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Theme: Literature

nawr 005: Gwaith

Welcome to issue 005 of nawr! This issue’s theme is ‘Gwaith’. It engages with the concept of work poetically, philosophically, and photographically, exploring the nature of work, of industrialisation, and the traces work leaves on individuals and culture. Our featured artist for this issue is Paul Cabuts, and you can find the whole team’s interview with him inside. Enjoy!

Released Spring 2021

Read here!

nawr 004: My People

Welcome to issue 004 of nawr, our first issue of 2021! This issue’s theme is ‘My People’. It engages with themes of identity, community and connection, drawing on the history of Welsh identities and how these intersect with other elements of selfhood, community and nationality. This issue features our first extended piece of prose, a wonderful interview with Huw Alden Davies, some gorgeous art and thought-provoking philosophy. Enjoy!

Published Winter 2021

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nawr 003: What’s Recurring?

Welcome to 003 of ‘nawr’! This issue’s theme is ‘What’s Recurring?’. It’s all about ‘first-time-ness’ and the ‘seen-again-ness’ of repetition, and the feeling that we’ve been here/seen these things before. The work in this issue features gorgeous visual art, our first film submission, and incredible poetry. Enjoy!

Published Autumn 2020

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nawr 002: Connection

Welcome to issue 2 of ‘nawr’! This issue’s theme is ‘Connection’. It’s all about how we connect or disconnect – with each other, the world around us, and the technology we use. The work in this issue responds to the theme in so many interesting ways: emotional poetry, brilliant photography, and thought-provoking philosophy. Enjoy!

Published Summer 2020

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nawr 001: where you to?

Welcome to the first issue of nawr! This issue’s theme is: ‘where you to?’ It deals with questions of place, space and identity – of how the ‘now’ influences and is influenced. Featuring poetry, philosophy and photography from Welsh and Wales-based artists, this question is tackled and explored in a diverse and amazing range of ways. So, ‘where you to?’

Published Spring 2020

Read here!

Cwrdd Cymraeg – Mis Medi

Cwrdd, gyda Sara Louise Wheeler

Medi 4

16:00 

Cofrestrwch yma

Mae ein sesiwn Cwrdd nesaf yn benodol ar gyfer aelodau DAC sy’n medru’r Gymraeg neu’n awyddus i’w dysgu / ymwneud â hi mewn rhyw ffordd drwy eu gwaith celf! Byddwn ni’n siarad gyda Sara Louise Wheeler.

Byddwn ni’n ystyried lle y Gymraeg o fewn ymarfer creadigol ac i ba raddau mae iaith yn dylanwadu ar ein hymarfer.

Bydd y Cwrdd Cymraeg yn digwydd ar Ddydd Llun, y Medi 4 am 4pm ar Zoom, gyda BSL a chapsiynau caeedig ar gael fel yr arfer. Os oes gennych chi unrhyw anghenion mynediad eraill rhowch wybod i ni! There will also be translation if people who are not as fluent want to make use of that!

Dyma gyfle i ni gwrdd i drafod ein ymarfer, proses, syniadau a’n breuddwydion drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg mewn modd hwyliog ac anffurfiol. Gadewch i ni groes-beillio!

Pennod 22 – Calon Oer dan Fron o Fraw

In this episode we get to discuss one of the language’s most famous poems, a poem connected with one of the biggest turning points in the history of Wales. As we analyse Llywelyn’s Marwnad (‘Elegy’), we consider the way in which literature can be fuel for a nation’s imagination, that imagination being essential for a nation’s ability to survive after being conquered. We also discuss what is known about the life of the man who composed this iconic poem, namely Gruffydd ab yr Ynad Coch. Evidence suggests that he was a religious poet above all else, and is this a way for us to contextualize a great deal of the elegy’s imagery? Is it going too far to say that Gruffydd compares Llywelyn with none other than Jesu Christ himself? And is a part of this poet’s history – a historical fact which is shockingly different from the way in which many Welsh people perceive the relationship between Gruffydd an Llywelyn – also a way of explain this powerful poem’s extraordinary passion?

Inclusive Journalism Cymru

Inclusive Journalism Cymru is a network to protect, support and represent people who’ve been marginalised or excluded by the journalism industry.   Our mission is to:   Support journalists by creating spaces for connection, support and learning Change the industry by using our collective power to campaign for systemic change in newsrooms and the wider […]

A Hardy Breed: Sheep Farming in Wales by Bruce Cardwell

Bruce Cardwell is a folk musician and photographer living in West Wales. He has travelled across Wales, Britain, Ireland, and Europe performing and his photographs are collected by the National Library of Wales.

