October is my favourite month, partly because it’s the start of the run-up to Christmas with all sorts of musical things to come, before then of course Bonfire Night in Lewes – always an annual high point. Plus I have a birthday, and it’s generally a time for a stock-take and a bit of ‘whereRead more ⟶
Tag: telltale press
Launches, readings, online course, a new book … busy autumn
Someone posted recently on Twitter that poetry seemed to be “mostly about reading, writing and waiting”. I know I’ve certainly had that kind of year up until a few weeks ago. I’d have to wait to do one of my ‘stock takes’ to see if I’ve been sending out less work this year than last,Read more ⟶
On keeping the anxiety in check and forthcoming events/plans
Yikes, the poetry world can be dangerous place, can’t it? Who’d be one of those poor ‘Next Generation Poets‘? Blimey. I wonder if people forget sometimes that letting rip on Facebook is less like having a bitch down the pub, and more like broadcasting all your inner demons on one of those sheets that get strung out across theRead more ⟶
A day at the Poetry Book Fair
Ooh, poetry books. Trestle tables. Shouty snatches of conversation trying to be heard in the hubbub. “I wasn’t sure about his last collection, it it didn’t quite work, did it?” … “Oh yeah, did you hear? I got divorced – she buggered off to Germany, thank God”. It has to be Free Verse, the Poetry BookRead more ⟶
Latest on Telltale, plus forthcoming events
Having just emerged from a book-writing marathon I’m now fighting a cold and the urge to feel pathetically sorry for myself! Not helped by the submissions doldrums – what on earth will it take for things to start moving? I have so many poems ‘out there’ and it must be easily 6 months since the lastRead more ⟶
Poetry Library takes The Great Vowel Shift
OK so it doesn’t sound like a big deal, but the email from the Poetry Library says they get sent between 200 and 300 unsolicited publications every month, and my Telltale pamphlet The Great Vowel Shift has made the cut. It feels like vote of confidence. And yes, since I don’t have the might ofRead more ⟶
Quick Friday update – events, submissions etc
It’s been a thin year so far as regards writing, getting stuff out and accepted by magazines. I do have one excuse, which is that work has taken up a lot more of my time than usual these last 6 months. Not that I’m complaining, as my work and poetry interests continue to converge, slowlyRead more ⟶
Publish and be damned
Call it ‘self-publishing’ if you will, call it an unhealthy desperation, frustration or whatever – I’m not sure exactly what my prime motivation is but it feels good to be taking charge! Here’s what’s happened …. I have named my new poetry press. I’ve named my pamphlet. I’ve (almost) decided on the content and order,Read more ⟶