Kingston Libraries poetry prize event

I have been very slow this year with my poetry but seeing some deadlines coming up and with previous entries to competitions coming back into circulation I have today sent some of them out again. I had a batch of poems which didn't make a pamphlet prize so I looked at them again, did a small amount of tweaking and have sent them somewhere else. Another three poems I have sent off to a magazine to see if I have any luck there.

The writing of new poems hasn't really happened and though I've been reading poetry the desire to write hasn't been there. That's not quite true. Late at night before I go to sleep I sometimes write the odd thing in a book I keep by the bed. They are first drafts of which one might have potential.

Still on the poetry theme, I attended Kingston Library yesterday afternoon for the poetry prize event. A poem of mine had been commended and I was invited to read it. Because of nerves I cannot remember the names of the other prize winners (except one) but hopefully the details will be on the Library website soon and I will post the link. The winning poems were on a display board in the side room of the library where we were and as well as Alison Hill (poet and judge) who read a few of her own poems on the competition theme of remembrance, Alison Townsend from the Library service read some favourite poems including one by Pam Ayres about motherhood and getting your kids off to school (I remember it well!). There was a contribution from another poet and we had music from Catherine Paver a singer/songwriter. The winning entries were read by those who were able to attend and Alison Townsend read poems by those unable to come.

My poem was a personal one so I had to get over the emotional side of it. I felt I read it well but realised I didn't look up (so much to think about isn't there?). Still, this is only the second time I have read in public and it was certainly easier than the first time. I think knowing the venue and what to expect helped too.

After the event we were invited for a photo shoot and were able to meet one another. Two ladies were local, the winner came all the way from Cambridge.The name of the 3rd prize winner was one I thought I recognised but unfortunately the lady wasn't able to attend. When I got home I checked out the name (I knew she lived in Devon) and yes she is also a contributor to Areopagus magazine. What a shame she couldn't be there so we could meet but it is a long way to come.

I have my £10 book voucher prize (what to spend it on?) and I feel very proud to have made it into the winners list two years running. There were many more entries this year too. That also boosts my confidence.

Now it is back to editing the novel. Not half way through the second edit yet but getting there.

A small success and the editing begins

One of my poems has been commended in the Kingston Libraries Poetry competition. This is just what I needed as I've been having a bit of a 'low' right now. So this was a nice surprise and made my day. The prize event takes place on 7th February and though I've not been asked to read, the main winners will be, along with Alison Hill (Judge and local poet) and others. Apparently there will also be music - how can I refuse! Sounds great. So I will pick up my £10 book voucher on the day and sit back and enjoy myself.

Meanwhile I have completed the first very quick edit of my first novel. This was mainly to sort out inconsistencies, typos, spelling mistakes and words or speech marks left out. I did of course make some changes, do a quick cut and paste in one part and added another 2,000 words. While I know there is much more to do the good thing was that I still liked the story and I got completely caught up in it and found it difficult to stop reading.

Never having written something so long and dreading the editing process I found I enjoyed it and was surprised how quickly I got through it. But now comes the more difficult part. I need to run off the pages and see how it looks on paper. Although I have breaks between parts I still haven't pinned down chapter breaks. I think I will do this better when I can handle the pages. I also feel I need to slow down and concentrate on each part, not get carried away with the story.

I have lots of notes and questions to refer to as I edit. Maybe after I've put all the edits onto the computer it will be time to let someone read it. I feel I need the opinion!

For now I'm having a short break away from it. I have a busy week coming up so maybe I'll go back to it after that.

Prize night celebration in Kingston

A quick snatched photo after the readings

Tuesday 21st January was the poetry prize giving evening at Kingston Library. In an earlier post I spoke of my elation at being runner-up. This was the night I would have the chance to read my poem and receive my prize of £30 worth of book vouchers.

I was delighted that a few of my friends were able to come along and support me and was also surprised to see two members of the former Malden Arts Association there (something I also belonged to). They had no idea I would be there!

Nibbles and drinks were laid on both before and after the event. It was a small group, possibly around 20 or so and all the finalist were present. Before we read there was a short introduction and the local poet and competition judge Alison Hill read from her forthcoming collection, as did another poet, whose name I have sadly forgotten in the nerves running up to it all!  But later she asked to see my poem and said how much she liked it.

The theme for the competition was water and there was a prize for the best poem set in a Kingston location which was read before the third place poem and then I got up to read.  I'd practiced at home but there was no microphone so I had to be aware of that.  The reading went well and everyone clapped. I'd been running on adrenalin up until then after which I felt rather shaky and wasn't giving the winner's poem the attention it deserved. I've just read it online - wow!

After the readings and prizes individual photos were taken, then several group shots. We were then asked for quotes. All this was due to go onto the website.  It's been coming in dribs and drabs and I'm still not sure the photos are coming!  The link to the website is here and gives the names of all prize winners along with their poems as well as other information relating to Alison Hill and Rhythm & Muse, which I have been to once.

I am very proud of this achievement and I learned a lot about networking, how to read and that I could do it again!  My hubby videoed it but missed the first four lines as he was trying to take a quick shot with my camera (unsuccessfully) but my techie son has an idea to 'rescue' it. The video also helps me look at the way I perform. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this and one thing I noticed is that my head is down more than I'd have wanted. But you learn from these things and I did remember to look up occasionally (I had a mental check list of stuff!). I had a chance to chat to Alison whose first collection I have read and speak to the other poets. Looking at the photos my hubby took I don't look very relaxed! But as I said the adrenaline had warn off.

It was a lovely evening and the next day I sat down and wrote another poem! These kind of highs spur me on, give me encouragement, inspiration and drive to carry on.  It's was wonderful to share this moment with my friends and I appreciate very much their support. I'm very pleased to be able to share this with you, my readers. This is another step (I hope) on the long ladder!