We caught up with Bruce Cardwell to discuss his new book, A Hardy Breed: Sheep Farming in Wales our August Book of the Month, a collection of 120 photographs, celebrating shepherding and sheep farming in Wales.

Caru Darllen: Awduron Pen Llŷn

Rhestr Ddarllen Pridd – Llyr Titus (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Y Pump – Gol. Elgan Rhys (Y Lolfa) Sgen i’m Syniad – Gwenllian Ellis (Y Lolfa) Cwlwm – Ffion Enlli (Y Lolfa) Galar a Fi – Gol. Esyllt Maelor (Y Lolfa) Byw yn fy Nghroen – Gol. Sioned Erin Hughes (Y Lolfa) Sw Sara Mai – […]

Pennod 21 – Dyrchafu, Caru ac Ymladd: Barddoniaeth yn gysylltiedig ag Owain Gwynedd a’i deulu

Lifting Up, Loving and Fighting: Poetry connected with Owain Gwynedd and his family

We continue to discuss the Poets of the Princes in this episode, focusing on poetry connection with Owain Gwynedd and his family. Already named ‘a friend of the pod’ by us, Owain Gwynedd (c.1100-1170) must be counted as one of the most important of the princes. Indeed, he was the first to use the title ‘Prince of Wales’ and he was also King of Gwynedd in his day. We look at work by Cynddelw Brydydd Mawr (or ‘Cynddelw the Great Poet’) ‘lifting up’ or ‘elevating’ Owain Gwynedd and we also look at poetry which concentrates on the role and identity of the poet himself. We imagine one of them, Gwalchmai ap Meilyr, strutting boastfully like a rapper on stage, and we discuss poetry by Owain Gwynedd’s son, Hywel, and consider his tragic ending.

Yn Fyw o’r Babell Lên

Rhifyn arbennig o Colli’r Plot wedi recordio o flaen gynulleidfa yn y Babell Lên ar faes Eisteddfod Llŷn ac Eifionydd.

Race and Organisational Culture

17/08

12:30 – 13:30

Register for the online event here

Leila Usmani, Lobbying and Influencing Officer at Race Alliance Wales, will share the finding of Deconstructing Unsafe Spaces, a 2023 report into how to create a truly inclusive workplace culture for racialised staff.

As co-author and research lead, Leila will discuss organisational culture, its contribution to racial challenges, and the role of inclusion, diversity, power dynamics and safe spaces. The focus will be on how these aspects apply to small and micro charities, but all with an interest in the subject are welcome to attend. Join us for this hour-long session to gain insights and learn what practical steps you can take to make your workplace more inclusive for all.

This reframing of the narrative session is inspired by Point 2 of Hub Cymru Africa’s Anti-Racism Charter: “We will use our positions to challenge racism where we see it, think critically about the racist structures we unknowingly uphold, and dismantle them.”

This event is part of the Reframing the Narrative project jointly run by Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel and Hub Cymru Africa.

Wyneb yn Wyneb gan Sioned Wyn Roberts

Wyneb yn Wyneb gan Sioned Wyn Roberts yw Llyfr y Mis i Blant, mis Awst.

Mwrddrwg ydy Twm. Dwyn. Twyllo. Bwlio. Mae o’n giamstar ar y cyfan. Ond mae rhywbeth ar goll, mae gwacter yn ei fywyd a does ganddo ddim syniad pam.

Un noson dywyll, pan mae Twm y Lleidr wrth ei waith, daw wyneb yn wyneb â’i ffawd. A darganfod gwirionedd sydd mor ysgytwol, mae’n newid cwrs ei fywyd am byth.

Darllenwch y penodau cyntaf yma:

https://www.flipsnack.com/cyngorllyfraucymru/wyneb-yn-wyneb-gan-sioned-wyn-roberts/full-view.html

Bydd yr awdur Sioned Wyn Roberts yn cynnal sesiwn awdur, ddydd Iau, 10 Awst 2023 am 2:30pm ar stondin Atebol (stondin 105 – 106), yn Eisteddfod Llŷn ac Eifionydd.

Mae’r gyfrol ar gael nawr o’ch siop lyfrau leol.

Cynrychioli Cymru | Representing Wales 2024-25

Deadline for applications: 5.00 pm, Thursday 28 September 2023

Literature Wales is delighted to announce that its 12-month professional development programme for writers, Representing Wales is once again open for applications. In its fourth year, the programme will welcome applications from Wales-based writers who come from an under-represented background and who are interested in writing and creating work for an adult audience.

