015: Movement and Writing; A Poet's Journey with Susan Richardson

“Whereas if I get up and dance or if I go out in the garden and walk around or if I go for a longer coastal walk, that block will shift. I don't think I've ever had an experience of a writing problem not being solved by movement.”

Susan Richardson

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, Sarah Perry speaks with writer and poet Susan Richardson about the profound relationship between writing and movement. They explore how the body and the written word intertwine, the role of research in creative work, and the power of poetry to celebrate biodiversity and give voice to the natural world.

Susan shares her personal journey with writing and movement—including her ambitious challenge of exploring 52 different dance styles in a year. We discuss how movement not only enhances physical wellbeing but also serves as a powerful tool for overcoming creative blocks and deepening artistic expression. Join Sarah and Susan for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the dynamic interplay between movement, writing, and inspiration.

About Susan Richardson:
Susan Richardson is a writer, performer and educator whose work celebrates and defends animals and wild places, re-engaging our imaginations with them and inspiring strong connections with the more-than-human world. Her work of creative non-fiction, ‘Where the Seals Sing’ (William Collins), is a deep dive into the lives of Atlantic grey seals, blending natural history and travel, science and shamanism, memoir and myth. She has also written four collections of poetry, the most recent of which, ‘Words the Turtle Taught Me’, themed around endangered marine species, emerged from her residency with the Marine Conservation Society and was shortlisted for the Ted Hughes Award.  

Susan has been writer-in-residence with both the British Animal Studies Network, facilitated by the University of Strathclyde, and the global animal welfare initiative, World Animal Day. She also enjoyed a four-year stint as one of the poet-performers on Radio 4’s Saturday Live and has shared her work at festivals throughout the UK and overseas, from Cheltenham to Toronto, Adelaide to Hay.  Susan lives on a cliff in the far west of Wales with badgers, buzzards and choughs as her nearest neighbours.

Chapters

The Importance of Writing in Creative Arts

Susan Richardson: A Journey Through Literature

The Intersection of Movement and Writing

Inspiration from Nature and the Sea

The Role of Research in Creative Work

Celebrating Biodiversity Through Poetry

Muscularity of Language and Animal Voices

The Impact of Movement on Writing

Collaboration Between Writers and Movement Experts

The Connection Between Wellbeing and Creativity

Movement as a Catalyst for Creativity

Overcoming Creative Blocks Through Movement

Walking: A Source of Inspiration

The Impact of Historical Context on Creativity

Daily Practices and Their Importance

The Challenge of Yin Yoga

Exploring New Dance Styles

Journaling and Reflection After Dance Classes

Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Links:

Website: www.susanrichardsonwriter.co.uk

Instagram: @susan_richardson_writer

Bluesky: @susanrichardson.bsky.social

To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.