Biography
I am Yorkshire born and bred, originally from Bradford and now living in Cononley near Skipton. I studied Archaeology at Leicester University from 1978 - 81 and then went into teaching. However, I didn't stay in teaching, I kept escaping to do other things. A wine business for six years, an art gallery and a craft business, where I made fused glass. I have always loved writing and now find I am absorbed with poetry. As I am relatively new to the field, I haven't got a long repertoire to impress you all with. I go to The Beehive in Bradford and Rhubarb, Spoken Word in Shipley as well as Shaken in Sheeptown, run by Gill Lambert. I read at Waterstones in Bradford, during the Literature Festival, as part of a Beehive Poets session. I am reading a selection of my poems on Drystone Radio on October 10th and am also publishing my first book Whispered Words, which will be available on Amazon from early August. Yes the dreaded self publish through CreateSpace. An interesting experience though.
Samples
Scent In pots by my doorway, the lavender’s floral notes are written in the spidery hand of Edwardian petticoats. Legions of maiden aunts with talcum powder skin bestowing spinster kisses from a wrinkled, whiskered chin. Will I become a memory? evoked by summer scents. Will I dance in, on the breeze? once my life is spent.
All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.
Blog entries by Jane C. Steele
#notavictim (18/10/2017)
Dad's Poem (09/08/2017)
Aunt Win (nie) (06/08/2017)
A Northern Love Song (03/08/2017)
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Cynthia Buell Thomas
Wed 2nd Aug 2017 15:47
I'm on line for just a few minutes, Jane, but wanted to thank you for your comment on 'The Farmer's Wife'. Welcome to WOL. I know you will enjoy the experience.
I note that we have a similar background (not archaeology, mind you, except through books and TV features on my part). I smiled when I read you have also been in a 'craft' business. It takes a certain kind of heart and mind and patience to 'make things'. But the result is so personally uplifting. ''I made this!'' I would still like to try pottery some day - producing something functional, yet lovely to look at, or to hold. I like the idea of something in the head flowing through the fingers. Which, really, is a lot like writing, isn't it?
You might enjoy my poem, 'The Question' - a few weeks back - with the Yorkshire connection.