Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category

Mma Ramotswe

Posted in Africa, Books, MOVIES, Writing, tagged 44 Scotland Street, Africa, Alexander McCall Smith, Anthony Minghella, books, Frances Macaulay Forde, Mma Ramotswe, No I Ladies Detective Agency, Rail Tales, Trains and Lovers, writing on March 28, 2014| 3 Comments »

Totally star-struck while Alexander McCall Smith signs my books.

Last Thursday at the Octagon Theatre in the University of Western Australia, I spent a most-enjoyable hour giggling as a master storyteller regaled us with quick peeks into his world.

As a HUGE fan who had the affectionate nick-name ‘Susie Matwetwe’ when I lived in Africa, I remain in awe of Alexander McCall Smith; his energy, his easy characterizations and perfect stories…

I love his Botswana stories and find his list of publications absolutely inspiring – he only came to fiction in 1998 and has not stopped producing delightful stories since.

Presented with so many of his wonderful words lined up in boxes in the foyer, it was very difficult to decide what to buy.

He generously signed two books for me. The queue was so long, I was grateful I’d lined up quickly and was in the first 20. (I think every one of us wanted a quiet moment with the master.)

My first purchase that night was “44 Scotland Street” . I’ve heard such lovely things about this series and although I haven’t finished reading all 15 of the “No I Ladies Detective Agency“ series, I’m looking forward to plunging into this one.

The other is “Trains and Lovers ~ The Heart’s journey”. Although my copy’s cover is different from the one shown on his website, how could I resist reading this one when my I had written my own ‘Rail Tales’ from the same ‘platform’.

When it was my turn – actually came face to face; I smiled and said, “How are you?” I know, such an inane thing to say – but I was in awe!

I did recover and ask the question I had wanted to ask in the Q & A after his talk: ‘What about a new TV Series?’

I loved the TV Series Anthony Minghella produced, co-wrote with Alexander and other wonderful writers, and naturally directed with such affection, beautifully.

I’ve always been a fan of Minghella’s ‘big’ films, starting with ‘The English Patient’ – he directed so many. He “used expansive tastes in literature and a deep visual vocabulary to make lush films with complicated themes that found both audiences and accolades. “ His films were so layered, he “used a careful eye for cultural and historical detail” and he brought all that to the TV Series. (Quotes from: New York Times.)

Although it will be difficult to find someone who can ‘read’ the characters and the location so well, I’m hoping one is found, soon.

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“As Autumn Leaves”

Posted in Love, nature, Other blogs, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged ABC Tales, Frances Macaulay Forde, Love, other writers, Perth, Poem, poems, poetry, poetry in Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 25, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Hyde Park in February… too hot to be out of the shade.

I’ve just found this beautiful poem on ABC Tales , so when you have a moment indulge yourself.

As a fan of the site for many years, I’ve benefited greatly from comments, encouragement and the sheer joy of reading wonderful words from writers I wouldn’t have read otherwise.

The very first item I posted was on the 15th March 2006 was a short story ‘Write to Romance’. (I’ve posted loads of poems and stories on ABC Tales since.)

That story has since been read by 874 people (blows my mind!) and earned a ‘Cherry’ from the editors – such a huge boost in confidence.

So I recommend, anyone with stories or poems to share, join this fabulous FREE site and see what others think of your words but importantly, receive some very constructive feedback from talented and experienced others.

Such a safe and nurturing environment is rare on the net. I’m often inspired by what I read on there so I’m about to post this poem posted on here in February, in response to ‘Bee’ and her poem ‘As Autumn Leaves’.

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Spring for Autumn

Posted in nature, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged autumn, Everlastings, Frances Macaulay Forde, Hardenburgia, jacarandas, Onion Weed, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, spring, WA Wildflowers, Western Australia on March 23, 2014| 3 Comments »

Although it’s Autumn here in Western Australia, so many of my readers in the Northern Hemisphere, are enjoying the first flush of Spring, enjoying the gorgeous flowerings of a new season.

