Lisa Johnston is a poet and creative community project co-ordinator. She has a love of the arts that she wants to share with others through attending events, taking part in projects and dreaming up those of her own through Red Bucket Projects. She has work published in many anthologies and takes part in Spoken Word events. She enjoys mindful walking where she takes time to notice patterns and textures around her which she documents through photography. She finds being in green space inspiring and promotes wellbeing and even when things prevent long distance mindful walking she is able to look for themes in nature to inspire her poetry in her garden. She believes in the connection between creativity, time outside and increased wellbeing and hopes to encourage others to include this in their own lives. As a result Lisa has put together her first collection of poetry, Heart Lines and Life Lines, with Dream Well Publishing to acknowledge the detail in the everyday.

Heart Lines and Life Lines is an assortment of poetry formats from Haiku, Pathya Vat, micro poems to free written pieces. In this way it is hoped that there is something to suit everyone even those who are new to reading poetry. As well as poems Lisa has included photographs. These photographs compliment or show the inspiration for some of the poetry and range from nature to architecture.

This collection was titled Heart Lines and Life Lines to acknowledge that poetry is written with emotion and can indeed be a lifeline when times are difficult. Poetry has enabled Lisa to connect with many different people and has offered  a positive, supportive network. The book is a collection of poems inspired by emotions, observations in nature and interactions with other people. In this way it is hoped that they explore heartfelt emotions and observations of life.

‘This collection, as the title suggests, will throw you a lifeline – of connection and solidarity – to grab hold of with both hands whilst completely immersing yourself in the poetry within as it gently envelops both your mind and your heart.’ – Mel Wardle Woodend, Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2019 -2022

‘Blending effortlessly together the emotionally poignant and the everyday, this rich collection paints pictures with its elegant phrasing and delicately balanced companion photography. At points romantic and stirring in others hopeful and yearning, Lisa’s poetry stays honest and tender throughout, making Heart Lines and Life Lines a joy to read.’ – Emily Rose Galvin Staffordshire Poet Laureate 2017 – 2019

‘Lisa’s writing is a thing of great beauty and you get the feeling that she notices every single atom and molecule that surrounds her, such is the detail and precision of her descriptive work. Nature, time and feelings are observed in such a way that you feel the page is drawing you in.

There is also variety, and a subtle humour poking through some of the poems, which keeps you on your toes. An excellent collection, and if you only read on poem this year, you won’t find a better one than Carry You. – Stunning.’ Nick Degg, Performance Poet.

Heart Lines and Life Lines is available on Amazon. If you would like a signed copy please contact Lisa directly at redbucketprojects@gmail.com.