A Gathering Of Words

All good things...

2010-08-18T11:53:00.001-07:00

...must come to an end.

Yes, I will no longer be updating this blog page! However, don't be sad. I've changed my home website www.craig-gilbert.com to a Wordpress blogging page - which basically means my blogs, angst, woes, happiness and general views will be posted there instead.

Well, it makes sense to have everything under one roof for a change!

Thanks for following me on here. Hope to see you on there!!

Craig

A Choice Of Ages

2010-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone...

My poetry book A Gathering Of Wings is spreading its wings and nearing completion. I'm still in a quandry of how to go about publishing this one. Do I follow the self-publishing route (that I've done in the past) which ensures a quick publication, or do I begin to seek out potential publishers, something that will take a while but may reap the bigger reward?

The benefit of a real publishing deal does not necessarily ensure I gain more readers, which, ultimately, is my goal. The internet and self-publishing has, certainly for me, allowed my work to get out from my own home (and brain) and reach people - not a lot of people, mind you, but you know who you are! So, do I really want or need a publishing deal? Answers on a postcard (or comment below for ease of use!)

Books are increasingly becoming 'online'; hardware like Kindles are being designed for this goal - but there is still something romantic and comfortable to own a book, have it in your hands - will this ever go? I hope not - I think both options have their pros and cons, of course, but I'm a firm believer in reading away from a screen. I'm sure we spend far too much time in front of them, so why add to the onslaught?

Whatever I decide (and the choice may be taken from me if magazines/publishers decide not to pursue my work), I am very happy with my new book. It has really taken on a life of its own, and forms a solid (if a rather dark) story about a new world; an otherworld leaking through into our own, to lay claim to it. As you can tell, my influence comes from many movies, books and old stories. Mine isn't a new story - but I hope told in a suitably different way!

Expect more news on A Gathering Of Wings before the end of the year; I should then, at least, have decided (or had decided for me) my choice of publishing.

Until then, I post a poem I wrote tonight, suitably apt, called 'The Choice Of Ages'. Hope you enjoy...

The Choice Of Ages

Dare I go with you?
Your outstretched hand of wisdom seems to wink.
If I leave, will your destination lure me from the brink
Of wounded hearts, suffering and demented views?

My first instinct is to look back, cacophony,
I hear the endless cries of the banshees,
Wailing in their tormented laughs to disagree
At each other's woes; their own is far worse, you see!

I linger, but view your resolute body.
I hesitate to join your cause,
Well, the unknown is always frightful, I suppose...
Or is leaving behind what I am my final glory?

Yet if I stay, I remain amongst these masses.
The people of all history combined descending,
Bewildering glimmers of light and dark coalescing -
All is not sour in these fields of red ashes.

Is it over, for us, then?
A brush and a clean and the bacteria is gone,
New shining stars birthed, unearthed, to belong?
If so then perhaps we will start again.

For my own journey, well,
It can't end here, my thoughts confirm,
I bleed my life and heart to learn...

...My soul still exists in your leafy dells.

(c) Copyright Craig Gilbert 2010

New Chapters

2010-06-25T01:09:00.001-07:00

Hello again. It is with great relish that I write this blog; my first for some time, for a multitude of reasons. The first main reason is I have not had internet access due to a change in phone company. What should have taken a few days culminated in about three weeks of disconnection, much to my frustration. Never mind, it has forced me to change my daily internet habits and return to a previous time when the word 'Internet' meant nothing, and to embark on other pursuits, such as gardening (growing my own vegetables becoming a new phase), reading more (something I didn't have much time for but I'm greatly appreciative to return back to doing this), and, dare I say it, visiting places, enjoying the sunshine and nature's free gifts of landscapes, wildlife and fresh air!

The time away from the computer has actually been beneficial. It has allowed my thoughts to drift onto new chapters and horizons; hone what will be the next installment of my writing projects, websites, heck, life in general.

On writing, I've continued with my poetry, albeit more slowly. I've decided to focus a bit on promotion of the work, which I find very difficult, as all I actually want to do is write, not market myself, but then with nobody else to do it I need to try and do something. I've so far sent a selection of my poems to various magazines, with a view to getting one or two published. Not heard anything back so far, but that to me is a good sign. I feel if I can get my name out there a bit, this will pave the way towards the holy grail, an actual publishing deal. Of course, if this never happens, I will continue to publish my work the way I've always done, through online resources and paying for my own books, but we shall see if anything develops. I have also begun writing articles/reviews for an online magazine 'Imagine Daily' of which you can read at www.imaginedaily.com (thanks Melanie for giving me that chance).

I'm also increasing my network of creative people (Twitter and Facebook are quite handy in this regard), which brings me onto another project: 'Stripeymouse'. This is a work in progress. I am currently delving into the world of WordPress, an online blogging system that can handle a lot more than just, well, blogging. Using this I intend to create a website which will allow creative people I know to share their work and ideas, and also allow people to logon and buy items should they so desire. The goal in the end would be a fully functional site that would showcase the talents of many of my friends and creative colleagues, so it is very exciting to begin to think about it. Of course, I still need to learn WordPress fully, so I'm expecting a slow (but steady) start. It helps to be back online, of course!

As a new fan of WordPress, I also envisage changing my own website (yes, here we go again!), to also incorporate the functions and features that will allow people to buy my writing much easier than at present, and also promote my site a lot better in search engines. Watch this space! I'm never one to tarry too long on the same designs, as people know...!

