Feather, Leaf, Bark & Stone

By Jackie Morris

A pillow book of poems, dreams & stories typed on sheets of gold leaf.

Sunday, 31 July 2022

Out in the wilds

Feather Leaf has been quietly out in bookshops for a while now. Last Thursday I signed a few copies in bookshops in London. Lovely to see the book here in the window of Lutyens and Rubinstein ( where they are looking for someone to work!!!!!- dream job.... bookshop.. Nottinghill) WHile we were standing outside a couple walked past and were talking about the book.... strange, curious, very odd feeling.

Hachards was very exciting. Such an amazing bookshop who seem so far to be exempt from the ultra low efficient 'hub' that Waterstones operate which is damaging to readers, booksellers and massively damaging to authors incomes and diversity in book selling, but that is another story and one I really need to talk to the Society of Authors about. In the window was a beautiful old Underwood. So, inside we set up my old Smith Corona for some impromptu poetry.

I'm hoping by now everyone has received their copies of the book. People are beginning to find it in bookshops also, and I wonder what that experience is like, as all of you have been in it for the ride and the making and evolving of the book, so, what is it like to just come across? A friend (Jamie Normington) tweeted this wonderful photo ( he said there were five ravens nearby, circling) and it got me thinking..... could you tweet/ put on facebook/instagram if you use them, images of the book? It really helps to spread the word, to sell copies, but also, well, it is just lovely to see them living wild lives.

If you want to use a # then maybe #FLB&S and tag me and Unbound.

Also, if you wanted to make short films of reading from the book that would be amazing. I will do a few too. 

Talking of instagram, I have a new account called Sharpening of the Day, which centres around pencil shavings! For now. This was yesterday, at Cambridge Folk Festival, on stage with Spellsongs.

Before I go I want to say a huge thank you to John Mitchinson and Rina Gill for taking me around bookshops in London to sign copies of Feather Leaf. Heroic driving from John. Rina bought Hannah the most beautiful flowers. I'm still in London, looking after her as she recovers from pretty hefty spinal surgery. She's doing well. Strong, fierce.

I picked up a book in London Review of Books Bookshop. By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, called Notes on Grief. In a way that is what Feather, Leaf is, and yet it is also light and life. Chimamanda's book is small, and perfect. It howls with rage against the loss of her beloved father, who died only a couple of months after my own. Reading about the breathless confusion of trying to come to terms with her loss, touching minds with another soul paying the price of love, well.... it is a beautiful book. Everybody's response to grief is their own. I didn't cry much, yet. I don't think it's something to be 'got over', something to 'move on from', rather something to learn from and live with, that sorrow, walking hand in hand with the joy of living, made more profound by being finite. I even took Chimamanda's  book on stage with me, to keep it close. I think it is something I will return to, as I continue to try to make sense of life, of love, of loss and of time. The book is published by 4th Estate.

Tell me, are you prepared to write in your own copy of Feather, Leaf, Bark & Stone? I have been using mine as a notebook... a store for feathers and leaves. Just wondered if anyone else would as there is that space in which to add.....

and today:

 

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Comments

Lesley Peters
 Lesley Peters says:

Firstly I hope Hannah continues to make a full recovery such an ordeal for her and yourself.
I have purchased 4 copies of Feather Leaf Bark & Stone as considered gifts for the friends I know and hope will love it plus my own already treasured copy. Writing in books was a habit discouraged in my youth but I guess that now am in my 70’s it’s really up to me so I may well add the odd mark, sketch or find from my walks. It’s another special book which is never far from me at the moment so I wish it and you great success and many more to come.
Apart from Unbound I do follow you on Twitter aka CudddlyRottyDog and regards your recent books have copies on the bedside table in my spare room so hopefully encourage visitors to read and enjoy or better still buy their own! All the best Lesley.

posted 31st July 2022

Bodenham Nicola
 Bodenham Nicola says:

Hi, bore da. I treasure my copy of feather leaf bark and stone. My mum died last month ( I’d been her full time career in Pembrokeshire for the last 4 years- she had dementia.) Your book struck a note with me - especially as I’m obsessed with birds, especially wrens and nature is my solace. I’d not thought to use the book as a notebook- I think I will. Thanks your sharing your thoughts and feelings - it helps for sure. Hope Hannah continues to get well. Saw you talk at The Laugharne weekend 2021 - I’m now a committed fan. Love, light, art and laughter - Nik Bodenham

posted 1st August 2022

Cathy Davies
 Cathy Davies says:

I'm still reading my copy of FLBS, savoring the words. It sit next to my sofa so I can pick it up whenever I need to.

I haven't written in yet, even though I thought about it and might add some of my collections from nature.

Thank you for a beautiful book.

I hope Hannah continues to get better.

posted 1st August 2022

Tessa Knight
 Tessa Knight says:

When are the pledged books being sent? Disappointing to read these comments and not have my copy yet!

posted 2nd August 2022

Unbound Support
 Unbound Support says:

Hi Tessa!

Pledge copies have been dispatched. I've had a check of your account and can see that you have not yet confirmed your delivery address, this is why your copy won't have reached you yet. We send out a few emails regarding this so please do check your junk folder if you haven't seen one. If you're having any other trouble please contact support@unbound.com

Best,

Lena

posted 3rd August 2022

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