May Book Club

Mother's Moon

I love this photo. My Whirlwind daughter took it on a sunny May day three years ago, when I was writing Mother’s Moon. We spent a lot of time in this rockpool that year - look at the smooth, flat pebbles I am resting my feet on, and imagine the North Sea behind me, scattered with sanderlings and oystercatchers. Bamburgh Castle lies a few hundred metres south, and Holy Island is across the bay to the north.

Recently someone marvelled at the wild, creative opportunities my daughters have as a result of this life we live on the edge. I was grateful to be reminded of the flip side of the intense caring and isolation I frequently experience. When I look at this photo I see a woman and her child clinging to each other, and my daughter looks so safe and calm. She is the mother I try to be - brave and present - and in this chapter I write about how it is unrealistic to think we can always be that version. My book is all about the mess of life, and this chapter is no exception.

If you haven’t read Twelve Moons, it is structured so that it covers a year in my life, and each chapter is named after the moon I write under. This bookclub has been created as a way to connect with readers and writers and share some special extras and inside information about the writing of my book, as well as further exploring some of the themes within it.

Lots of readers have told me they are reading the book chapter by chapter, under different moons, slowly and intentionally. Others have gobbled it up in less than 48 hours. Many of you are enjoying the audiobook, recorded on two chilly days in a Newcastle basement. Others have written to me to tell me they are going to read it with friends in a book group. So many different ways to absorb one story.

When I really get into a book I want to delve deeper, try to understand where the story came from and consider why it has affected me. What is it about these words that has made me feel this way? This Substack bookclub offers you the opportunity to meet other readers and writers and dive into a different world. Get cosy with a drink and maybe a cat on your knee. Join me every month to think about the big stuff. Ask me questions, tell me your stories. Each monthly bookclub includes the following:

• A video of me reading an extended extract from Twelve Moons

• Written words about themes within the book

• Background information about my creative process during the writing of the book

• Writing prompts

• Q&A opportunities

• Creative recommendations

• Archived book club episodes

Mother’s Moon is the fifth chapter in Twelve Moons. The weather is getting warmer and I can sense fire in my words.

In this video I read to you about my ongoing attempts to reclaim myself, amidst scrutiny from professionals about my mothering and as I try to finalise my divorce.