Hopefully you’ll find lots of moments to be outside in the glorious sunshine.

Thought I’d share one of my ‘Spring’ poems and a couple of my photos of our WA Wildflowers

Western Australia is the only place you’ll find different species of Blue flowers growing in the wild.

Photo taken in Australian Spring,
our wildflower season, September. © 2014

Painting Spring

Fluffy yellow balls appear

near long thin leaves

signaling an Aussie spring.

Jacarandas show specks

of green – soon purple petals

will carpet my patio floor.

Orchid-like the humble

Onion Weed reveals its

stubborn beauty

Forest search for Harden

bergia – purple creeper

where blue wrens flit.

No wonder I’m drawn

to spiky leaf and wild

flowers Everlastings.

Frances Macaulay Forde ~ 2014

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Lesson No 65

Posted in Love, Poetry, Romance, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Love, Poem, poems, Professor Glen Phillips, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 21, 2014| 3 Comments »

Today, Friday, 21st March 2014 has officially been declared ‘World Poetry Day’.

So where does poetry ‘sit’ in your life and what is your idea of poetry?

Poetry is my way of ordering an idea or response, by moving it out of my head in as few words as possible, to clarify ~ writing the spine of what comes next.

It may stay as a poem, or become a short story, a script for a play or the screen or novel, perhaps even spawn more poems… but poetry is always the key.

Poetry is communicating clearly a strong emotion within me, which combined with the use of metaphor, I hope will find an echo when others read my efforts.

So I thought I’d share my reply to a fun poem Professor Glen Phillips sent and my responding poem (with permission, of course):

Glen Phillips reading a poem at Poets Corner, Perth Cultural Centre, 2005.

BUT BLONDES PREFER DIAMONDS

(or, Lesson No. 64)

If you think ‘a diamond is forever’,

as advertisements used to say,

(and you’re beautiful) grab whatever

lovely hot rocks come your way!

And why not? Centuries of avid men

seeking to turn the head of a cooling lover

resort to this old stratagem well-proven—

how to raise the stakes, get back in clover.

So down to the hockshop, make a grand

by selling heirlooms (or grandma’s wheelchair)

and then hare it to the gem store, with hand

on heart, plead a done deal for a big solitaire.

Gentlemen prefer blondes, but blondes prefer

rocks and preferably bigger and with more sparks

than those in the eyes of he who would woo her.

You good boys, listen, how to get top marks!

Glen Phillips © July, 2007.

and my response:

Frances Macaulay Forde reading a poem at Poets Corner, Perth Cultural Centre, 2005.

Lesson No 65

See, diamonds are hard

as everyone knows,

a girl must have metal

for this century’s woes.

Getting her rocks off

whether blond, red or brunette

no faking, no waiting – Helen,

woman hasn’t peaked yet.

While gentlemen play with image

cream blondes, brunettes achieve.

Red wears stainless steel bands

inscribed with ‘We must believe!’

Don’t strive for tabloid wants

look past the surface bling,

there’s more to a woman

tho’ the sparkle is tempting…

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Thoughts on St Paddy’s…

Posted in Africa, Ireland, Love, Poetry, Sketching In Ireland, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Co Cork, Day, Frances Macaulay Forde, Ireland, Irish roots, Loss, Love, Poem, St Patgricks, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

St Paddy’s Day in Cork, at the parade, 2003

Spending 14 glorious months in Co Cork and having the opportunity to attend a real Irish St Patrick’s Day Parade on Patrick Street in Cork City; my Irish Hubby and I always raise a glass to our Irish roots.

It turns out (after much family history research) both our families come from Co Cork, about 10 miles from each other ~ but we actually met in the middle of Africa!

My gorgeous Hubby and I celebrating in Oz. 2008.

Inevitably, I can’t help thinking of my dear old Dad who was so proud of his heritage who cannot have his usual Guinness today ~ we lost him 31 years ago.

My Dear Old Dad on holiday in South Africa 1966.

Unconditional

That moment

when I realized

you weren’t asleep,

I couldn’t cry.