More information about how to apply here

Cyrsiau Tŷ Newydd

Check out Tŷ Newydd’s courses here!

Tŷ Newydd is the National Writing Centre of Wales. Established in 1990, thousands of aspiring and emerging writers have since passed through our iconic teal front door.

We specialise in residential creative writing courses. Every week we welcome a new group of individuals from Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond to our home. They spend time together under the tutelage of professional writers, taking part in workshops and one-to-one tutorials, enjoying readings and basking in the inspirational setting of Tŷ Newydd. Participants also help in the kitchen, where home-made meals are prepared with local ingredients.

Our programme of courses features a mix of residential courses and retreats – both in the English and Welsh language – and cover many genres, forms and styles, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, scriptwriting, nature writing, illustrating, storytelling, yoga and more.

We choose our tutors and guest readers carefully, and welcome some of the best practitioners in their fields to Tŷ Newydd every year. Present and past tutors include Carol Ann Duffy, Gillian Clarke, Pascale Petit, Paula Meehan, Mark Cocker, Menna Elfyn, Patrick McGuinness, Kaite O’Reilly, Imtiaz Dharker, Niall Griffiths, Daljit Nagra and Malachy Doyle.

Our historical house was the last home of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George. It still retains the recognisable touches implemented by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, famous for his quirky Italianate village Portmeirion, the setting of classic TV series The Prisoner and Festival No.6. Nestled in a quiet spot between mountain and sea, we’re the perfect haven to retreat to and spend some time being creative.

We offer bespoke courses for educational groups, where we work alongside tutors and teachers in order to create a perfect course for their group. It is also possible to hire Tŷ Newydd privately for a corporate course, a holiday or a special occasion.

Pennod 20 – Canu Gwleidyddol: Beirdd y Tywysogion

Political Poetry: The Poets of the Princes

We begin discussing the Poets of the Princes in this episode, opening the door to a considerable body of incredibly artful verse which is incredibly important when it comes to studying Welsh history. We will consider the significance of the Hendregadredd Manuscript (the manuscript which has preserved most of these poems), a wonderfully interesting work which because it is the result of an effort to record the poetry of the age of the Princes shortly after that period in the history of Wales came to an end. We look at the work of the first of the Poets of the Princes, Meilyr Brydydd, and the leader for whom he composed praise, Gruffudd ap Cynan. Here’s an opportunity to clarify terminology a little as well (for example, is there a difference between the ‘Gogyfeirdd’, or ‘Rather Early Poets’, and ‘the Poets of the Princes’?)

Scrap by Kathy Biggs

Scrap by Kathy Biggs, a quirky contemporary fable set in Swansea, is our Book of the Month.

Cylchlythyr i Ddysgwyr

This is an occasional series of circulars aimed specifically at learners. It’s a combination of AM content highlights and general infighting about the platform.

Check it out 

Firefly commissions translation of multi-authored YA novel The Five

Penny Thomas, Publisher at children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press has acquired World English rights in prize-winning, co-created YA novel The Five (Y Pump) from Welsh language publishers, Y Lolfa.

Originally published in Welsh as a series of five novellas, The Five was initiated by writer and producer Elgan Rhys, employing an innovative writing process which teamed up-and-coming authors with debut co-authors who had lived experience of the subject matter. The translation is currently being undertaken by one of the original authors, Mared Roberts, with input from the other authors.

The novel focusses on the friendship between five very different teenagers who find themselves thrown together at their school in north-west Wales. Tim, Tami, Aniq, Robyn and Cat fight for each other and their place in the world, in the face of provocation and occasionally challenging personal circumstances. Both embracing and subverting conventional coming-of-age narratives, The Five is a distinctive and relatable depiction of young adult life in Wales today.

Each novella was originally published with a prologue by 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal winner Manon Steffan Ros, who was a creative mentor on the original series. Read a a sneak peek of the English translation of Manon’s prologue here.

‘We were intrigued and impressed by the radical authorship process, and enthusiasm behind The Five,’ said Firefly publisher, Penny Thomas, ‘and we’re very pleased we will be able to bring this novel to an English-speaking readership.’

‘I am delighted to be collaborating with Firefly on expanding the world of these five characters and welcoming more readers into their lives,’ says Elgan Rhys. ‘Our joyous collaboration on the original series was an untested way of working, and it’s been humbling to see it be embraced by readers and the industry. I’m certain Mared’s adaptation will continue to inspire young people, particularly those who might not be used to seeing their experiences authentically portrayed.’

