A Reading Life, A Writing Life, with Sally Bayley

Louise Glück's unique style and themes, pain as a form of beauty, emotions evoked by sunlight, joy of carefree adventures, absorbing people's histories, being feeling-driven, reflections on glory and identity, severity and philosophy in Glück's poetry.

Sally and her neighbour discuss tree spirits and magical bracelets. She settles down to read Peter Pan and reflects on clouds and feelings. The chapter explores musings on being a cat, belief in spirits, and analysis of Tinkerbell. They discuss melancholy feelings brought on by rain and share a personal anecdote about J.M. Barry. The speaker explores the connection between J.M. Barry, Tinkerbell, and Kensington Gardens. Reflecting on childhood experiences and lessons of Peter Pan, the speaker recalls dancing with a girl named Wendy and compares it to a young girl embracing growing up.

Follow Sally on an adventure of mistaken identity, Marmite ice cream, and being falsely accused of being the lady stalker. Hear about her scooter adventure in Oxford and learn about her notorious reputation for stalking college principals. Discover the intriguing connection between a college porter and a high-ranking member of the constabulary.

The podcast explores the writer's public and private selves, anonymity, and the nature of plot. It reflects on the themes of film production, scandals, and the consequences of trust and love. The chapter also explores cultural change, nostalgia, and the disconnect between the past and present. Additionally, it delves into the unpredictable nature of life and its interruptions, and introduces a captivating character named Andrea.

This podcast explores the character of Miss Cull and how everyday objects shape her. The speaker discusses mourning, writing short stories, and the presence of Miss Cull on a green ice lake. They reflect on her complex nature, childhood memories, and viewing the world as animate.

The podcast discusses T.S. Eliot's 'Burnt Norton' and the speaker's preparation for a performance at the Oxford Chamber Music Festival. They reflect on childhood memories, the influence of the speaker's mother, and the concept of home. The podcast also explores the themes of hidden music, pale pink roses, and lost and found purses.

In this podcast, Sally Bayley tells a cautionary tale of a frog in pursuit of acclaim and discusses finding inspiration in unexpected places. She reflects on the importance of privacy for writers and the need to write for oneself rather than seeking fame. The speaker also shares a personal experience of finding solace in nature and expresses gratitude to the listeners.

The podcast explores the use of visual references in writing, with a focus on a painting of a farrier. The speaker reflects on the role of writers as ghostly observers and the importance of silence in a noisy world.

Sally is reading A Field Guide to Reality, the debut novel by the Granta Best of Young British author Joanna Kavenna, originally published in 2016 and set in a surreal, quantum alternative Oxford University.  Sally will be in conversation with Joanna Kavenna and fellow writer Elizabeth Lowry at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford, from 6pm on September 5th. They will discuss many of the themes of the podcast; reading, writing and the intersection with life and living - and it's free to attend! More details here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/s-bayley-e-lowry-and-j-kavenna-a-reading-life-a-writing-life-tickets-688044298017 You can find out more about Joanna's writings here: http://www.joannakavenna.com/ And Elizabeth Lowry here: https://elizabethlowry.co.uk/          

Starting a new book is like starting a new relationship, and Sally is reading Elizabeth Lowry's The Chosen, a ghost story and a love story about Thomas Hardy and his estranged wife.  Sally will be in conversation with Elizabeth Lowry and fellow writer Joanna Kavenna at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford, from 6pm on September 5th. They will discuss many of the themes of the podcast; reading, writing and the intersection with life and living - and it's free to attend! More details here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/s-bayley-e-lowry-and-j-kavenna-a-reading-life-a-writing-life-tickets-688044298017 Elizabeth Lowry's The Chosen has been shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. You can find out more here: https://elizabethlowry.co.uk/ You can find out about Joanna Kavenna, who is also appearing in the event, here: http://www.joannakavenna.com/