Project wise, my mind is filled with new ideas, but I'm wise enough now to at least finish the projects already started, that is, 'A Gathering of Wings' and 'The Dark Shores'. These are my first priority, along with the marketing/promotion of them. After that, well, perhaps I'll leave that to another blog sometime.

Until next time!

De-Clutter

2010-05-06T13:38:00.001-07:00

Out with the old, and in with the new, that's been the motto for the last few weeks, both physically and mentally.

Physically, well, I've been having a really big tidy up in the house: old furniture has been taken away to local charity, and new furniture has been bought and set up; the garden has had new plants potted and old weeds removed; my paperwork, drawers and even ornaments are all going through a massive shake-up. It feels good but bewildering all at the same time. Still, I need to make more room as of late the house has gotten a little bit out of hand; plus it's useful space now for my girlfriend to bring in her own things and make the place happier, vibrant and fresh once again.

This de-cluttering regime has begun to take its toll on my mental sanity, forcing me to rethink my muddled thoughts into something clearer, sharper and more focussed. This is undoubtedly a good thing, helping to steer my brain into my creative pursuits in a controlled way. Therefore, as part of this mental de-clutter, I've purposely decided to concentrate on A Gathering Of Wings, my latest poetry book in production, to ensure its completion before the end of the year. All other projects will be put on hold. I was certainly stretching myself way too thin, so this should present an achievable goal. With more time and effort spent on this one project, I am hoping to make it even better and bolder than the original concept/time had so far allowed! This, coupled with reading more and fitting this into my week, will help my ideas and writing expand.

As if this weren't enough, I am now starting to adapt to a more sustainable life; including growing my own veg and cooking soup amongst other things. Having become recently aware of the scandal of palm oil being in thousands of products we take for granted, and the issues palm oil plantations are doing to rainforests and orang-utans, I am making a more concerted effort to buy better produce! Of course there's no way I could eliminate palm oil entirely from my diet (half the stuff I use I don't even know if it's in or not - some people label it vegetable oil as well), but at least I can try and lessen my use of it.

Until next time...!

Creative blues

2010-04-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not been as straightforward a month as I had envisaged!

Things keep getting in the way of my writing: work projects, design of websites and gardening, to name a few. I wonder if other creative people who work full-time suffer the same fate?

Another major barrier is my own brain - I've had a bit of writer's block lately, and the stuff I've managed to write just doesn't seem that dynamic or vibrant; certainly not as good as I would hope to be able to achieve, these days. I wish I could have a post here telling you all how brilliantly I've done, but it's slow, slow progress...but then isn't everything in life that is worthwhile slow? Instant results do not often show the love, creativity and imagination. Cracks would show...so I can't be too hard on myself. What I do need to do though is enthuse my mind again by reading, reading, reading, which is really the only way for an author to compare his own work - with the work of other, already published authors! (It also builds up the vocabulary).

In fact, I also think I need to watch more movies, and not just the usual hollywood action stuff - but solid, dramatic, powerful movies with emotional stories. I always find my imagination starts to soar when I watch a film with challenging themes. I'm not sure what's about at the local cinema; I might have to have a wee look, or find a DVD or something.

I mentioned gardening earlier, which is something I do enjoy, despite it eating into my writing time. The garden is looking quite good at the moment, with tulips and daffodils just about opening after the extreme cold weather we've had. I've attracted a lot more birds into the garden too using feeders: blue tits, great tits, chaffinches, sparrows and blackbirds are all there. It's great watching them!

Right, I'd better crack on and write something different to this blog - catch you all again soon.

Tangerine April

2010-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

Just returned from a weekend in London to see Tangerine Dream, who played at the Royal Albert Hall. Sublime and mesmeric is how I would call it! Superb, especially for the man above where I sat who stood tall and proud, raised his arms aloft and chanted 'I love you Tangerine Dream!' I concur.

It was also a lovely time to catch up with friends, old and new! A good time was had by all, including some odd moments of attempting arm wrestles in pubs and taking photos by places called 'Craig's Court'...ah well, it was all pretty good, at the end of the day!!

So now I'm back (and back at work), I'm going to settle down and begin my writing extravaganza, as promised for April. First up is 'The Dark Shores', and if I can write a good two or three chapters this month, that will be fantastic and pave the way for a completion by the end of the year, with any luck. In between I'm going to flesh out my poetry in 'A Gathering of Wings', and start to send this off to prospective publishers...

...I still dream of going part-time at work in an affordable way, so I can focus more on these creative outlets. It's not easy trying to compose epic fantasies and poetry while struggling with the, quite frankly, less than thrilling workload about paths. Still, I give a due nod to Sarah, who puts up with some stick, to say the least. I love the team I'm with, and that accounts for a lot. Still, I'm keeping my eyes open and my mind active!

Storms have battered the coastline up here of late. The esplanade here where I live flooded totally - I had a photo sent to me of the main road under the sea. Caravans fell into the sea also, and harbour walls collapsed under the might. Worst I've known since I moved up here! Incredibly the daffodils are now opening to Spring, and some much needed colour emerges. Hurrah!

Will hopefully provide a bit more of an update as April progresses. Thanks for reading, as always.

Why wait for April?

2010-03-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

Hi once again!

In my previous post I mentioned all my projects, and that I would make sure in April I would sit down and start my work through them. Well, I'm pleased to report, I didn't wait until April...I've started early!