And Darren Chetty of Books for Keeps said, ‘I’m delighted that Y Pump will be translated into English. The Five depicts a diverse, modern Wales and has been written through a pioneering, collaborative approach that I hope might be adopted more widely in children’s and YA literature. It’s a multi-perspective story written by young authors immersed in both the genre and contemporary reality of the coming-of-age story.’

The novel is slated for publication in 2025.

Learn more about Y Pump here

Pennod 19 – ‘Iarlles y Ffynnon’, nid ‘Owain’

The Lady of the Fountain, not ‘Owain’

In this episode we discuss the last of the ‘native tales’ as we examine the artful construction of ‘The Lady of the Fountain’. We note the tendency to use the main male character’s name, ‘Owain’, for the title, and insist that it is the title found in the Red Book of Hergest which is correct – ‘The Lady of the Fountain’. Along with Gwenhwyfar and the maiden Luned, the Lady is one of a triad of strong and life-like female characters found in this story. It is she who rules in her realm, even though the black knight guards the magical fountain which is its entrance. Among the things which make this piece of medieval literature so great is the way in which it represents conversation and the interplay between characters, each one with her or his own unique personality. And why does Arthur sleep on ‘a mound of rushes’ (like an eagle in his nest, according to Richard Wyn Jones)?

Deryn Brown a’r fedal Carnegie

Gwobr arall i ychwanegu at gabinet tlysau Manon, canmoliaeth ar gyfer Llyfr Y Flwyddyn, pwy yw’r awdur Deryn Brown?

Colli’r Plot gyda Bethan Gwanas, Dafydd Llewelyn, Siân Northey a Manon Steffan Ros.

Gwobr ragorol gan CWT TATWS, Tudweiliog

ATEBION RHWNG Y CLORIAU Mae’r atebion i gyd rhwng cloriau’r rhifyn hwn o BARN dim ond i chi ddarllen yn ofalus. Nid yw’r erthyglau o angenrheidrwydd yn ymddangos yn yr un drefn â’r cwestiynau. Anfonwch eich atebion at Swyddfa Barn, Y Llwyfan, Caerfyrddin SA31 3EQ gyda’ch enw a’ch manylion cyswllt, neu at swyddfa@barn.cymru erbyn 4 […]

Enillwyr Categori #LLYF23

Dyma’r llyfrau a gipiodd y gwobrau ym mhob categori yn y Gymraeg:

Gwobr Plant a Phobl Ifanc: Dwi Eisiau Bod yn Ddeinosor, Luned Aaron & Huw Aaron (Atebol)

Gwobr Ffuglen: Pridd, Llŷr Titus (Gwasg y Bwthyn)

Gwobr Ffeithiol Greadigol: Cylchu Cymru, Gareth Evans Jones (Y Lolfa)

Y Wobr Farddoniaeth: Anwyddoldeb, Elinor Wyn Reynolds (Cyhoeddiadau Barddas)

Gwobr Barn y Bobl Golwg360: Sgen i’m Syniad – Snogs, Secs, Sens, Gwenllian Ellis (Y Lolfa)

Derbyniodd enillydd pob categori wobr o £1,000 a derbyniodd prif enillwyr y wobr £3,000 yn ychwanegol. Yn ogystal, derbyniodd enillwyr y categorïau a’r prif enillwyr dlws eiconig Llyfr y Flwyddyn sydd wedi’i ddylunio gan yr artist a gof Angharad Pearce Jones.

#WBOTY23 Category Winners

The English-language Wales Book of the Year category winners are as follows:

The Children & Young People Award: When the War Came Home, Lesley Parr (Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

The Rhys Davies Trust Fiction Award: Drift, Caryl Lewis (Doubleday – an imprint of Transworld, Penguin Random House)

The Poetry Award: As If to Sing, Paul Henry (Seren Poetry Wales Press Ltd)  

The Creative Non-Fiction Award: And… a memoir of my mother, Isabel Adonis (Black Bee Books)

The Wales Arts Review’s People’s Choice Award: The Last Firefox, Lee Newbery (Penguin Random House Children’s)  

Each category winner received a prize of £1,000 and the overall winners received an additional £3,000. Winners also received an iconic Wales Book of the Year trophy, designed by artist and blacksmith Angharad Pearce Jones.

