Just write about a bird

<p>Just write about a bird was the advice offered by one well-meaning poet to the author of this collection as she struggled to find her footing in the local poetry scene.</p><p></p><p>While the poet was (sort of) joking Ellie Cottrell still found much truth in this well-worn recipe for poetic success; just write about a bird or a flower. The trouble was she'd never had much interest in writing about either.</p><p></p><p>From here the concept of Just write about a bird was born. A story told in three parts the author invites the reader to join her as she searches for her own place in poetry. Themes of nostalgia grief loss love and hope are nestled among flights of fancy about a kid flying to the moon and becoming (briefly) a British pop star.</p><p></p><p>The follow-up to her debut poetry collection Speakeasy her new collection sees Cottrell return with a stronger more confident poetic voice - but her desire to forage for magic in life's trivialities remains.</p>