John Winstanley Livres

Spearmint – “Sweeping the Nation” (Hitback records). Email to mail@spearmint.net 11.30 21/12/13. Hi, I've just finished the first draft of my book about the five years I spent promoting various genres of local music during 2002/2007 in and around Chorley, Blackburn and Preston, Lancashire. It champions all the bands and artists that never got to make it further than their hometown fan base...and a few that did. I found your track "Sweeping the Nation" on a Rough Trade CD and have been recommending it to anyone I meet/know as the best song I have ever heard that sums up what my book is about... I am 51 and Northern Soul was an influence on my growing up and appreciation of musical styles. How clever of you to combine the classic back beat sample with a list of the bands you knew about that never made it and then bound it all together with driving guitars and the thumping chorus of: "I've been wasting my life I've finally realised I've wasted so much time....! My book has made me understand that I didn't waste my life because I followed my dream, stuck to what I believed in and have some wonderful memories. I know what Mr Bradshaw meant in his words to Shirley as everything I wanted in life has come true! Thanks again and maybe I'll get to one of your gigs in the New Year. "I wanna hear you on that!" John Winstanley.

The book explores the transformative power of writing and the deep sense of purpose it can provide. It reflects on the author's personal journey with writing, particularly during their teenage years, and aims to inspire others who have yet to discover this fulfilling ritual. Through sharing their experiences, the author encourages readers to embrace writing as a means of self-expression and creativity.

The collection showcases a diverse range of poems exploring themes such as love, nature, and religion, crafted in various forms like sonnets, odes, and ballads. Winstanley's elegant yet accessible language emphasizes vivid imagery and emotional resonance, often reflecting his Christian faith and appreciation for nature's spiritual influence. This facsimile reprint preserves the original work, highlighting Winstanley's poetic prowess and his ability to convey the beauty and intricacies of the world.