I wanted to,

thought I should,

but I couldn’t shed tears

for all those years

when I was loved

unconditionally.

When I knew

no matter what I did

or said, you would always

love me – be there for me.

Put a plaster on my hurts,

fix me up with kisses, give

words to make me feel better.

I’ll never forget your strength.

How your arms encircled me,

the safeness of a oak tree,

dense, caring and complete.

I need that care now!

I need to feel safe again,

to sail into your harbour of care,

find you there, waiting

with open arms, accepting

all my faults, all my mistakes

and letting them go.

You always helped me

move on to new adventures,

strengthened by your love.

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Tall Trees

Posted in Perth City, Poetry, Theatre, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Len Buckeridge, Perth Arena, Perth City, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, Tanks, Western Australia, words, writing on March 13, 2014| 2 Comments »

Climbing The Gloucester Tree 2005© Sean McClean

A Facebook friend lost an ex-uncle in life’s battle recently, Len Buckeridge.

He was a tall poppy in this ‘small’ town where many of his courageous achievements for our capital city and state were judged by bigots.

But he left many a legacy thousands will wonder at and enjoy every day and probably never know who was responsible.

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Spectacular Perth Arena, built by Len Buckeridge’s BGC

Tall Tree Tanka

Unfortunately

too many enjoy trying

to fell tall trees

when they should be hugged.

We need to learn to look up.

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“Is this the point…”

Posted in Hidden Capacity, Love, Poetry, Romance, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Perth City Skyline, Poem, poems, poetry in Western Australia, South Per, WA, Western Australia, words, writer, writing on March 6, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Perth Skyline, taken from the Mend St Jetty across the fiver in South Perth.

Thought I’d share another poem from my first book written during my on-line courtship, specifically what a poetry editor in Ireland deemed a ‘quirky’ title, to see what you think.

“Is this the point where you tell me

you’ve been bulls*itting all along?”

This comment, at 12.33pm on messenger,

stopped me in my tracks – I had to

question you…

Why say that? Is this where you are?

Role research? Experimenting on me?

I have opened the door for you once more.

You are the love of my life returned

to my room…

‘cos of who you are, who you’ve been.

And who I’ve been – where I’ve been.

My labels are cheap, used and tattered.

Yours exciting, money new, and ‘out there’.

Can you ignore…

appreciate the journey, walk the same road

remembering why I react from memories.

How did this happen and why now?

The director knows the outcome,

my script done…

Nuances of assistance from higher hands…

mysterious determined effort for lasting love.

If the future wanes – dumping my heart…

When I prove not to be what you want…

If my love…

can’t match your carefully constructed,

mental and emotional picture of me today…

Rejection! A resounding slap in the face.

Eternal damnation of idealism – romance.

Proving …

my impossible dreams have no right

to insert themselves into my reality.

I will still love you – hate you first but

eventually settle back to loving you again,

sub-consciously….

I will treasure always you careful words,

your considered approach – all the ‘bulls*it’!

From my 1st book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ Published in Cork, Ireland, 2003.

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12 x 12

Posted in Books, Children's stories, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged 12 x 12 Challenge, Children's stories, Frances Macaulay Forde, Julie Hedlund, new writing, picture books, poems, SCWBI, writing, writing in WA on March 5, 2014| 4 Comments »

Official Participant in the Julie Hedlund 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge

Soooo excited – I’ve signed up as a Golden Book Member of Julie Hedlund’s 12 month picture book challenge for 2014.

(I find I need deadlines to actually finish fiddling with manuscripts and let them go.)

There’s lots of support and encouragement from fellow participants – many who’re also members of SCWBI.

Julie offers the amazing chance to send a manuscript to an approved agent each month.

At the very least, I’ll have quite a few new picture book ideas to hawk to local publishers at the end of the year!

SUZETTE THE SNAKE

Suzette the snake was swish.

She slithered with style

and spoke with a lisp.

Her sensitive stomach

seeks special cuisine,

especially cleaned

in rivers and streams.

