Yellow Door Bookshop Readings - Yeppoon
The readings went really well last night. A twenty plus crowd, not large but interested.
I took the opportunity to read a selection of poems from the (now almost completed) Holding Job's Hand sequence as well as some from the Rainshadows cd (IP Digital 2007) and Swelter (Interactive Press - emerging authors series 2003) & (IP Digital 2004).
Most of the audience had heard the older work at various events and readings locally over the last few years and it was good to read some that were familiar and fresh in a new way. It is surprising how often poets forget to reacquaint themselves from time to time with their own 'golden oldies'.
The Job sequence was also a surprise, as it created some excitement with a couple of people who hadn't heard my work before. Fellow author and reader, Michael O'Sullivan and a woman who had studied theology and in particular - the Job conundrum. Both were very enthusiastic about the journey my poems were taking and how I might resolve the Job question within the larger framework. Most of the poems are short, so I read 13 of the 30 (or 33 as ending is still unresolved).
It is easy to forget how enjoyable smaller readings can be. The drinks and conversations that often continue afterwards. The way people feel empowered to discuss with an author aspects of their work, things which caught their attention or their interest.
I guess for me, that sort of interaction and support can validate the toil.
I'm now really looking forward to the readings at Rockhampton Art Gallery this afternoon, although because of the nature of the space and the afternoon time slot, I'm guessing there will be a little less of the drinks and conversations after the readings.
I took the opportunity to read a selection of poems from the (now almost completed) Holding Job's Hand sequence as well as some from the Rainshadows cd (IP Digital 2007) and Swelter (Interactive Press - emerging authors series 2003) & (IP Digital 2004).
Most of the audience had heard the older work at various events and readings locally over the last few years and it was good to read some that were familiar and fresh in a new way. It is surprising how often poets forget to reacquaint themselves from time to time with their own 'golden oldies'.
The Job sequence was also a surprise, as it created some excitement with a couple of people who hadn't heard my work before. Fellow author and reader, Michael O'Sullivan and a woman who had studied theology and in particular - the Job conundrum. Both were very enthusiastic about the journey my poems were taking and how I might resolve the Job question within the larger framework. Most of the poems are short, so I read 13 of the 30 (or 33 as ending is still unresolved).
It is easy to forget how enjoyable smaller readings can be. The drinks and conversations that often continue afterwards. The way people feel empowered to discuss with an author aspects of their work, things which caught their attention or their interest.
I guess for me, that sort of interaction and support can validate the toil.
I'm now really looking forward to the readings at Rockhampton Art Gallery this afternoon, although because of the nature of the space and the afternoon time slot, I'm guessing there will be a little less of the drinks and conversations after the readings.
posted by Louise at 10:04 AM
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