Pennod 18 – Marchocffordd Peredur

Peredur’s Marchocffordd

In this episode we discuss ‘Historia Peredur fab Efrog’ and suggest that it describes the relationship between Peredur and his mother in a remarkably human and tender fashion. There is an obvious contrast between the violent male worldview of Peredur’s father and the wisdom of his mother. However, while his mother tries to raise him in a femine world far from any mention of weapons and warfare, and although she tells him that the knights he sees one day are ‘angles’, the young lad insists on following the armed men on the marchocffordd – meaning the ‘bridle path’ or ‘horse path’ but also in our reading of the text, ‘the way of a knight’ – and learn to be a knight himself. This is a medieval text which questions the same macho behaviour it appears to promote.

The Torch by Jon Roberts

The Torch by Jon Roberts, illustrated by Hannah Rounding is our July Children’s Book of the Month.

Accompanied by Myles, her assistance dog, Lilly sets off from Granny’s house to explore. First, she walks through the garden, then she visits the seashore. But when she comes to the big cave at the end of the beach her acute hearing means she is scared of the loud noise when she drops her torch. And what’s that creature she can hear coming towards her?…

Available now from your local bookshop.

Pennod 17 – Breuddwyd Rhyfeddol Rhonabwy

Rhonabwy’s Amazing Dream

In this episode, we discuss a completely amazing tale which constructs a unique version of Arthur’s heroic world in order to highlight the political faults of the real world. Medieval Wales is that real world, and a struggle between a prince and his brother is threatening the peace of the realm. The messenger Rhonabwy tries his best to help but he falls asleep – in a house which is disgustingly filthy! – and by means of his dream he travels from the present back to the Arthurian past. The heroic leader himself must learn lessons about war and peace as well, and he does that while playing gwyddbwyll – not ‘chess’, as modern Welsh speakers would have it, but a different kind of war game played by medieval Welsh people. And this story is not like any other story either! You’ll also get answers to some unexpected questions, such as who does that little man from the present, Rhonabwy, make Arthur cry?

Gwawrio gan Tegwen Bruce-Deans

Gwawrio gan Tegwen Bruce-Deans yw Llyfr y Mis, mis Gorffennaf. Casgliad o gerddi, sy’n cynnwys ei dilyniant o gerddi ‘Rhwng Dau Le’ a enillodd iddi gadair Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2023.

Dyma flas o’r gyfrol

Pennod 16 – Geraint a’i shorts sidan

Geraint and his satin shorts

In this episode we discuss the tale ‘Ystoria Geraint fab Erbin’ (the ‘Story’ or ‘History’ of Geraint so of Erbin) and consider its relationship with a narrative poem by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes. Is it possible that this Welsh tale is actually a translation of the French text? Is it really right to include ‘Geraint’ among the ‘native tales’? We suggest that a Welsh author took Chrétien’s story and dressed in Welsh clothes. After all, there are lots of Welsh names here, many of them with very deep roots in traditional Welsh narrative, including Geraint. It also presents a very interesting look at south-east Wales, including Caerdyf or Cardiff. And, talking about clothes, the description of Geraint’s outfit when he first appears is brilliant. In addition to all of the greatness, bravery, chivalry and adventur, this tale offers a critical discussion of the very Arthurian world it celebrates.

Gwasg y Mis | Publisher of the Month: Firefly Press

AM’s Publisher of the Month is Firefly Press, an award-winning independent children’s and YA publisher based in Wales that publish quality fiction in all genres for 5-19 years olds. Firefly are celebrating their 10th birthday this year.

Enjoy content by Firefly below!

Lansiad Y Gwyliau – Sioned Wiliam

King’s Yard, Caerdydd ar nos Wener, y 30ain o Fehefin am 6:30yh

Bydd Beti George yn holi’r awdur am ei nofel diweddaraf, ‘Y Gwyliau’, a bydd siop lyfrau Caban yn gwerthu copïau o’r nofel ar y noson. Ceir darpariaeth o fwyd bys a bawd gan Canna Deli

Whaling by Nathan Munday

Whaling by Nathan Munday is our June Book of the Month. 1792: Nantucket whalers, invited to found the port of Milford Haven, are preceded by a beached whale.

An omen for the local people, but what is its meaning? The line between superstition and faith blurs, the local people become fearful and led by their increasingly insane preacher fashion a hysterical Jonah-like fate for the incomers.

Author Nathan Munday tells us more about his debut novel.

nawr

Nawr is a magazine supporting Welsh and Wales based creatives.