She swims in salt lakes

with sensuous ease,

sleeps under shade trees,

shivers out in the breeze.

Skin silvery bronze

sun-yellow striped along.

Speeding through leaves

she startles a feed.

Surely her sparkle

and shimmering shape,

proves beauty is found

in a slithering snake!

Frances Macaulay Forde @ 2001

From my 1st book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ Published in Cork, Ireland, 2003.

So the gauntlet has been thrown and I must rise to the challenge.

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Courting On-Line

Posted in Hidden Capacity, Poetry, Romance, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, Returned Love, romance, words, writer, writing on March 4, 2014| 2 Comments »

A photo taken by my daughter at Hillary’s Boat Harbor to show my returned love what I looked like after 28 years (very, very hard to do).

When my returned-love found my name on the net after so long, the computer was both my friend and my enemy, forming a safe barrier to hide behind until I found the courage to step into love again.

Computer Messenger

Banter that backfired because

literal interpretations got lost

in considered connotations,

(re-read a thousand times)

of what went way-back-when…

Juxtaposition of judgements.

Hastily harnessed how-comes?

Stopping me still, seriously!

Making me question us both.

My passionate banshee tears

initiated by tactile responses

to words type-tapped carefully.

Sometimes in casual jest

to test my reactions?

Is it natural to anticipate

disaster – dismissal and defend?

Not normally for me – I search

for more of your positive essence,

confirmation of my impressions.

I want you – all of you – now!

Every nuance of normality

shared secretly, sensually…

But other stuff too – thoughts,

reasons, why you do what you do…

I can’t ‘see’ the whole of you

touch your skin – breath you in.

Sense your hands on my breasts

holding me, stroking me softly.

I want – I need – I crave to.

Insecurity inserts itself

firmly forcing doubt-feelings

to well and grow without witness,

until you answer; you calm; you claim,

cover my heart and soul with caring.

Linger in my love, lay there

until we’re both sweetly exhausted

by this power, this perpetual passion

From my 1st book of poems ‘Hidden Capacity ~ a poet’s journey’ Published in Cork, Ireland, 2003.

#FrancesMacaulayForde #HiddenCapacity #Romance #LovePoems #Poems

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Oscars surprise.

Posted in Art, MOVIES, Scripts, Writing, tagged 12 years a slave, Captain Phillips, Cate Blanchette, Catherine Martin, films, Frances Macaulay Forde, Frozen, Gravity, Moulin Rouge!, movies, Oscars 2014, Philomena, short stories, The Great Gatsby, The Railway Man, words, writer on March 3, 2014| 2 Comments »

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Photo Credit: http://www.news.com.au

Just watched most of the Oscars. All the way through I expected Sandra Bulloch to win best Actress for ‘Gravity’ because of the many cut-aways and the film won so many other awards and I’m sure she was good. (I can’t comment on films I haven’t seen so will stick to those I have.)

The camera didn’t cut-away to Cate Blanchette once while I watched, so I thought she had decided not to go – what with all the controversy over ‘Blue Jasmin”s director. (No, I just can’t bring myself to say his name…) I presumed she wasn’t there – like Judi Dench and was disappointed.

So glad ‘Frozen’ won best Animated and best song. So many layers to that film, most unfortunately will be lost on it’s young audience. (My 4 year old granddaughter loved it – so did I! )

And a huge shout-out to Catherine Martin who became the 1st Aussie to win 4 Oscars for her amazing set design and costumes in ‘The Great Gatsby’ this year and a few years ago for ‘Moulin Rouge!’

You can usually tell who the academy favorites are by how many times they ‘show’ in cut-away, the ‘star’ in the audience – case in point Best Picture: ’12 years a slave’ (which I didn’t agree with). Sure it was a good movie but ‘Captain Phillips’ was better all ’round and should have at the very least won Adapted Screenplay, so was ‘Philomena’ (both mentioned in my top 1o), – Hell! even ‘The Railway Man’ was better.

But I have to say the fashions were beautiful – as expected (expect for Ellen).