Inspiration—How to find it, what to do with it

ArtsEtc’s editors recently conducted a workshop on getting inspired and writing for children. Entitled "There’s A Poem in My Ear,” it took place the day after Nelson Mandela died. It was part of the Barbados Association of Reading (BAR) annual conference held at the Crane Hotel and, as Robert Edison Sandiford noted in his introduction/blessing, we can draw inspiration from some pretty unexpected places and in the most unlikely circumstances. 

“...in talking about poetry, what we’re also talking about is inspiration: how to find it, where to find it, then what to do with it.

As we all know, Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday, and the whole world is reflectng on the light that has left the world. In one of the news clips of Mandela, the man called the Father of South Africa described his 27 years imprisoned on Robben island. He called it something of a fortunate opportunity to reflect on on his own past, present and future.

Mandela was very much a man of words. He used the occasion of his imprisonment to write as well as to plan, exchnage and discuss with others.

To inspire but also to be inspired is not easy. Not when, from day to day, you also fear for your life. But possible.

And that’s a reminder for all of us who find it hard to find the time to be as creative as we’d like because our work is killing us or our lives are so chaotic. There is much, Mandela’s example reminds us, we can do for ourselves, no matter the circumstances.”

The ArtsEtc hour-long workshop was one of several featured over the two-day BAR conference. It was delivered by Linda M. Deane who led the participants, mainly school teachers, in ways to tap into different sources of creativity and how to overcome obstacles to writing for and reaching young audiences. The roughly 25 participants also wrote and shared poems in a lively open mic setting as part of the exercise.

The Barbados Association of Reading is an organisation with international links, comprising educators concerned with issues of literacy and teaching.

• Rest forever in Peace, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, [July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013]—with thanks.