VeraClark's blog

This week I've chosen two pieces steeped in history, time and place. I'm sure you'll find them a rich, transporting read. Story of the Week goes to Markle for his stunning travel autobiography 'Wild Venice', full of detail and historical insight. Poem of the Week goes to Philip Sidney for 'Not a Shakespearian Sonnet' a delicate, beautifully written tribute to the great man himself. Congratulations to both. http://www.abctales.com/story/markle/...

This week’s picks stayed with me from the minute I read them. Both are stunningly constructed. Congratulations to Noo for her darkly woven prose-poem ‘My Reflection’ and Celticman for his richly impressionist fiction ‘Glitter.’ http://www.abctales.com/story/noo/my-reflection-poetry-monthly http://www.abctales.com/story/celticman/glitter This week’s IP is to write a story or poem inspired by a phrase you’ve found in some junk mail.

March’s brief was to use repetition in your work. Not as easy as it sounds because rhythm needs to cooperate, too. Thank you to Silver Spun Sand for the gift of her idea. Here are three gorgeous poems chosen for the distinct ways in which they use repetition: Bear’s dynamic poem is a kaleidoscope of rhythm, live with energy: http://www.abctales.com/story/bear/poetess-poetry-monthly Philip Sidney bought us the music of broken glass and the highs...

There has been such a variety of great work to read on ABCTales this week. However, Story of the Week goes to Blackjack Davey for his unusual and beautifully composed ‘Cosmic Arboretum’ and Poem of the Week goes to maggyvaneijk for her stunningly emotive ‘Retrospective Drawings.’ Congratulations to you both. http://www.abctales.com/story/maggyvaneijk/retrospective-drawings http://www.abctales.com/story/blackjack-davey/cosmic-arboretum This week'...

The theme for February was borders and they featured in your poetry in a variety of ways: metaphorical, lyrical and physical, often as framing devices and even boundaries in the mind. The garden was exceptionally popular but it rarely featured bog standard features such as lawns and rosebushes or washing lines. Noo’s idea was fresh and liberating, a big thank you. Here are three beauties you came up with: Pat G’s gorgeous poem creates atmosphere...

Childhood nightmares and surreal dream-like poetry came from January’s brief. It was unsettling yet magnetic to read. There are many familiar faces contributing to Poetry Monthly now which is so encouraging and this month saw some new participants who have contributed some striking pieces of work. I hope they return this month. I wrote my own mythical poem too – a foxy family one – and shamelessly made full use of peer critical feedback. Not...

Happy New Year, don’t let it be a blank page. The visual poetry last month was wonderful - experimental and diverse, you all got to grips with strong poems making patterns on the page. Here are three gems: Canonette was back with tongue in cheek Christmas critique and a fir tree: http://www.abctales.com/story/canonette/christmas-special-poetry-monthly Silver Spun Sand brought dance to her vibrant words: http://www.abctales.com/story/silver-spun-...

Thank you to Bee for her fabulous performance poetry idea last month. It was really successful and a luxury to watch and listen to lots of superb poetry with a cup of tea and a packet of chocolate covered nutty biscuits. Here are three cracking performance pieces, do follow the links to hear the sound bites: londoncalling brings home to life. Dark and brooding with unmistakeable fondness: http://www.abctales.com/story/londoncalling79/home-poetry...

Travelling from one place to another heightens the senses. In October we hit the road again and the quality of the journey was astounding – poetry that used memory in both the surreal and conventional. Your confidence in experimentation stood out and loudly. Some pieces have been selected for POTD and POTW which goes to show that Love-writing’s theme gave rise to great work - a big thanks. Detailed critiques are also emerging now, so do get...

September’s poetry brief was so inspiring because we found poetry in our daily routines; the usual haunts where we pause or pass through were seen afresh with a scrutinising eye and some truly skewered perspectives. Refreshing is the word that emerged whilst reading. Thank you for setting us free, Bear. Here’s a roundup of some excellent found poetry: Silver Spun Sand found those predictable gems in funeral conversations: http://www.abctales.com...