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About me - SusanBailey

I am lucky enough to have been able to retire early which means I am now able to devote as much time to my writing as I like.

I have always enjoyed writing and over the years have had articles, poetry and short stories published in various magazines. I have

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Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for finding story ideas: 1 of 49

Tips for finding story ideas Sitting at your computer staring at a blank page is one of the most difficult times for a writer. Perhaps you've just finished one story and want to begin another, but are out of ideas and no matter how hard you sit and think nothing comes to you. This happens to every writer and we soon realise ...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Photography: 1 of 14

Dad's Camera My Dad's got a new camera. He's driving us all mad. It wouldn't matter if his pictures were good, but they're all so very bad. He took a photo of my Mum. At least, he got her feet, and one of Auntie Amy. She's at the other end of that seat. "I've got one of Uncle Albert up a tree," he said. But the tree had no t...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Sailing: 4 of 45

The River From the helm steering through sunlit waters we watch the heron fly with legs outstretched he flaps his wings and power and grace collide Dragonflies flit in geometric moves with sunlit wings of blue Slowly our vessel glides where hectic life abounds Amongst tall reeds moor hens scuttle, young hungry mouths in tow ...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Haiku: 16 of 174

A Haiku Wings flapping, gliding. Soaring high then dipping low. Fish flee savage beak.
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face Single parents: How to get through the first year: 1 of 10

The first year, and particularly the first few months, is going to be the most difficult time after divorce. You have to learn to be single again. Being alone again after being married, possibly several years, can be a very lonely feeling. Even if you have children living with you, you can still feel lonely. These first mont...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Futility: 9 of 86

Futile Dreams How futile are the dreams of greed when we have all we need. That’s what some say. Some say we shouldn’t wish for more we should be thankful and I am, even though I’m poor. But even though I’m poor I dream of places far away that I could visit perhaps one day. I dream of owning a plot of...
Arts & Humanities > Writing Jobs How to make a living as a poet: 2 of 18

How to Make a Living as a Poet Very few poets make a living solely out of writing poetry, but don't let that put you off. With hard work, a little diversity, and publicizing yourself well you could be on your way to being one of those few. In the meantime you could try some of the following ways to use your poetic talents to...
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for spotting publishing scams: 2 of 17

You've written your book and polished it up to the highest possible standard but now the hardest part begins. You have to find a publisher who is interested in your work and is willing to offer you a contract. There are many good reputable publishers out there, but there are also many scam publishers waiting to trap the unwa...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memorable mommy moments: My first pregnancy: 16 of 134

My first pregnancy was over thirty years ago now, but pregnancy, unlike the pain of delivery is something you don't forget. I still remember today the excitement I felt, having visited my doctor for confirmation of my pregnancy. My husband was waiting outside and I went out to him with a broad grin on my face, which told him...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Paris: 4 of 31

Sitting in a pavement cafe I watch as lovers, hand in hand walk by. They kiss, they smile, a twinkle in their eyes. They have found love in Paris. Standing by the Eiffel Tower, I watch, as tourists, cameras in hand, pass by. They focus, they snap, eagerness in their eyes to capture a moment in Paris Walking through the shops...