Firstly, I've combined my two forums into one - Looking Within Creative Community is the result of this! This will bring together a host of creative souls under one roof - poets, artists, writers, painters, musicians, arts and crafts are all here...and it's doing well so far! My goal is to meet new people and share creative ideas; maybe make one or two new friends...and who could ask for anything more?

My budding web design idea has come to the fore, have a look at Techy Mouse, a site which I hope will help those in need of a website (for a modest fee, of course)! The sister site to this, Stripey Mouse, is still under construction - which will be a place for creative folk local to me to have a unique community, showcasing their work as well as my own. Exciting times and more news when it arrives...

...not content to sit on my laurels, I'm pleased to report a further writing effort on The Dark Shores, my second fantasy novel. And tonight? Well, my mind is awhirl with creative poetic impulses! I can only hope April shares this enthusiasm for all my projects (I'm determined it will).

Thanks, as always, for your support and for reading this...see you next month!

Manic March

2010-03-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

Isn't it great to be doing social things? My last two weekends have been filled with visiting friends' homes, old friends visiting me, listening to live music, eating pies, and generally drinking wine and whisky...this coming weekend is more of the same, only this time I'm heading out to see a Star Wars concert - I don't know too much of the details, as my good friend has booked me a ticket, but I'm looking forward to it, nonetheless...

...all this social mania is taking its toll on my writing projects; no less with work being its usual busy and mad self. I think I'm going to sit down in April and not go anywhere and just catch up on all my projects...including:

1. The Dark Shores - continuing my fantasy novel...
2. A Gathering Of Wings - continuing my latest poetry effort...
3. Updating my own website with news and gossip...
4. Creating two new websites: stripeymouse and techymouse, the former a creative outlet for like-minded souls, the latter a web design community I'm setting up...
5. Expansion of my discussion forum and poetry forum...
6. Practising my humble piano!

Going to be a busy April, eh? That's all to the good though. My journey in this life is never dull or boring.

I'm even trying to find time to fit in a few books too. I'm currently reading a Charles De Lint novel 'Someplace to be flying', which is a fascinating 'fantasy' book steeped in mysticsm and otherworld delights! Interesting to note the Crow girls in the book, especially after all my sightings of actual crows of late.

Anyhow, with any luck April will treble my output and get me back on track to complete some of the above projects before the end of the year!

Adventure - the call of the ancient tongues

2010-02-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

I've had many an evening lately looking out at the moon and stars (although it has been a bit too cold to linger for too long!) I wanted to capture a piece of these sightings in a poem, but it has taken me a long time to do so. I've used the moon several times in different poems over the years, as I'm sure many poets have done - and why argue with that? It is a symbol, a thing of beauty that humanity has always looked upon and marvelled at, even worshipped.

This turn of thought started me off even more, and the end result is the following poem...lots of things lurking about in this one. I just hope people read and enjoy it and get whatever they like out of it.

Adventure: The Call Of The Ancient Tongues

Kindred spirits run through the vibrant grass,
Barefoot and giddy with their inner karma:
Like children, at times, laughter echoing into the past,
Minds usurped by incandescence of ardour.

Maps of the world are hand-crafted and drawn,
A place so vast becomes finite and real:
Childs leave homes to have careers all their own,
In this world are billions of souls, stars to feel.

The crow flies, winking at the land below in gliding majesty.

The sun transforms the sky with swirls of colour,
Silhoutted trees pervade the delirious background:
Shimmering portals of fire and power,
We can but stand, rapt and in awe, at what we've found.

Across the oceans, deserts and savage terrain,
People shelter together in community and tenacity:
The elements provide a show, not just ruinous pain,
Inhospitable, maybe, but mere trials to human fantasy.

The eagle flexes its mighty wings, golden in the rising sun.

Adventure has taken us to the places beyond our homes,
The far reaching corners have statues to amaze:
I am constantly startled by how big we've become,
Small pieces of consciousness rising to infinity's gaze.

The moon is lovely tonight, glowing in reflected might,
I see the wisps of cloud gently tease its edges:
Hand aloft, I reach out and gather the sight,
Small moon, in my hands, I caress its ancient blemishes.

The owl blinks, and the eerie quiet of night shifts.

I wonder what next for my world and my kind,
We have power to harness the cosmic voids:
Set off into space on endless journeys, worlds to find,
Growing into beings of light, flesh removed, and blood?

When I sit here, my reverie oozing and mind distant,
I am reminded of things our species has made:
The call of the ancient tongues lurks deep and persistent,
A way of keeping us, enduring, without fade.

The hawk squawks, sending shivers down our spines.

That's all it takes.
A whisper, a feeling of unrest,
To make us realise:
After all this, we are still human.

(c) Craig Gilbert 2010

Organic

2010-02-10T13:10:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

A bit of time since my last post; I've been very busy - seemingly going everywhere except on my computer! Not to say I've not been doing anything though...there are some exciting things happening this month.

First and foremost, work on The Dark Shores continues. I am trying to write approximately 5 pages or so a week; which, if successful, will mean the first draft of this book will be complete in about 10 months or so (just in time for Christmas). After that I will make a point of going over it with a fine tooth comb, looking at grammar, spelling, and the story as a whole, getting rid of mistakes and editing the draft into a second, more powerful draft. Then I will be on a bit of a mission to send this to respective publishers. It's time to see if I can really break into the world of publishing, officially, rather than self-publication which is what I've done up to now (despite getting ISBN numbers and a relative cult following!)

