Tyler's Return From Tŷ Newydd

Last week Tyler dropped off the radar, causing great concern here with his publicity team (not to mention his family).  We worried that he was having an early mid-life crisis and had decided to pursue a career as a semi-professional ice hockey player, since he often vaguely daydreams about moving to the Czech Republic for this reason.  But it turned out he had headed up to Criccieth to teach a novel writing course at the Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre with his friend and colleague DD Johnston.  This week Tyler has come back acting all calm and zen-like; its seems the retreat had the desired effect.  When we pressed him on the matter, he had this to say: 'We had great students, who were all attentive and engaged, and many of whom were developing impressive projects.  We all worked hard for the week, which was exhilerating.  Just before heading up there I'd drowned my smartphone in a canal so for the whole week I was pretty much offline and unplugged.  I'd forgotten what that was like.  Plus the chef was a St. Louis Blues fan and he made these incredible meals every night.  I don't know.  It's hard to put into words.  But it's a special place.'   That may be, Tyler, but you're back now and have other responsibilities to take care of, and from our point of view it's about time.  There's Word Factory coming up, the Penarth Book Festival, and the start of your teaching semester as Course Leader at UoG.  And your writing.  You are a writer still, aren't you?  We're waiting for something to promote here!  To this Tyler merely looks at us quizzically, shakes his head, and wanders off to make a cup of tea, his head still filled with Tŷ Newydd tranquility.