I love the vigour of spring. The days are lengthening, and everything is putting energy into fresh growth. With humanity so disconnected from nature, it is easy to lose our relationship with the seasons. I find this a good time of year for starting new projects, as well as reinvigorating older ones. It’s a time to try new methods. Explore different things and allow ourselves to be curious.

May Day!

For me, it is a tradition to welcome in May by watching The Wicker Man (the original). However, no newsletter from me is complete without some folklore. Over in Padstow, on Cornwall’s north coast, they partake in the ‘Obby ‘Oss celebrations (a Hobby Horse. The Cornish accent ignores any h’s). Two troupes parade through the narrow streets with a stylised horse (‘oss) who friskily goes about catching maidens beneath its skirts. Along with the maypole, the fertility symbolism is bleeding obvious. But there is no conclusive evidence the ‘oss predates the eighteenth century.

Earth Pathways

I felt incredibly chuffed this month when I discovered that Earth Pathways had accepted three pieces of my art for their 2025 diary.

This is the third year they have accepted my work, but I have been a longtime purchaser of these diaries before I had the courage to submit to them. Each page is a celebration of nature and a source of inspiration from the work of the artists and writers involved. I look forward to receiving my copy soon.

Bonsai

For those long-term subscribers, you will know my father-in-law passed away last December. One thing which helped my husband through his grief was his bonsai collection. His creative outlet. This sparked the idea of starting a YouTube channel.

I find working in different creative media interesting. Not only am I learning something new, but it also teaches me how to become better in my other creative outlets. For example, so much of what I filmed got cut during editing. Less is more, and this lesson I carried into my writing. I overwrite all the time. But now I won’t be so hesitant in trimming away the fat.

I am very much a novice in filming and editing, but it is a process I am enjoying. 

Planner, Pantser, Plantser.

My writing process is never stagnant. I like to try new things and a writing workshop I did back in the winter prompted me to switch from a Panster to a Plantser.

For those unfamiliar with the terms, a planner is a writer who plans before putting the words down and sticks to them. A pantser is writing by the seat of their pants, using their initiative and perceptions to find the story. A plantser is a hybrid of the two.

My initial method as a pantser meant I only had a vague idea of the story I wished to tell. A few key scenes stood out in my head like way markers on a path, only I had to pants my way to reach them.

I see pantsing as a character driven writing method. It gives them space to reveal their unique personalities without constricting them with too much plot. Because of the exploratory nature of this writing method, I often find myself at dead ends and have to retrace (rewrite) my steps. This constant backtracking is what prompted me to incorporate some planning.

Planning is much more plot driven. It focused on the story, its themes and character arcs. This gave me the framework I lacked. However, I allowed myself enough wiggle room to take the initiative and explore through pantsing. Words flow more easily, and there is minimal backtracking compared to the old method.

So my lessons for this month are to see what something new can teach us about what we already know, and to not be afraid to try new methods. And of course, don’t play the fool and end up king for the day, like Sergeant Howie.

I shall end with some words I just tooted on Mastodon today.

Have you started anything new this spring? Or have you got back into an old project or pastime? Send me a reply and let me know.

Love Emma