In between the writing I am trying more to focus on a healthy body and mind.

For the body I've been buying local vegetables/fruit from local farm shops and cooking various things from soups to pies. I've never been one for cooking but I have been enjoying chopping up vegetables, especially in the knowledge they are from locally sourced farms (helps with the carbon footprint?) and transforming the cut veg/fruit into something tasty. Early stages, but it would be lovely to have enough garden space to start growing my own veg. Something to aim for, at least.

For the mind I've been doing some puzzle type games, currently Professor Layton on the Nintendo DS...enough for me to put some strain on the old grey matter, as is the prospect of a new challenging system at work...

I'm hoping this change of lifestyle will help with my creativity too...I am finding I am having more energy at least to do things, which is great.

Until next time...might have a poem or two for you in the next post!

A dip into prose

2010-01-12T13:42:00.001-08:00

Greetings all!

A good start to the new year. I've once more begun work on The Dark Shores, my second fantasy novel, whilst juggling the trials of work and website designs. Not quite got back into my piano routine, where I'm trying to solve the puzzle of music, but I'm sure I'll get there.

Been cold, hasn't it? Plenty of snow to excite! Unfortunately it's now turning to ice, which is treacherous to my well-being - I've narrowly missed crumpling to the ground on more than one occasion. Overall I've quite enjoyed this winter spell; it's been a proper winter, for a change, and long walks in the snow have been extremely pleasant.

I've been researching the truth behind prose. Prose isn't poetry, a person said on my guestbook, and I agree. It's quite tricky to write, but I've had a stab at it. The results are on my forum should anyone be interested, with a 'prose poem' entitled I Am Made of Porcelain. It's a start into a new realm of unchartered waters, but I enjoyed writing it, and I hope people get something out of it. I had an idea of interspersing my other poetry with these for my latest book A Gathering of Wings. We'll just have to wait and see what I decide, my mind changes from one day to the next...!

The adventure continues into the new year...I hope everyone is enjoying theirs so far!

Until next time...

Faeries and new years

2010-01-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!

My first post of 2010, and what better way than to begin with a new poem, penned this very evening. I hope everyone had a pleasant and peaceful holiday; it's now time to re-emerge out of winter, as it begins to lose its clutches, the shortest day having gone once more and the sun returning to shed its warmth...

In The Land Of The Faeries, I Do Dwell

Rustle those sweet wings of imperfect beauty:
The nature of them to be unique gives them their delight.
Hover and dazzle before my eyes of tainted, maladjusted sight,
Fill me with colourful passions that dance in purity.

I always sensed your work, even before I could see you:
Nurturing and guiding the plants to your beating hearts.
A magic takes hold, an effervescent sparkle of nature's parts,
Journeying around my body, stretching to touch your hue.

Birds are singing in the growing trees:
Fleeting winds toss and sway your movements with glee.
Laughing, a sweet noise upon the breeze heading out to sea,
This is where I'm bound, a place setting me free.

Waves and sand meet in a union of splutters and wheezes:
I walk along this shore, ears astounded with this song,
Ebb and flow, ebb and flow, into dreams where I belong,
A destiny, perhaps, a solitude of new hope with the faeries.

Oh yes, in the land of the faeries, I do dwell:
Spreading their work like humans who know compassion,
Beating the goodness out of their tiny wings in sensations
That arouse the bond between humanity and idyllic dells.

Let us never forget this concocted landscape:
Of flowing hills, rivers, trees and rock,
Embraced in nature's forge, this is what has been wrought!
A world worth saving; regeneration never too late.

(c) Craig Gilbert 2010

A December of Crows

2009-12-15T13:49:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness...is it almost a month since my last post?!!! Not good!! It has shown to me how busy my life has become...in particular the full-time chaos that is my current job. In these climes I am fortunate to have a job, and a busy one, and I am grateful for that, but at times I also wish I could just let go and fly from it; write some more, do more creative spiritual work that my heart and soul craves!

It is fitting that what I am writing right now is all about change: a change in the world, a change in people's views and minds, a change that reflects a lot of current interests in the world right now. We have global warming/climate change, we have banks so greedy they destroy whole systems, we have animals going extinct and people starving, and the age old problem of war...are humans meant to fight? History seems to think so, and the current age is no exception...

...however my writing seems to be taking on a world of its own lately. Disjointed, yes, well, I'm not getting the time required to sit and write decent stuff, but when I do get the time, I'm relatively pleased with the results - I can only focus and improve as the new year dawns. 2010 is all about focusing, writing, writing, writing!!

I keep seeing crows. It is true. I am monitoring my crow-sightings. Out of all birds lately, these are the birds I'm seeing the most. They seem to be watching me...eyes from the otherworld come to greet me...odd especially as I continue to write my cataclysmic epic 'A Gathering of Wings', much in tune with nature and birds, in particular crows, in all their black gothic glory!

So, how many have I seen? Lots. Three going into work, one on a separate tree each. One on my lampost outside my house, gloating at me as I type on my computer. One at work, on the roof just beside my work window. Recent walks too - crows glancing down at me from trees, from hedges, even walking around on the grass beside my feet.

It's funny, but maybe they've always been there, and I've only just tuned my mind and eyes to see them. Or maybe there's more of them. Something is certainly happening.

We'll see if the new year unearths more mystery surrounding these birds, and, indeed, my own creative writing...2010 is going to be a year of change, of that I already know.

Merry christmas and a happy new year to all my readers! Catch up with you again soon, I promise.

A few words

2009-11-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

Mmm, nice to be back in the land of the living following a tummy upset...not pleasant, fun or clever - and the less said about it the better!

November flies by in a whirlwind of rain and wind...and the creative processes dry up under the weight of work, illnesses and cold nights. Until now!

As the year rushes to its climax, I sense a slight change in my writing - a tiny, shivering glimmer of a spark is emerging...a way forward on many of my projects. Next year holds immense promise and I can't wait for its arrival...

...helping fuel my inspirations currently range from poetry festivals (never been to one of those before and it was an eye-opener!), lectures about doing, the clear night skies, the deluge of stormy weather (not the same night as the clear night of course), the onslaught of time, new movies and old ones, new acquaintances and old ones...in fact there's been a whole array of interesting moments currently that have made me stop and think about things.

Thinking for me, is good, of course...;)

I will compose a more meaningful blog very soon - but this is a quick post to say I've not forgotten this page and now my creative forces are back on full throttle...watch out.

Electricity despair brings new light!

2009-11-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

What a crazy week it has been...no sooner had my car decided not work, my electricity supply appeared to be cut off with no way of getting it back without an expensive call to an electrician...however the next morning I could flick the trip switch that couldn't be flicked the night before and presto, I now have electricity again. How bizarre! Changed a fuse on the boiler; that might do the trick. Who knows...we wait with baited breath!!

While I was contemplating in the ensuing darkness I had a few ideas going through my mind to do with my writing and my life in general. Indeed, after such a tough busy week at work as well, it really focused my mind on trying to achieve some sense of inner calm and demeanour. The way my mind (and I!) can get excitable is through doing creative processes, it is just something I've always done. Writing a poem makes me feel good - it makes me feel I've not wasted an evening and that I'm continuing to focus and adapt and try and produce better work. It's a journey...

My journey lately seems to have been stuck in numerous ruts and pot-holes: too much work, too little time, woes such as car and electricity faults, lack of progress creatively and my books falling off the radar...

...well I'm pleased to report that today, on this Sunday, in the lovely sun, I've written a new poem, I've dusted off an article for Imagine Magazine I had needed to do, I edited my own website and that of one at work that was needed, and written this blog...not bad, not bad at all - I even managed a bit of exercise! So, of course, all of this has made my mind happy, and my day a good one.

Life certainly is full of these cycles, of good days and bad, but ultimately I'm getting to where I want to be. My dreams and aspirations remain, and my slow ponderous steps are taking me towards them.

I've just got to give myself some slack, and some time...

Car trouble & future hopes

2009-10-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

Ah, winter is drawing in with the clocks changing again, and right on cue, my car decides to malfunction! I can't really complain, my car is now around 12 years old, and still going strong. This time the problem was with the brakes, involving a tow to the local garage and an expensive bill to fix. Never mind, it is done, I'm back on the road. In fact, I'm hoping the car will now last another year or two - and I hope it will be in good form as I'm planning on going camping in it next year!

I feel it is time to once again see parts of Scotland I rarely see, even places I've not been to yet. Scotland is such a vast, open country - a joy to live here, it really is - it's time to go visit the islands, and the mountains!

I am therefore quite excited about the year to come. I think it will be one of adventure, song and creativity!

Oh yes, and The Dark Shores is coming. It really is. Another chapter complete...I'm well over 100 pages into it now...and this time I'm going to try and get a proper publishing deal, so it will be available in bookstores all across the UK! A tall order, but it has to be possible, right? Some of us struggling authors must break through, or we wouldn't have any bookshops! Yes, it's going to be an interesting year. I'm also a good half-way through A Gathering Of Wings also, my latest poetry works. I'm also going to try and get this one published in the mainstream way.

I've just had a wonderful idea as well, of leaving my books in coffee shops and pubs! Free books to whoever finds it. Free advertising for me (well, the cost of one of my books I suppose). Mmm, think I may do a page on my website all about this. So, if you do find a copy of one of my books in a public place somewhere, be sure to let me know where and when you find it!!

A Sea Of Robots

2009-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

A Sea Of Robots

Blank, looking out at the world with senses subdued,
Following footsteps in daily, meaningless rituals,
Turn on, turn off, switch on, switch off -
A digital age of binary and flowing microchips,
Increasing in size, stature and overtaking our egos:
We no longer rule this nest.
In this ocean of neon lights and designs,
I see a sea of robots bereft of thought,
Walking towards their end without feeling,
Rusting metal as the water laps at their feet.

(c) Craig Gilbert 2009

Thought I'd start my blog with a poem I wrote tonight - an attempt at something a little bit different. Many of my poems are about me, or seen through my eyes; I've tried to create something a bit more tangible and interesting (to do with the threat of technology blanking our brains - but of course you knew that!)

I spend a lot of my time sat at a computer screen, and many times it does seem to just make my mind go blank and dull, when all my thoughts seem suddenly gone and I am almost in trance like, meditating state - although this form of trance offers no health benefits whatsoever, just tired eyes and a tired mind!

