Thanks to good preparation prompts by Alison Craig, our workshop leader for the poetry session, the majority of attendees had brought along poems based on the theme of ‘wind’. Whether finished item or first draft, all were welcomed and received an appreciative hearing by the group and rapid appraisal by Alison as to whether it was in fact 3 poems or may be better re-arranged.
This seemingly simple theme provoked the sharing of wide range of experiences, from sailing with a strong nor’easterly to mythical maelstroms to the wind that blew the knickers off the washing line. And seriously- we would love to see this one published, it provided such a comical picture to which we could all relate.
There were poems which would be great for children to read, dramatic works and simple verse. As the evening progressed we found markets to suit all styles. Even the ‘tum-te-tum’ verse had a good market as Ann suggested that DC Thompson and Prima will pay for this content.
Alison then moved on to looking at poem as story and as inspiration and provocation of personal response. In considering a variety of work, from Alice Oswald’s contemplative ‘Marginalia at the edge of evening’ to Sharon Old’s direct reflection ‘My father snoring’, we could see how to employ our connection or lack of such with a poem, to start our own creative juices flowing. Top tip: try using a poem you don’t like- it may give you a more stimulating journey than one you do.
There is nothing wrong with re-working a story into verse if you give credit to the originator of the story.
Poetry publishing advice can be found in the Writer’s and Artists Yearbook (cheaper bought on-line) and (I would also add) via the Scottish Poetry Library website. Before you send in work, do check the house style of the publication to ensure you are a good match. There are also many poetry competitions. Magazines even pay for poetry. Poetry Scotland edited by Sally Evans comes out three times a year and is filled to the gunnels with new talent, why should it not include yours?
Members were reminded to collect their competition entries and crits and that they need to book now if they wish to attend the club dinner at the Carlton next month.
Summer meets at members’ houses to review work were successful last year and venues are now being sought.
Rosie Mapplebeck