Writer and photographer
This summer I met a friend in London and we went to the Serpentine Gallery to see Grayson Perry’s exhibition modestly titled
Grayson Perry: The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever!
It was lovely!
I especially liked his vases, and the two he made for Remainers and Brexiteers were very thought-provoking. They were left deliberately unlabelled. Although you could work out which was which without difficulty, what was striking was how much the two groups had in common.
Matching pair
Impossible to choose any one piece of music from the year, so instead I give my prize to:
Today they are devoting the day to the music of J S Bach, definitely one of the great composers.
And throughout the year Radio 3 gives us a feast of music. Long may it continue.
Happy Christmas one and all. My twelve days of Christmas series will continue on 27 December
As all writers know there is a plethora of online literary magazines out there. Some are long-established and greatly respected; others short-lived. Some are curt in their rejections; others promise more than they deliver.
I have found a home for my work in quite a few of these places and particularly appreciate those that offer a personal response, whether to accept or reject my work.
My online litmag of the year, for its commitment to the writers it publishes, and generous promotion of their work, is
As a writer, I’m delighted to see the rise and rise of independent publishers. My indie publisher of the year is
Sam and Elly at Galley Beggars publish brilliant books – I haven’t been disappointed once. And they also respond personally to their customers. Next year they’re doing even more to support writers with their new School offering mentoring, classes and more – read all about it on their website.
It’s the Winter Solstice, so as we turn towards the light I begin my celebration of all people and things creative this past year.
I know the Twelve Days of Christmas should only begin on Christmas Day, but I’m starting now with:
Books
There are so many lists going around, so many plaudits. My favourite book of the year is
Himself by Jess Kidd
You can read my review of it in Electric Literature. I thought it was a cracking read.
Cath Barton 