I've been reading a book on meditation (the proper way) where I've been instructed to focus on my breathing as an object, counting my inhalations/exhalations, taking the mind away from humdrum thoughts...I really like the sound of this, and I will try and do just this - certainly my friend Colly has said similar things in her blog (I'm following her now, why not take a look? Some interesting stuff there!)

Perhaps using meditative techniques, and staying away from a 'neon light and design', I might get my mind back in shape!! We can but hope...;)

New projects

2009-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

A new week, and lots of new projects on the go (as if I didn't have enough already, but then to be busy is a good thing, I am not complaining!)

My good friend Melanie (and owner of the new creative Imagine magazine ), has handed over her poetry forum to me, as she is now focusing on other things. This is an exciting prospect for me, as I can now meet like-minded individuals and try and take the poetry forum to another level of communication and collaboration. Have a look and feel free to join. My first job methinks will be to change the graphics/colours and general layout of the forum, to make it all new and glowing, and then take it from there. How fun to now be the administrator for TWO forums :)

In addition to taking on this new mantle, I've also been asked to provide a new article for the new edition of Imagine magazine, another thing I'm really honoured and grateful to do! Looks like I'm going to be nice and busy. All in-between my day job, as well...:)

Still, I've even had some time to go out and about and sample some events. I was delighted to have seen the big man walking event which had a giant blue man walking around my local town with people pulling big ropes behind him to lift his feet! Made a welcome change to just walking around the town centre, I can tell you...plus I rather enjoyed the music accompanying the giant (very Ozric Tentacle-esque I would say.

We've been fortunate to have some good weather here in Scotland of late too, which has helped me get out and about. My most recent trip was to Loch Leven, where there is a lovely farm shop/cafe - I recommend their baked potatoes most heartily! Then I proceeded to have a lovely walk around the loch, and was stunned to have a whole flight of pink-footed geese fly over my head and land in the water. A gorgeous sight and a place of immeasurable beauty!

Life is good :)

A love for Paypal

2009-10-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've just updated my website today, making things easier for people if they want to buy my books. Click here for more info!

I've worked out how to do Paypal money requests now, so if anyone wants to order any of my books, and also receive a signed copy and limited edition moo card, this is the way to do it!

I've had to look at alternative methods as my book publisher (based in US) no longer sells on Amazon UK, which is a bit of a pain as most of my customers come from the UK! Ah well, it's time to change publisher maybe...I will endeavour to send my new poetry book 'A Gathering Of Wings', when it is completed, to a UK publishing firm (I'll start with Faber & Faber I think) and see if get anywhere. Then you'll be able to buy my work in actual bookshops in your town!! Now wouldn't that be a lovely dream!

I had a dream last night where I wrote a novel in 2 days!! My mind is certainly willing, but my body is weak! That would be a fantastic effort. Perhaps my subconscious is toying with me, as my novels seem to take several years to complete...still, when the mood grabs me, I can write pages and pages...;) sure I will get there!

In fact I think I shall go and write a bit now rather than mess about with this blog...but there we are, a wee update for you all!

Standing Stones and Changes

2009-09-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ah, I'm lagging behind in my updates...well it was only a matter of time, wasn't it? I'm not going to be hard on myself though, there's been a lot happening of late and it's prevented me from having the time necessary to sit and scribble down a blog...but here it is, and I'll soften the blow of the delay with a picture!
This shows my lovely work colleague Sarah standing by one of the tremendous and large standing stones in Fife, namely one of the Lundin Links standing stones. Most odd as they stand in the middle of a fairway on a golf course! Very impressive, nonetheless, and often missed by tourists. We were investigating rights of access to these stones as part of a work outing. I am not allowed out much but I was very delighted to go here; in fact I kind of threw my name into the pot for going as I've always been interested in standing stones. These did not disappoint!
I am not sure if the energy from the stones has produced such a change in my life, but at the moment I am running around like a happy dog, going out a lot more than before, seeing parts of Scotland I've not seen before (and that's just in Fife) and generally having a complete change of diet and routine...the diet is good, more protein and healthy fruit and veg...well I was losing a bit of weight so I'm aiming to put more on...and yes of course I'm going to exercise as well...in fact running may be back on the cards sooner than anyone thought!
Not much to report with my books, although my previous entry concerning Paypal purchases on my website will come to fruition soon. It will give me more control over my book sales and ensure people are getting them from the UK, eliminating shipping problems amongst other things.
Onwards and ever upwards!

Spark and marketing

2009-09-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm a couple of days late, but that's fine, I'm still doing quite well with these weekly updates. No idea who's reading this, I am hopeful more and more as time progresses, especially now I've got my Moo cards advertising my website and this blog!

Moo cards are like business cards really, although I've gone for the mini ones which have artwork on one side (I've been lucky enough to get Jim Kirkwood to do the artwork for my new poetry book 'A Gathering of Wings') so this art is featured, and my details on the reverse. A good way to promote oneself, I would like to think!! Here's hoping anyway.

My forum is a bit slow and lacking in members, just now. I asked a friend of mine, who runs a successful poetry forum, how she consistently gets new members and interest to it. 'Networking, baby, networking!' was the reply.

So, it makes me wonder, how does one 'network'? I think it is time I did more than just use 'word of mouth' (handy though that is). My initial wave will be using the internet, various sites such as social networking ones (Facebook, Bebo, Myspace), onto Twitter of course, and then even other forums and poetry/book clubs. With any luck I'll get a couple of new members to my own forum via these routes. If anyone has any other ideas on how to use the internet to 'network', I will be most grateful for your comments!

