the writing life

Funding and its discontents

In the interest of economics, this will be a short blog. It’s now been a few weeks since the Arts Council decisions on its cuts came through and – understandably – there is a lot of reaction still churning in the ether. I have been very close to much of the talk because, primarily, of [...]


The Blog Virgin: Me & Technology

Technology and me could never be seen as friends, computers are glorified word processors, my iPod had 27 songs on it for two years and I have just figured out how to record programme on my Sky Plus box. So I am a true blogging virgin if ever there was one. Be gentle with me [...]


news for April

Me and Janie have been having fun recording tracks for ‘Different Words For Snow’ in Goldsmiths recording studios.  We’re hoping to have a CD ready in time for the Phrased & Confused tour in May.  They’ve set up a facebook group for the tour – check it out here http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63881632812#/group.php?gid=63881632812 I also had a very [...]


Forwards

It was quite a surprise to find that I had been highly commended by this year’s Forward Prize, and that my poem “The Father in Law” had made it into the Forward Book of Poetry 2009. I can’t say that I write with the expectation, or the goal, of prizes and wider recognition  but I’m [...]


Stacking responsibilities

My friend, the editor of The Liberal, Ben Ramm, reminded me of the saying ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person. Sounds funny, but I relate to it. See how I often complain of having too much to do? Well, now I have agreed to be on the Council of Management for The [...]