Ysgrifennu'r Llif - Writing the Flow
A bilingual writing workshop with Sian Northey and Ness Owen, following the footpath along Afon Lleiniog to its mouth on the Menai Strait, an opportunity to write creatively immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of natural world. Participants took part in individual and collaborative writing exercises inspired by the river’s cynefin, folklore and history. The workshop encouraged participants to share their unique voices, using various prompts and exercises.
Images from Jenny Barnett
The Nine Maidens’ Nonnet
After reaching the sea and the glorious views across the mountains, participants sat on the shore and listened to facts about the river and a possible link to one of Taliesin's poems referring to Y Naw Morwyn Cymru - The Nine Maidens of Wales. Using the notes they had gathered, they were asked to write a nonet - a 9-lined poem that shrinks as it goes. The first line is 9 syllables and it steps down to a one syllable word for the final line.
“It was a wonderful experience. I learned a new way of writing the poem. The group was great, we learnt plant’s names along the way and shared our experiences. The tutor us amazing. Thank you!”
It was bright and clear day, we laughed, listened and learned amidst the gentle trickle of the river, explosive birdsong and smells of wild garlic and moss.
A flavour of the trail from workshop leader Ness Owen
This workshop is funded by the Literature Wales ‘Inspiring Communities Fund’ Many thanks for their support.
Led by poets/authors Sian Northey and Ness Owen, co-editors of the bilingual anthologies:
