100 words on how NOT to read a poem on stage.

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Lemn Sissay

New poets and old do it. They find a vocal rhythm and they stick to it whatever the cost. The voice becomes devoid of purpose other than to stay in the tonal rise and fall and rise and fall and rise Read more [...]

100 words on dangers of back-biting for a contemporary poet

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Lemn Sissay

In 100 words today I'm talking of a distraction from the creative process - back biting. Cultivating a fellow poet as an enemy is like finding an angry Marshmallow in the bag. You really have to do Read more [...]

100 words on commissions for a contemporary poet

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Lemn Sissay

You’re requested to write poems for an organization with a budget and imagination. It’s for an event, for TV, for YouTube, for radio, for a public art piece, for an album, for a book. Welcome to Read more [...]

100 words for writers on how to answer obvious questions in a Q and A

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Lemn Sissay

Writers may weep inside after delivering a heartfelt reading when faced with the question When did you start writing?. I am here to help. Treat it as an opportunity and you'll learn to love the question. Try Read more [...]

100 words on a postcard for the contemporary poet.

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Lemn Sissay

There’s everything right with promoting yourself if you’ve got something worth promoting. There’s everything wrong with promoting yourself if you’ve not. The greatest, most long lasting and effective Read more [...]

100 more words on a spoken word agent for the contemporary poet

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Lemn Sissay

There are agents or production companies for actors, musicians and speakers but only one that exclusively represents poets on stage in England - Paul Beasley at 57 productions. So you're in demand Read more [...]

100 words on a spoken word agent for a contemporary poet.

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Lemn Sissay

You’re feeding your talent by seeking a spoken word agent because you’re making time…. to write. The time to seek out a spoken word agent is when you are in demand. Not before. The idea that Read more [...]

100 words on career progression for a contemporary poet

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Lemn Sissay

If you spend your time fixating on the ladder of poets on your scene and analysing their success or failiure then there is only one place to look if you reach the top. Down. We are a community of poets. Read more [...]

100 words on the revenue streams of a contemporary poet.

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Lemn Sissay

The revenue streams of a professional poet always come from the following places: TV, Radio, Theatre, Live Performances, Music collaborations, Recordings, Education, Residency, Commissions and Read more [...]

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