Writing Club

[Carol]

This isn't exactly publication news, but I wanted to share something that happened on July 19th. Our extended family were in Allhihes, West Cork, recently on holidays, and also to remember our late brother, Dave, who died there last year. A Memorial Arts Festival was being held to celebrate Dave's contribution to the life and culture of the area (he'd run a summer school for American and French students over the years, in Irish literature, traditional music and painting, etc.) , and two of the regular poets, Paula Meehan and Tony Curtis - who'd given fabulous readings and workshops over the years - were able to attend. They invited me to read some of my poems in between their readings, an act of generosity which still has me floored! I was completely speechless for all of 2 minutes - a world record - and am still pinching myself that it actually happened. I can only compare the experience to a musical neophyte being asked to play with Miles, or sing with Billie. It was a huge thrill, and I am still savouring the moment. (Poets, always have a copy of your poems with you!) I doubt I'll ever again be introduced by a member of Aosdana, (Ireland's Academy of Arts)! (One of my sisters then read Myles Na gCopaleen's "There's no excuse for Poetry", which put us all in our place!)

The previous week, I attended a reception in Cambridge University, to celebrate the launch of the poetry anthology "Hand Luggage Only", which has a poem of mine it it. That was nerve-wracking; my first time in print and first time to read in public. I did everything wrong; kept looking at the text, and not the audience. the voice shook, and I raced through it so as to get back to my seat! At least it turned out to be practice for the following week's lovely surprise.
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Carol

[Steve]

Congratulations Carol. Now you know you can do it, you performances will get better and better. How long before you become an official performance poet?

Steve

[johnt]

Congratulations! Well done Carol! It will get easier, but you have made a great start!
johnt
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johnt

[Kate]

Well done Carol - what a wonderful experience. I hope you got someone to record it.

Kind regards, Kate
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Visit my website to see a selection of my writing and links to published work: http://www.elizabethducie.co.uk

[brendan]

Hi Carol.
Hugely well done and you deserve your place with such poets.
We will all be able to say here …we knew you when.

A moment with Paula.
I helped carried the writers against war banner through Dublin when millions of us all over the world walked in a vain attempt to prevent Bush Baby's war on Iraq.
It was freezing and my hands were stiff from the cold while we listened to fine speeches at the speaking stand, on the corner of Dame Street and Sth Great George's Street.
Every writer you could think of was milling about, but Paula Meehan stepped through the crowd with a smile and hot coffee she'd bought for the standard bearers.
I can still recall the warmth.
I’ve been her fan ever since.
May her shadow never shorten.
Nor yours either.
Brendan
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Here: www.askaboutwriting.net/academy.htm

[Carol]

Hi Folks,

Only got your messages now; many thanks for the support. I have a few photos of the event, but no recording! She is a rock star, isn't she, Brendan?
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Carol

[brendan]

she makes a day, that's for sure.
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Write your own book with the help of an Askaboutwriting one-to-one writing course.
Here: www.askaboutwriting.net/academy.htm

[admin]

Hi Carol.

If you have a photo that would sit well on the website we could post it on the news page if you emailed it here.

Admin
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