The surgery was scheduled. I thought I could cure all my ills with some skilful application of the surgeon's knife. I thought who I was, was so bad, it must be cut out, silenced - prevented from harming myself and others. Truth is, I mostly only ever hurt myself. Truth is, I love myself, respect... Continue Reading →
Book Reviews: ‘River Ghosts’ by Merril D. Smith and ‘Perceptions’ by Ivor Steven and Derrick Knight
If you are looking for some recommended reading, I have the following book reviews for you from Merril D. Smith, and Ivor Steven/Derrick Knight. Curl up with a cup of coffee and read on... River Ghosts by Merril D. Smith This delightful volume of over 50 original poems is Merril's debut poetry collection, published by... Continue Reading →
‘My Life With MND’ by Daina Mason
I have a very brave aunt, Daina Mason (pictured above), who has been living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for 8 years. Using eye-gaze technology, she has written her own account of living with the disease, from the first symptoms, through diagnosis right up to her present-day life and challenges. Writing the book was a... Continue Reading →
Nothing Is More Real Than Nothing. – Nick Reeves
I wish to be one of the first to congratulate Nick Reeves on the inclusion of his piece, ‘A Surprising Success: The Maas Ice-Cream Empire 1935-76’ in the anthology Nothing Is More Real Than Nothing, published by Valley Press today. By way of an introduction to the text, Nick writes: I first became aware of... Continue Reading →
Cassettes Live @ Three Tanners Bank
Marking their post-pandemic return to the live music scene, Cassettes performed a 25-minute live acoustic set at this intimate North Tyneside venue on Sunday night. I had the privilege of attending and witnessing a seasoned, soulful performance from frontman and founder Nick Reeves... Looking effortlessly cool in lime-green turtleneck, braces and Converse boots, Nick takes... Continue Reading →
Lake District Love Letters #8: Mardale and Haweswater
I realise it's been almost a year since I wrote one of these! (How did this happen?) I have so much material now, but I've been so busy with publishing activities, family commitments, etc, that I struggle to find time to write them up. The following, however, simply had to be written, for a number... Continue Reading →
Creative Looting in Times of Austerity/ The Soap Company
Exciting news from EIF's very own Nick Reeves! Follow the link to find out more... The Soap Company return after a six year hiatus with Album 6 (Proper) ‘Creative Looting in Times of Austerity‘. Head honcho, Tony Soap, has pulled … Creative Looting in Times of Austerity/ The Soap Company
Global Assembly Feedback #earthweal
Thank you to all who took part in my Citizens' Assembly via earthweal this week. I have submitted our feedback, stories and suggestions to the organisers, meaning they should feature in the first official Global Assembly 2021 report! I really appreciate the care, effort and consideration which participants gave to this challenge. Below you will... Continue Reading →
Call for Submissions from Gabriela Marie Milton!
Dear Readers, I have a very exciting announcement for you this afternoon: Gabriela Marie Milton, Amazon #1 Bestselling author of Woman: Splendor and Sorrow will be publishing a new poetry anthology, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women with EIF! The publication is planned for the end of May 2022, and submissions are open... Continue Reading →
Nominated for Spillwords Author of the Year!
Dear Readers, This morning I am thrilled to announce my nomination for Spillwords Author of the Year! This is an immense honour, and I am truly humbled, both by the support I have received from the Spillwords Editorial Team over the past year, and of course from every single person who reads and shows appreciation... Continue Reading →