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Afterthoughts: Interview with UK Author Tom McGreevy
Show: Lynn Serafinn’s Garden of the Soul
Episode 2: Using Creativity to Heal the Self Part 1
Date aired: Wed 28 Jan 2009
Last week on my BlogTalkRadio show Lynn Serafinn’s Garden of the Soul, I interviewed British poet, Tom McGreevy, author of the books Poems for Paula and the upcoming book ‘I’m a Soldier…get me out of here! Tom and I discussed how he has used his creativity as a writer to heal his own emotional wounds, as how he currently uses it to help heal the wounds of others.
Those who listened to the show would have to agree that Tom is a down-to-earth, home-spun hero of the highest order. Originally from Newcastle in northeast England (for those who might have been able to place his accent), where he wrote poetry as a child, Tom joined the military at an early age to ‘make his father proud’, even though he knew deep down in his heart of hearts that he is ‘a writer, not a fighter’ (as Tom is found of saying). On the show, Tom shared with us his experience with seeing his best friend die in his arms in the war of the Falklands, and discussed the impact that made on him. He also talked about his experience with prostate cancer, and the emotional rollercoaster of the healing process. Tom’s poetry is traditional and direct, and written in an unassuming, natural way that gets right to the heart of the matter without any fluff. Plainly addressing issues surrounding death, dying and saying good bye to loved ones, Tom’s poems are a true example of one man’s use of creativity to heal the Self.
Tom spoke in brief about his work as Head Moderator for a project called ‘Forces Poetry’, which helps military, ex-military and their families overcome the effects of war, including post traumatic stress disorder, by writing. He is helping to coordinate the publishing of their first book entitled ‘ Voices of the Poppies” a collection poems by members of Forces Poetry, which is a part of a greater organisation called ‘Flow for All’ ( Forces Literary Organisation Worldwide for All ).
- Listen to the show below:
- On download the podcast here:
- Or browse through other episodes at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Lynn-Serafinn
NEXT SHOW: Wed 4 February 6.30 PM UK time. ‘Creativity to
Heal the Self Part 2′ with special guest Kristina Berglund, Stockholm-based artist, coach and teacher of Vedic Art Principles.
Tom Mcgreevy’s Website: http://www.poetryfromtommcgreevy.weebly.com
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Poems for Paula 94 page Paperback or ebook download
both available from: http://www.lulu.com/content/2641854 |
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Draft cover of Tom’s upcoming book I’m a Soldier…get me out of here !
Watch for it in spring 2009. |
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Voices of the Poppies a collection of ‘Forces Poetry’ members’ poetry Available from: http://silverwoodbooks.co.uk |
Tom Mcgreevy is also the Head Moderator for the following Group of websites.
- Flow for All ( Forces Literary Organisation Worldwide for All ) http://FlowforAll.org
- Forces Poetry http://ForcesPoetry.com
- Forces Stories http://ForcesStories.com
- Flows Forum http://FlowsForum.com
FLOW is a non-profit making organisation set up by ex-forces, to help other
ex-forces and their families Worldwide. They try to encourage those suffering from PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ) to express their fears and feelings through writing poetry, and having it published on their sites. Their sites are free to use for anybody, but they welcome donations to keep the sites running, and help ex-servicemen and women worldwide. 
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