The next wave will be in promoting my actual books, using things like my moo cards, postcards, flyers etc. I intend to approach libraries, craft fairs, car boots, gift shops etc to see if I can get some of my marketing material out there. This will also attract more members and perhaps even a sale or two (that would be fantastic).

So, a busy time ahead, and that's just marketing, never mind actually writing! I am pleased to report, however, that I have written some more of The Dark Shores, and written another new poem (below for your reading pleasure), and I have taken advice and decided not to be too critical of myself. I'm doing fine, really. And I have had two new books out this year, Spirit, a book of serious poetic challenges, and The Lemon & Other Short Stories, which is now available for sale on Amazon US, and shortly thereafter Amazon UK. If anyone wants a copy but doesn't want to use Amazon, then please contact me - comment below or e-mail me - I can order them too. Ultimately I might even put paypal on my actual website and get sales in that way. A plan for another day, methinks.

Until next time!

Spark

Have we lost our spark?
Have we burned our last flame?
Have we succumbed to the cradle of the dark -
Obscurity claiming us with its divine game.

I see no compassion here;
No wonderment at the heavens and stars,
Just fleeting, selfish motives with underlying fears -
Money needs to be kept safe, boundaries marked.

And the universe expands,
Flowing out into the worlds beyond our sight,
Explosions and cataclysmic motions demand,
Swirls of fire, of energy and combined might:
Flowing inexorably, drifting guides of power,
Asteroids and rocks merge,
The dust of the eternal higher.
The spark is reborn, ignited storms surge.

Have we lost our spark?
Have we ebbed our last breath?
Have we journeyed to the end of our craft -
All consuming power in oneself all that is left?

I see no solace here:
No serenity warmed in calm, beautiful skies,
Just threats of clouds, sinister to appear -
Harmful movements that shatter without smile.

And the world spins as it always has,
The land shifts, seas pound against the shores,
Mountains explode, debris creates sand,
The ground rumbles, toppling us to harsh floors:
Yet we cling, like limpets to watered rock,
As the ocean engulfs all of our treasured hopes,
Hearts beat in unison, knock, knock, knock,
As our tiny little bodies capture senses to cope.

Spark, enter me and shine through me,
Ignite my light and my innermost purity,
Bless me and my kind in luminous pleas,
That I, and humanity, can still be released.

I can see tangible wisps of beauty,
A true piercing of light inside you and me,
Deep down, veiled behind mocked facades:
Hunt, seek, ignite, down to the last!

(c) Craig Gilbert 2009

The gloom of the fog

2009-09-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

"The path was rocky; growing ever steeper with each mile they passed. Vergail peered into the gloom of the fog, its shrouded, tangible form tickling her body as she drifted through it, causing tiny goose bumps to appear on her skin."

Well, I've made it to my blog a day earlier than anticipated!

The above quote is from my new fantasy novel, The Dark Shores, and I have just written it as part of chapter nine! It is a fitting moment to pause and reflect on my own 'gloom of the fog', that is, the difficulty in finding myself lately in the right frame of mind to actually write anything at all. Lost in the fog, I am! So how do I pin my mind down to write (of which I shouldn't be too hard on myself, because I have managed two new poems this week (posted on my forum, if interested))? It is not an easy thing.

I often blame work, or lack of time, or being too busy with other things (see gardening, below), but the truth is I could find the time if I wanted...it's getting my mind tuned in, getting my rhythm going...probably akin to a musician tuning up their guitar before playing! I can quite honestly say at times it is just pure bone-idled laziness! It is annoying and constantly irks me, but I know when I'm feeling that 'oh I just can't be bothered' attitude, attempting to write something at all would be folly, as I'd write a load of old twaddle.

I am determined to do better. I now have a new website (still with pages and errors to sort out - talk about the laziness!), I have even ordered a set of Moo cards to showcase artwork for my next poetry book A Gathering Of Wings. I'd better get on and write the darn thing!

The trick, I think I am going to have to do, is not look on writing as a 'chore'. It is something that when my mind is focused, I take great pleasure in doing. Certainly, my poetry of late, when I've got 'in the zone', has been extremely rewarding and inspired. I feel better after I've written something. I feel I'm progressing. Am I too hard on myself? I don't know. If it's such a hard thing to do, I hear you all say, why not give it up? You don't need to be a writer, Craig, after all...you have your job and your life...

...well, I can't see that day ever happening. It's part of me to write, even though I find it damned hard to do at times. But hey, I've written another blog, and I did start on The Dark Shores again tonight.

Go easy on me, critics!

Website exhaustion

2009-09-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Yes, another Wednesday and another blog - aren't I doing well?

I would have posted this earlier in the day, but I've been updating my website, and boy is it taking a long time...! It's not finished yet, but you can see plenty of the new pages at the usual link - that is http://www.craig-gilbert.com if that is more convenient for you ;)

It's all to do with promoting my work more, getting a new professional fresh feel, adding links to other creative souls (like the brilliant Imagine Magazine that I wrote an article for) and generally generate more interest in my work! It's time, what with all these writing projects, to soar and see just what I can do (well, what can you do!!)

Just a short blog today, but then, I'm full of website exhaustion - just check it out and read some of my poems, I'm sure there will be one or two new ones lurking around in there somewhere...

