It’s 10.30am I am in Toynbee Studios to view i test. i test is a poem I wrote for Artsadmins 30th birthday and it’s painted upon a wall then photographed for a thirtieth anniversary publication. It’s part of my poems as landmarks project.
Then there’s a two hour meeting with Gill Lloyd my projects manager to map
out 2010.
I suppose here’s as good a place as any to say that I am doing no poetry readings until October 2010. I’ll be doing lots of other things but no poetry readings. This means turning down thousands and thousands and thousands of pounds worth of work. Is this a good idea or a bad idea? What are the benefits or pitfalls of of the decision?
Still at Toynbee at one o’clock I meet Hilary Keanley Side from the board of Barnados where I introducing Karen from New Deal of The Mind whom. By four pm I am back at the Southbank centre to meet the editor translator Daniel Hahn.
We discuss my Arvon visit next week where I shall be the visiting author. 6pm And home.
I will do readings outside of Britian. I am not going to turn down a poetry reading in The Seychelles now am I? You can define a self employed persons career prospects by the work they turn down more than they take?
just read your poem Olympic Invocation and absolutely loved it! Thanks
Chris and Julie
Auckland
NZ
Wow, I'm impressed that a poet can earn thousands and thousands and thousands of pounds! But distraught that I won't be able to hear you until at least October.
Actually no, I'm not. That's a silly notion. I'll just go and buy your books, the author is 'dead' after all (I'm the person that was tongue-tied when meeting Carol Ann Duffy anyway!)
do what you feel bro.
Do what I feel. What kind of advice is that. Perfect.
I had the best time in NZ! Pleased you enjoyed the poem.
It makes me wonder how many readings you have done in Britain over the years! Rough guess?
I last saw you read live in Leeds' Duchess back in…1990 maybe. You've done a few since then I suppose!
To another great chapter…
RF
I feel it beholden on me to bemoan the loss of great poetry readings by Lemn Sissay. (Why has no one said that)? If it's in your personal and artistic interests then it's a good decision. Can't give advice without a bit of background info though. Will read more of your blog.
Mellow
no no and no…now that's bemoaning
Well Botswana is not the Seychelles but we will see what we can do.