Susie Wild's Blog: Wildlife, page 12

Western Mail Author's Notes: Rae Howells

Many thanks to Jenny White and the Western Mail for this lovely Author's Notes feature in the paper yesterday on This Common Uncommon by Rae Howells:

'A new poetry collection from Swansea’s Rae Howells conveys her love and deep knowledge of an area of common land – and her involvement in a campaign to save it, writes Jenny White'Rae Howells’ latest collection of poetry evokes the wildness and beauty of an unspoilt corner of Swansea locally known as West Cross Common, part of a green corridor that runs from the tip of the Gower peninsula all the way to Swansea Bay.[…]'The resulting poetry collection, This Common Uncommon, describes the campaign to save the common but also stands alone as a richly evocative account of the land and its inhabitants including bats, rare mushrooms, butterflies and birds. […]'This Common Uncommon is a reminder of the power of poetry to tackle important issues with directness and the power of personal connection.'

BookMate Picks of the Week: Unspeakable Beauty

Great to see that Unspeakable Beauty, the debut novel by Georgia Carys Williams, is in 'picks of the week' on BookMate!

Black Bough Poetry Party

Get along to this poetry marathon next month for a good cause, featuring poets with new and forthcoming collections with Parthian Books: Rae Howells, Natalie Ann Holborow and Tracey Rhys along many other great poets... and an open mic...

Yellow Flags

Today I went for a walk and the Yellow Flag Iris were flying. At home another peony burst into bloom. Mostly, I am reading.

On Being a Poet in Wales: Rae Howells

Did you know that bumble bees can vibrate their bodies at the pitch of a middle C? It’s a remarkable skill, something they do to get flowers to release their pollen.I have written a poem about it, and it’s one of my favourite ones to read aloud. It gets a great reaction from the audience, mainly, I think, because it is joyful.“I am more than you,” the poem declares. “I am a musical note.”

There is defiance, and delight, and magic in trying to climb inside a bee’s perspective and understand how it must feel to resonate at that perfect pitch, to be in such harmony with the world.

It’s this joy in nature that has spurred me to write both of my poetry collections, though in different ways.

Read the full feature about how Rae's love of nature has informed both of her poetry collections on Nation.Cymru

National Poetry Competition Longlist: Christina Thatcher

Wonderful news! Congratulations Christina Thatcher, longlisted for the National Poetry Competition!

Read More

Look, Rae’s new poetry collection was on the telly!

'What a nice surprise for publication day! My book on ITV news at the Hay bookshop'

Watch the clip via Rae's Facebook

Happy Publication Day: This Common Uncommon

 

When a local common is threatened with development, one poet explores its secrets, discovering extraordinary natural treasures and wonderful people fighting to defend them. Can they save this uncommon common? This Common Uncommon , the second collection from poet Rae Howells is available now! Pick up your copy in your local bookshop or direct from our website.


A lovely 5 star review up on Goodreads today too:
'Howells’ poems shriek with the wonder of discovery ... She is intoxicated by the Common, forced to rework language in an effort to encompass what she finds ... I admire the collection so much, wild in every possible way ... But there’s an urgency to the work here for “this soft flank of earth” is under threat. Developers wish to transform the anonymous “Land North of Chestnut Avenue” into affordable housing in a process which will sweep the astonishing Common away. Local resistance is growing and these poems in part illuminate and record that effort ... But most of all the book asks what sort of future we want for our world ... Very highly recommended.' – Ewan Smith

Buzz Review: Fox Bites by Lloyd Markham

 'Ideas abound in Fox Bites, a bold, ambitious new novel from Cardiff-based Lloyd Markham... a dark and genuinely gripping work of fantasy horror.' – Joshua Rees, Buzz Magazine

Pick Fox Bites up from our website or your favourite bookshop

Read the Buzz review in full

Cellar Bards with The Wildsmiths: 12 July

Just a quick note to mark your diaries for 12 July 2024, Ben and I will be the guest features at the Cellar Bards in Cardigan and we'd love to see you there! Expect some new work from me... I'm working on it ;)

Susie x