answer.
Julie Kusma, Queen of Horror (and other stuff)
Biography
Julie L. Kusma, currently lives in the United States, where she pens speculative fiction short stories, poems, and novels. She is the co-author of The Darker Half Series (gothic poetry) with Derek R. King, The Many Worlds of Mr. A. Skouandy & Other Stories from Oakwood Sanatorium (a psychological horror short story cycle), Moomii’s Storytime For Grownups Series 1 & 2 Anthology (short stories: Angel, New Mummy, Awaken, and Pumpkin), Pigglety Pigglety Poo (children’s picture book), Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries (a short story collection of paranormal horror), and of two CDs; Unbind: 7 Chakras Opening Meditations, and Shift: 11 Perspective Changing Meditations.
Several of her paranormal and horror stories and a few poems are available in audio format on her YouTube channel. Recently, contemporaries in the writing community honored Julie with the moniker “Queen of Horror.”
She holds a Master of Science in Health Education and a Master of Art in English, Creative Writing, Fiction.
Message from the author:
No matter what medium art takes; canvas, clay, or words on paper, the message isn’t so much what it means to the artist, but rather what the piece says to the observer. I hope my work speaks to you. – Julie
Buy Julie’s Books and CDs at
http://amazon.com/author/juliekusma
Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/juliekusma
Subscribe on YouTube at http://youtube.com/c/juliekusmaauthor
September 24, 2021
1 weeks ish notice
As you may be aware I have been managing two websites for some time now. It it is time to simplify things and have one site. This site will close on 30th September. All future posts will be on lilyswritinglife.com on Wix.
I have learnt a lot in the time I have been here. I very much appreciate the support I have had in likes and comments. There will be no new posts here but I will keep this site open with all past posts till the end of the month.
I hope you will join me at https://www.lilyswritinglife.com/blog
Thank you
Take care
Lilyx
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August 20, 2021
The Modern World
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August 13, 2021
Secrets
I keep “My Secrets” safe, he is a magnificent beast, 16 hands of black gorgeousness.
Why does a horse need a minder?
Well this particular horse is worth a cool £30 million, he has starred in movies and won the triple crown.
Stables are interesting places, all sorts of clandestine activities go on there. People think they are safe with only horses around. Being a minder means keeping your eyes and ears open. The stories I could tell …
Lady Olivia has her trysts in the stable, my boss is one of her persons of interest which is why “My Secrets” is stabled here. He was what you might call a love token. My movie producer boss is not the faithful type either. They kept their affairs separate, their rules stated they didn’t go after the same person. That all changed when Jill came along. They both got hooked and neither would give her up. Jill used their adoration to her advantage.
Lady Olivia showered her with gifts and set her up in a Penthouse apartment. My boss gave her roles in movies and took her on exotic holidays. Jill wanted more, she wanted their millions. She set up a company and got them to invest.Lady Olivia told me about the company after one of our encounters. I shared my distrust of Jill. Lady Olivia suggested that as they had similar tastes I might charm her into my confidence. Jill was happy to have fresh meat to play with.
Jill and I struck a deal: she disappeared in return for my silence. I moved into her apartment and into her place in my bosses affections. A helicopter takes me to a secret location once a month where Jill spoils me on expenses.
Copyright © 2021 Lily Lawson
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August 6, 2021
After William
As each shall take their leave
another follows in their stead
with scarce a beat between
each exit and each entrance
controlled by one more powerful
than all the players ever stood upon this stage
or yet to walk its hallowed boards
and yet the deeds of men
shall be noted down
that those yet to be
shall know the triumphs and disasters of the age
and reflect upon the whole
that lives long spent will not wasted be.
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July 16, 2021
Do Rock ‘N’ Roll Dreams Come True?
Karaoke night at the Stag got a good turnout.
“We’re up next” Kate gave the drinks out. Her enthusiasm was met with a chorus of protests
“I’m not doing it”
“Count me out”
“I can’t sing”
“You’re on your own”
“We’ve got this, it’s just a bit of fun”
Libby, Dee, Ivy and Jaye all caved in eventually. After that, there was no stopping them. Every Karaoke night there they were, casting off their weekday personas and rocking out. They felt free performing in front of strangers.
Libby and Dee started bringing their guitars, Jaye brought her saxophone and Ivy borrowed a drum kit from the Stag. Kate was out in front on lead vocals. They performed a range of covers while the crowd sang and danced along.
The manager approached them. “Would you like a one-off gig, you seem to have enough cover stuff for a set?”
“This was just a bit of fun. Do you think we’re good enough?”
“This lot seem to think so. If I thought you weren’t I wouldn’t have asked”
“What if no-one comes?”
“Trust me, they’ll come”
“What shall I call you?”
The friends looked at each other, “The Rockin’ Mama’s…..” Ivy suggested, amid smiles and nods.
“This is a proper gig we need to rehearse” Kate’s mind was whirring.
They set up in Ivy’s garage running through all the songs they had performed at The Stag. On the night nerves jangled and mingled with excitement. Walking on as the manager announced them was surreal.
At the end of the gig the manager came over
“I want you to meet Claire, She does a show on Heartbeat FM they get local singers and groups to play live. I thought you might be interested.”
Claire smiled at the friends shocked expressions “Soon everyone will know about The Rockin’ Mama’s”
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July 9, 2021
Inside you
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