The Half-Hitch
I’m writing this from a very windy mid-afternoon as the change of season brings some warmth but also a last gasp of winter bluster.
Today’s ‘episode’ of the dispatch includes a video song from the folksinger & folklorist, Pete Seeger, better known these days as the muse and later representative of the old guard to Bob Dylan’s ‘freewheeling’ sensibilities.
I’ve known of Pete Seeger for years. I have an early record of his that went on replay in my late teens/early twenties. Something about the storytelling aspect of his craft really spoke to the writer in me as I enjoyed folk songs about the underbelly of US society. Pete Seeger sang stories of hobos, empty ranges where the buffalo once roamed but, above all, he was an activist, a poet and song-master who railed for the environment and against corruption, and racism and all the deadly sins which affect our world. Still.
Here’s the ‘Rolling Stone’s’ essential list of 20 Pete Seeger songs to check out.
But Pete Seeger also sang songs full of whimsy.
Here’s a favourite of mine:
How fun was that?
And so, when I was given the prompt, ‘You’ve heard it before, but not like this…’ it was this song which came to mind. If you’ve an interest to do this, go back to the story I sent out 2 weeks ago and re-read it. Can you find elements of ‘The Half-Hitch’ in the story?
That’s the wonderful thing about writing - your subconscious ferrets all these seemingly disparate ideas and brings it together in a new and interesting way. That’s why I’m really enjoying this prompt challenge. I get out of my own way and just let the words flow and see what appears. I hope you’re enjoying it too!
A newsletter update!
I’m taking a longer break from the newsletter of September & October because I’ll be travelling overseas to Uzbekistan. I’ll be unable to post while I’m away BUT, when I return, I hope to share my experiences with you about this incredible destination.
Part of the reason for going is for research into my historical fiction trilogy (The Granada Trilogy) beginning with ‘The Silk Trader’s Daughter’ coming out in January 2026!
Until next time,
Please let me know if you have any prompts or if you’ve written any of your own ‘in response to…’
Jacqui.