Modern Stories
Contemporary ceremonies can sit between the traditions we value and the modern lives we lead. They can be things of beauty which live long in the memory. Here, I explore my writing inspirations and how I approach my craft.
Independent celebrants can exercise a lot of creativity when designing a ceremony and this prose piece invites exactly that kind of approach. more
Ozeki shows us how life can change forever in a moment. This extract, from 'The Book of Form and Emptiness' is a powerful exploration of loss and impermanence. more
Prose extracts can be powerful but also a challenge. Here's some tips. more
A beautiful reading on grief from a queer, Glaswegian, radical voice. more
If you don't have an encyclopaedic knowledge of ceremony-ready literature, this post might be a good place to start more
An independent celebrant always needs a treasure trove of ideas and Angelou speaks beautifully to audiences in a way that few poets can. more
We might balk at the language of ‘conquering’ when we think of grief in our modern contexts, but I think the message from Seneca here stands the test of time. more