Our lives seem dominated by politics and politicians at the moment and last week it was all about the Conservative Party Conference.
I was interested to follow the debate over the choice of anthem accompanying Liz Truss as she walked on stage to deliver her speech.
The song playing was 'Moving on Up' by M People. Apparently the party hadn't gained permission to use the track and members of the band weren't happy for it to be associated politically, and particularly not by our present government. Interestingly they also pointed out that some of the lyrics don't make this such a desirable theme tune after all!
Many songs have become associated with certain occasions and movements which the originators did not intend. This led me to think of poets who find their work quoted widely without acknowledgement and illustrators, too, who have had their images replicated in other media or used to inspire other pictures.
It is said that the artist should be flattered their work is so popular but, overlooking the financial implications, what is the relationship between the creator and their work when it has been released into the world - can they retain ownership or control?
Novelists often acknowledge that once their words are published, their story or message takes on a new life through the relationship with the reader and this may be different from the one the writer intended.
After spending years perfecting, crafting and refining a story, song, poem or piece of art, it can be a hard lesson to learn that how the work is received or interpreted may be far from the original objective. It may be frustrating when it is misunderstood or misappropriated, but exciting and exhilarating to see it adopted and appreciated?
Now, if you have a story to tell, you might like to enter the New Anglia Manuscript Prize.
The Laxfield Literary Agency is once again working with the National Centre for Writing in seeking the best new writers in Norfolk and Suffolk and submissions are being accepted until the end of November.
The judging panel will comprise Chris Gribble, CEO of the National Centre for Writing in Norwich, publisher and author Phoebe Morgan, and Emma Shercliff of Laxfield Literary Associates. Find out more here.
Fnally, I was very sad to learn of the death of the crime writer Peter Robinson this week. Peter visited us at Woodbridge Library five years ago and we had a very enjoyable time listening to him talk about creating his detective DCI Banks. He was a softly spoken, thoughtful man and will be much missed.
Thank you for reading.