Callum McLaughlin's Blog, page 72
March 28, 2015
Blackest Lake
Here I lie, open-chested warrior
for all you said you wanted.
No point in treading water,
I���m drowning in your ocean.
How can I give my heart to another
when it still lies beating in your hands?
Warm blood trickling ���twixt your fingers,
dripping with careless abandon
to form the blackest lake
that pulls me in
until there���s
nothing
left
.
March 26, 2015
Social Media | Book Tag
Let’s talk about books!
It feels like ages since I did a book tag and I not only enjoy doing them, but also think they���re a good way to get us all thinking and talking about everything bookish. So, here is one that has us liken books to certain social media platforms. It���s far less complicated than I made it sound, so let���s just jump in, and as always, please feel free to also do this tag or leave your responses in the comments.
Twitter: Your favourite short book (under 200 pages)
I could say one of my own��� but that would be cheating, right? ;) I���ll go with The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. One of the best examples of cleverly using an unreliable narrator, it messes with your mind and shows how less really is more.
Facebook: A book that everyone pressured you to read.
Possibly The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It wasn���t so much that people were specifically telling me to read it; it just felt like there was a lot of buzz building and so when I heard there was going to be a movie adaptation, I thought it was time I found out what the fuss was about before it hit the big screen. Fortunately, I ended up enjoying the series.
Tumblr: A book you read before it was cool.
Can I get away with saying Harry Potter by (Queen) J.K. Rowling? Technically they were always cool but I did read the first one when it was released, before there were sequels, movies, theme parks and all that jazz.
MySpace: A book that you liked when you were younger, but you probably would not like now.
I���m going to be really controversial here and say The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I���m actually currently in the ongoing process of periodically re-reading the series for the first time since childhood and it���s not that I dislike them ��� not at all. I still think they���re a great way to introduce young readers to fantasy and they definitely have a lot of charm. As an adult however, I am picking up on some pretty archaic underlying views that I would have been blind to as a child. Still, I���d be the first one to hotfoot it to Narnia if Mr. Tumnus showed up in my wardrobe.
Instagram: A book that has the most beautiful cover in existence.
So many to choose from ��� I���m a sucker for a pretty cover. Having just recently read it however, the one that���s in my mind is The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. That one is gorgeous in physical form and the hardback version is slightly textured as well which makes it even more alluring. The actual story is also beautifully whimsical in spite of its darkness.
YouTube: A book that you wish was made into a movie.
The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness, definitely. I genuinely kept thinking the whole way through all three gloriously wonderful books that they would lend themselves brilliantly to the big screen. Apparently the rights have been sold and a script is potentially in the works, so this could actually happen.
Goodreads: A book that you would recommend to anyone and everyone.
A Monster Calls ��� Undoubtedly and forever. This book is also by the supremely talented Patrick Ness and is majestically heart-breaking. It deals with life, death and fear; things that all of us must face up to at some point, therefore there isn���t a human on this Earth who I feel will not be able to take something from it. There is also an edition with stunning illustrations by Jim Kay that add so much depth and atmosphere, so I highly recommend you pick up that one if you can.
March 24, 2015
Endurance
The brightest stars from the darkest nights
and greenest grass from stagnant soils.
Gentle ripples in the wake of fiercest waves
and strongest wings that coast beyond the beats.
The light of dawn ignites the humble sky
melting blackest fears into impatient sleep.
But to know the warmth of summer suns so bright,
one must feel the icy grip of winter���s reign.
March 21, 2015
White Gold
Gullfoss, Iceland
The ice of crystals in my blood
and bite of harshest winds
can���t dull my swelling heart.
March 18, 2015
All is Full of Love | #BeWoW
Be Wonderful on Wednesday, or #BeWow, is a blogging initiative that encourages people to post about something positive every Wednesday, and this week the suggested topic was a song and lyrics that have inspired us. As a lover of music and someone who is always happy to try and spread positivity, I couldn���t help but get involved.
It���s an obvious choice for me to select a Bj��rk song, as they have been an ongoing source of inspiration to me. Many read like poems in their own right and she often draws on the wonder of nature and the love of those around her, as I do in much of my own writing.
In all honesty I could have chosen practically any of her songs; she���s an artist I hugely admire, lyrically, vocally and visually. I decided in the end to go with All is Full of Love. I���m fairly sure I���ve shared this wonderful live performance on my blog before but now seemed like a perfect opportunity to do so again and you don���t get much more positive than the message behind this song; that we all have people who care about us, even if we can���t always see it. The beauty of its lyrics really is in their simplicity. This is definitely one to be blasted at full volume with the wind in your hair ;)
As a performer, Bj��rk also inspires me in the way that her voice can transcend from vulnerable and almost childlike in its innocence to powerful and earthy in a heartbeat. As a reflection of this, trying to portray a powerful meaning beneath delicate words is the aim of much of my poetry.