...next blog should have some more concrete information on 'The Lemon' short story book, and may be longer once I've had a bit of nap time :)

Ta ta for now!

A week already...

2009-08-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

Aha! You thought I'd forgotten on my weekly promise, hadn't you? Just made it, another entry exactly a week later. Gosh this 'keeping-up-with-the-internet' lark is tricky.

The week has well and truly flown by. In between working, I've been fortunate enough to have a few days off and travel to some lovely locations with my girlfriend to see parts of Scotland I've not even seen...yesterday I promised we would see seals and squirrels (red ones, at that), but on visiting the locations couldn't seem to find a single squirrel or seal...although I still remain convinced that there were about thirty seals basking in the sun just in the horizon (we couldn't get any further as a new fence had been erected).

So, it is good to get out and about, enjoying the scenery and having some time away from the drudgery of work. However, I've been having such a wonderful time I am neglecting writing my novel 'The Dark Shores', the much awaited sequel to 'A Wizard's Tears', and as such I must begin once more to focus and set about my task. The good news is, though, that my other finished project 'The Lemon & Other Short Stories' is going through the publishing stages and should be out in a couple of weeks. I attach an excerpt from it to whet the appetite!

See you in another week, or less, if I really get my act together.

Excerpt from 'Happy Birthday' - The Lemon & Other Short Stories

We descended onto the local lunchtime haunt; I believe it was called the Green Park Tavern. A pleasant pub; we used to play pool round the back: I used to be rather good at potting balls on a pool table at times. We decided this lunchtime we would have a few games, while my colleagues bought me a birthday beer.
Well, I drank my first pint, perfectly refreshing and the balls were being potted rather convincingly on the pool table. No sooner had I finished the first pint, another one was bought to fill its place, then another, and one final one – four pints in total!
Now, I’m not a hardened drinker by any stretch of the imagination. At that tender age of twenty-one, I was even less so than I am today (I am now, of course, a veteran at such things!) Two pints would have been more than sufficient for my lunch, I can assure you! Yet it was my birthday, and my colleagues were being incredibly pleasant and forthcoming in buying me drinks; well, I couldn’t say no, could I? I’d only been in the job three months – this was one of the first bonding sessions I’d had with my new work mates.
By the fourth pint, my aim on the pool table was rather erratic to say the least. We left the table and sat down in one of the many seating areas in the tavern. By this time I was feeling a bit queasy; I’d not had much to eat up to this point (I think I had nibbled on one of my marmite sandwiches back at the office), and the fourth pint was taking an age to drink. We had already had an extended lunch break of close to two hours; which was the maximum limit we could have before we had to go back to work, so I was under a bit of pressure. In order to help myself a bit, I decided to visit the tavern’s toilets.
A respite, I thought, as I passed water and stared at the mirror in front of the sink in the toilet. I felt a bit tipsy, it had to be said. I took some long breaths, calming myself and my body. It seemed to work, although I was dreading going back to the pub to finish off the pint. I supposed we were running out of time, anyhow. If I could delay for a few more minutes, I’d have to leave it there anyway to walk back to the office.
My plan set, I headed back to the lounge area. To my dismay, the remains of the fourth pint had been replaced by a large wine glass, which seemed by first look to have coca-cola in it.
My colleagues cheered as I came back, presenting me with this new drink. “It’s got Malibu in it,” exclaimed one of my colleagues with a big grin on his features. “Down this quick, it will put fire in your belly!”
I’m sure it would. I was nervous. I took a little sip of the drink, and found it quite light and refreshing, certainly not as full-bodied or heavy as beer. I could definitely taste the Malibu, rum laced with coconut. It was rather tasty.
My colleagues tapped on the table, chanting the “down in one” chant, that is so frequent in numerous drinking circles. So, these were my new pals, eh? By all accounts sophisticated long-term drinkers – they were all older than me. They knew the score. Perhaps this was my initiation into their ranks. Perhaps after I’d downed this drink in one gulp, as requested, I’d be part of the clan. Perhaps they’d like my computer code then! Who knows? Anyhow, I gulped it down as best I could. Loud cheers erupted from the tavern. I felt giddy, but in a good way. I’d done it!

And so it begins!

2009-08-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

And so it begins, A Gathering Of Words, a new blog page for me to put all my mumblings and chatter...! Excited? I certainly am, as this posting marks a new era in the creative internet forces surrounding promotion of my work and, well, to hopefully meet new people in the process and share thoughts with other creative souls.

This blog forms part of my new website, and my beginnings to flex my muscles on sites such as Twitter, too. I was recently shown how Twitter works, and although initially very sceptical about it, I can see how you could quickly establish 'followers' and networks across the internet, which can only be a good thing.

People who know me will laugh, but I will endeavour to update this blog approximately once a week (I can hear the chortling from here). I have every attention of making the internet a weekly habit, where I update my pages, my website, my twitter, my blog...something I've not really done in the past, as I've been far too busy chatting with friends and pulling out weeds in my garden (yes, the garden looks weedy again, but hey, you have a blog to read now! One must make these sacrifices).

I am also quite excited about using blogger.com instead of my own page, as I can now network with other bloggers, even have guest people blogging from time to time on my own page perhaps, or even adding more photos and videos with more ease than before. It also archives previous posts rather nicely; yes, I think I'm going to enjoy my stay here.

See you in a week...the countdown has already begun!