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Every so often, I like to dabble in poetry. I say ‘dabble’ because, if I’m honest, it’s not my strongest area.
Still, I think it’s something every writer should have a crack at; poetry give you a sense of timing and feel for conciseness that can only help improve your writing in general (even though you may not be aware of it).
Anyway, while ‘having a crack at it’ I came up with Abigail’s Garden, which I thought I’d share.
Did anyone catch Derek on Sky last month? I haven’t been so keen on Ricky Gervais’ recent stuff (An Idiot Abroad and Life’s Too Short), but Derek really hit the mark with me. Heartwarming, sphincter-clenchingly funny and desperately sad.
The players are faultless, especially Kerry Godliman who is now my favourite actress (sorry, Milla).
One memorable scene was a near-monologue from the superb David Earl who plays Kevin, the hopelessly unattractive layabout. With tears in his eyes he tells us that he’s a failure – not because he didn’t succeed, but because he didn’t try.
Might be something worth remembering when you’re looking at your next agent rejection letter: You haven’t failed – not until you stop trying.