the little note newsletter- april
hiring an editor & letting your creativity meet the change in season
Welcome to Our April Newsletter
A change of season is upon us here in Australia. The days are shorter, the nights are cooler, and it is perfect weather for writing. I find myself burrowed amongst blooming chrysanthemums and aster flowers while I take in gentle sunlight on my walks. A much needed change from the scorching heat of summer. As we move into a slower pace, I have composed this edition to reflect the things that are bringing warmth and inspiration to me this month. May you find imagination in the books I’ve read, the art that has captured my soul, and the poetry prompts I share. I also have an exciting update on my poetry manuscript!
I hope the warmth and curiosity written into this edition sustains you through the month ahead. I send it your way with great joy.
Zoë x
A Shift in Creative Energy
As the glow of autumn settles in, there’s an invitation to let our creativity shift with the season. Let the leaves dancing to the ground remind you that release is part of the process— that making space for creativity can be just as powerful as filling it. This is a time for slower rhythms, for gathering your thoughts and letting new ideas take root. Allow your creativity to move with the changing light, to find comfort in stillness, and to write, paint, or dream in rhythm with your body. Softly, slowly, and with open hands. I am currently on holiday and trying to take the pressure off the writing pedal as I lull between the stages of the editing and publishing process. It is something that doesn’t come naturally to a writer.
Focus on Progress Not Perfection
It is a welcome feeling to finally send my poetry manuscript to my editor. After eleven months of self-editing and arranging the structure and format of my manuscript, always going with the flow of my energy and life demands along the way, I have reached a milestone. Being my first poetry collection, I am taking my time to learn, grow and strengthen my craft. Focusing on progress rather than perfection allowed me to enjoy the process of writing, editing and creating this book for myself, and for you. It is first and foremost a work of art. An expression of life’s most bitter moments. Weaving grief, mental health, body-image, breaking and mending with words and illustrations to soothe the ache.
The Gallery
This month I have been taking in the artwork of Nickie Zimov, a Russian contemporary artist. Zimov works predominantly with paper, petrolleum and oil paints, employing simplified forms and unusual colours and shades
The Book Nook
Reading a book at any time of year is wonderful, but snuggling up in the cooler evenings has to be a favourite delight of mine. These are the books that captured my heart this month.
THE OTHER SIDE OF BEAUTIFUL - Kim Lock A laugh-out-loud and heartwarming story of Mercy who has not left the safety of her house in two years. When disaster strikes, she is flung back into the wide world — or the wide outback of Australia. On the run from her life in Adelaide, armed only with her dachshund Wasabi, the clothes on her back, a classic Daihatsu Hijet camper van, and a box of mysterious cremated remains, Mercy finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime through the heart of Australia.
This story is a laugh out loud, ugly cry like a weirdo, life altering book that stays with you well after you’ve finished reading it.
NOTEBOOK HEART - Sarah Todman Gosh, did I need this poetry book in my life. A gentle collection of poems about heartache, hope, love and dreams. Sarah’s words are a warm hug to the soul. A remedy in words. Her beautiful collection of poetry is one I will return to again and again.
ENOUGH: a poetic journey to body neutrality - Brooklyn Foos Brooklyn’s healing words are a safe space for anyone exploring self-love, body-image and body neutrality. Brooklyn’s gentle approach follows through the entire book and is a balm for a soul battling with body image issues or an eating disorder. It is a warm gesture to start the conversation with yourself or a loved one.
Poetry Prompts
May writing to these prompts bring you great joy and love for the written word.
Make sure you tag me on Instagram or Threads @zoelawriewriter so I can share your wonderful writing
may brings pots of tea and friends
if i could give myself unconditional love, i would give...
on a train headed for home
someone with the same fire behind their eyes
last may
conversations across the kitchen table
a sister’s bond
giving up old battle grounds
there’s a feeling in my heart and it’s telling me
with the world in your arms
i see you
how foolish to forget
A Poem for Gentle Months
kind gentle season
falling from the skies
let me float towards the soft ground
be held by strong grassy hands
watch clouds shape and deform
allow curiosity to bud
Signing off, with warmth
Thank you for joining me again this month.
From me to you, with written love,
Zoë x
Beautiful words as always, my friend. 🤗