Here are the lyrics in full:
—
You’ll be given love
You’ll be taken care of
You’ll be given love
You have to trust it
Maybe not from the sources
You have poured yours
Maybe not from the directions
You are staring at
Twist your head around
It’s all around you
All is full of love
All around you
All is full of love
You just ain’t receiving
All is full of love
Your phone is off the hook
All is full of love
Your doors are all shut
All is full of love
All is full of love
—
What song/artist inspires you?
March 16, 2015
Indie Book Haul | Part Three
Support Indie Authors
It���s been a while since I posted an update on the indie books I���ve read in recent times. I love to read as diverse a range of books as possible, in terms of both genre and authorship, as well as to highlight some hidden gems that may otherwise fly under your radar. So, without further ado, here is a selection of some indie reads and links to the authors’ blogs/websites where you can find out more info.
Procession of Eternity ��� This one is cheating slightly, as I was lucky enough to get hold of a beta copy, but trust me, you���re going to want to keep an eye out for the release of this one. It does exactly what you hope for in a sequel and builds on everything that made the first story great.
The Watch ��� This collection of poetry and accompanying artwork is intelligent and immersive. Each poem has its own story to tell and the pieces combine to make for a thought-provoking book.
The Fifth Watcher ��� A relentless pace, pulse-pounding action, charming friendship, mystery and steamy romance, all in a cool, sci-fi setting. What���s not to like?
My Wings ��� Raw, heartfelt poetry that is cleverly split into ���dark��� and ���light��� sections. This makes it easy to read based on your mood but also to reflect on how each of us must face up to both sides within us.
Heart of the Arena ��� This is the fourth of Mishka���s books I have read and know by now to expect fun, exciting rides that mix action and romance with ease. It didn���t disappoint.
Tuesday Daydreams: A Journal in Verse ��� Simple but effective poems that centre around the changing seasons and all the charm that comes with them.
The Snow Killer ��� I���ve read Holden���s poetry for a while but was new to her fiction. This short tale was intriguing and worth the read, for sure.
—
Have you discovered any good indie books/authors recently?
March 13, 2015
Aurora
Dearest Aurora,
Goddess of illusion.
A hypnotic dance of wonder
in emerald hues of brilliance
but it is us ablaze with envy
for where you go we follow,
awaiting hints of sparkle
weaving through the stars,
to feast on your splendour
and transcend this mortal world.
March 11, 2015
The Land of Fire and Ice
I���m back from my long-dreamt-of trip to Iceland and can in all honesty say that despite years of anticipation, it did not disappoint. The beauty of the landscape is unlike anything I have ever witnessed (and I���m lucky enough to live in some of Scotland���s most striking highlands). The culture and atmosphere were both warm yet relaxed ��� unlike the weather!
Of course, my inner-geek also marvelled at how heavily modern life and history there revolve around literature and storytelling (they actually have the highest number of bookshops and the most imported/translated books per capita in the world).
All in all, it was a fantastic experience, and I already hope to return one day to explore more of what this fascinating country has to offer. Here are just a few snapshots from my time in the land of fire and ice.
The view over Reykjavik from the top of the stunning church, Hallgrimskirkja.
The church itself.
The Sun Voyager, a popular sculpture and viewing point for the ocean beyond.
��ingvellir, a National Park and World Heritage Site near the capital city that includes the country���s largest natural lake.
Gullfoss, a mesmerizingly beautiful waterfall that is without doubt one of the most stunning sights I���ve ever seen. No pictures or words can do justice to its sheer scale and presence of power. It was like stepping onto another world and has to be seen to be truly believed.
The flow of water that feeds into Gullfoss.
The old harbour at night.
To look at the gorgeous view of the ocean and mountains behind me, you wouldn���t know this was taken at the heart of the city centre, right beside Harpa, the world-renowned concert hall and home of the symphony orchestra: Nature is never far away in Iceland.
I���ll leave it at that for now, but I hope this gives even a small taste of the wondrous place that Iceland is. I���ve never been anywhere that felt more harmonious when it comes to the balance between modern, convenient living and utter respect for the natural world. I highly recommend you visit should you ever get the chance.
March 5, 2015
Bucket List Trip
Iceland, here I come!
Tomorrow is the day I tick a big box on my bucket list and finally fly out for a trip to Iceland. The landscape, the nature, the culture; it���s a place I���ve long wanted to see for myself and I���m very excited to make it a reality at last.
I���ll do my best to check out posts as and when I can but I won���t be posting for around a week myself and forgive me if I���m a little more absent than usual when it comes to commenting ��� I���ll try and catch up when I���m back home!
Have a lovely week and happy World Book Day!
