Just write about a bird (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781763774957)

"Just write about a bird," was the advice offered by one well-meaning poet to the author of this collection, as she struggled to find her footing in the local poetry scene.

While the poet was (sort of) joking, Ellie Cottrell still found much truth in this well-worn recipe for poetic success; just write about a bird, or a flower. The trouble was, she'd never had much interest in writing about either.

From here, the concept of Just write about a bird was born. A story told in three parts, the author invites the reader to join her as she searches for her own place in poetry. Themes of nostalgia, grief, loss, love, and hope are nestled among flights of fancy about a kid flying to the moon and becoming (briefly) a British pop star.

The follow-up to her debut poetry collection, Speakeasy, her new collection sees Cottrell return with a stronger, more confident poetic voice - but her desire to forage for magic in life's trivialities remains.