Wednesday, October 7, 2009

POETRY BUS -Tell me why? I didn't like Mondays!


Well people of the world, what a bus trip that was! I'd like to thank each and every passenger ,old and new, for getting on board and making it such an interesting journey. Each week I think it's the best week yet and this week was no exception.The standard and depth and rich variety of the writing has amazed and inspired me.




So much so that I want to compile some of the poems into an anthology. I've been thinking of this for a little while and if I actually say it, it will force me to follow it through- or at least give it a good lash! I'd like to try to include a poem by as many people as possible, that have been aboard the bus. I'd like to include some photography and some illustrations to accompany the poems and I'd like to call it simply 'The Poetry Bus. '
I would further like it to be a good quality publication , perfect bound (hopefully) , that you would be proud to be seen in. Do not think of it as vanity publishing- just a collation of our efforts for the craic regardless of the standard. There are plenty of those around already and I wouldn't get involved. I'm only thinking of doing this because it would make a fantastic book.




It's nice that the poems are on the net , but there is no substitute for a nicely made three dimensional book ,tactile and real . Who knows, if this works maybe The Poetry Bus might become a regular journal/magazine , or maybe a second anthology, but we'll cross that bridge if we ever come to it. I'd like to start by making a selection of the poems I like best and to see how many we have and how many we might need. It's hard for me to contact you all individually so please let me know if you have any comments /ideas/ or more importantly objections to your poetry appearing in this project. (copyright of the poem would remain with the author) In other words , everyone who has been on the bus can I publish your poem? Yes, or, no?




Also be aware that it might not be feasible. I do have an acquaintance involved in small volume publishng and will ask her advice.But before I do anything I need to hear all your approvals to go ahead. Tanx ye!




Now THIS WEEKS TASK is a bit more involved and could be a total disaster for many reasons but , faint heart etc. In fact because of the nature of the task I am alloting TWO WEEKS to complete the poem.In other words we will get on The Poetry Bus on Monday 19th October.




I want you to ,rent, buy *, beg, borrow or steal a copy of a film called 'Garage' http://www.garagethefilm.com/ (15 certificate 2007) starring Pat Shortt.Watch it (twice if you can) then write a poem.Whether you are moved, bored to tears, angry, happy ,sad, indifferent - let that be the inspiration. I want to see how one persons creative take on ' a life ' can influence another. Remember the poem doesn't have to be about the film, in fact it would be best if it were not. The film is a catalyst to provide a mood for writing.
Good luck comrades, may the force and a pint of plain be with you. Pip, pip!!
* buy the film at http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0014T7EQY/findhotelinth-21 £6.98 and free delivery uk £1.88 delivery to Ireland.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Garage-NEW-PAL-Arthouse-DVD-Pat-Shortt-Anne-Marie-Duff_W0QQitemZ310105697887QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_DVD_HD_DVD_Blu_ray?hash=item4833bd6e5f $28.99 free delivery United States. Is that expensive? Can ye rent it? If not look at clips on you tube?

45 comments:

NanU said...

The bus is pretty fun. I'm going to try to get back to it for the 19th, gods willing. I'll come along for the ride for sure, even if writing becomes too much.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I love the idea of a Poetry Bus Book. At the moment our writers' group is doing the same sort of thing with work about railways - it is certainly making people work - as is your Monday session. Shall be happy for you to use anything of mine - but similarly if you don't use it I shall not be mortally offended (shall still wait under the station clock in other words!)

Rachel Fox said...

I was thinking how (in an ideal world) some kind of book or souvenir from the project would be great. I put out my own book and it's not really that much work if you can do the layout and stuff yourself (which I'm sure you can). I'll help you all I can (and I'm sure others will too). I am a demon proofreader so I'll help with that too. I think good poofreading is VITAL for a book.

I got mine printed on all recycled paper and card (veg inks and all) and if you can do that I think it would be great. It doesn't necessarily cost more you just need to find an open-minded printer (or if you're going to print them out yourself you just need to find your own supplier).

Maybe email me and we can talk details. I'm author@crowd-pleasers.net

Great that we have 2 weeks till next poem. I'll be away for a week or so!

x

Dr. Jeanne Iris said...

Hey TFE! A sound enterprise indeed, your anthology project...Adh mor ort! :)

Okay, I've placed the order for Garage. Which would you suggest is best, wood or steel?

Tess Kincaid said...

The anthology is a super idea, TFE.

Hope Netflix has "Garage". I'm off to see....

(thanks for giving us TWO weeks this time...whew)

Heather said...

What an exciting idea TFE! I have no objections to my work being included - that's if you think it would be right for what you have in mind. As for our next task - I may have a problem there as we have recently lost our video rental shop, but I will make enquiries and do my best to track down 'Garage'.

Tess Kincaid said...

Well, I'm outta luck. Netflix doesn't have "Garage" and our American Amazon only carries it in the non-US format of PAL. Darn. This assignment is a little too steep, TFE. :(

Anonymous said...

Hi, I came to your blog via 'Weaver' who suggested I contact you about 'Poetry Monday'. I only found her blog this last Monday (5th) and read her poem and decided to challenge myself by writing one back in her comment box, straight 'on the page/screen.

Which I did (truly), but posted it on the wrong post - that of Sunday 4th 'after the gale'. You can read it there if you like. Weaver said she loved it and to check the 'rules' with you. Please let me know what you think about the Monday Poetry Corner or should I now say poetry bus? I'll jump on if invited, depending on what is involved. Best wishes ....

Anonymous said...

P.S. Hello again and sorry - you may need to check both my blogs if you want to read more of my posts - some contain 'off the cuff' stuff, often written whilst in the car (husband driving!). Once, though not posted, on a white stone on a beach in Northern Ireland as I had a pen but no paper in my pocket - absolutely wrecked the pen, but I still have the stone and the words. Somewhere I have a photo but I exist in such a muddle.

ArtSparker said...

That fillum looks wicked good.

Let me know if you want any illustration contributions from me for the anthology.

Titus said...

Good Lord, TFE, you are not one to rest on your laurels, are you?

Book! Book?! That is a mighty challenge you are setting yourself. Have whatever you wish of mine if you go ahead, but don't knock yourself out with it, eh?

But as to mighty challenges, a film? Is it full-length? It's the school holidays, for goodness sake! Is it suitable to play whilst 6-year-olds are complaining it's boring (I am presuming there are no dragons or robots in it).

That said, Amazon is my friend so in 14 days I'll probably see you right here.

You're a bit of a star, really.

Argent said...

You can have my bits of doggerel in your book if you want them - lord knows, nobody else will, LOL!.

Padhraig Nolan said...

Synchronicity or what! I was just talking about this movie with a mate last night at the 'afterparty' in the stags head.

count me in for the buke, Let me know if you need any help with it - I'm in the middle of laying out our writers group anthology at the mo.

Dominic Rivron said...

Great idea. I'm sure it's crossed the minds of a lot of us, reading through the stuff people have produced. (Feel free to include anything of mine!)

I have no experience of putting out books myself - so this might be a stupid idea - but would using lulu.com be a good way to go about it?

Niamh B said...

Heya TFE - yes great idea - think the quality of stuff people have been writing warrants preserving in some way... I think it'd be fab if you included the comments as well. Am I the only one who's sad there's no poem for next monday? It's just gonna be so... poemless. Ah well - tis a genius challenge as usaul.

Batteson.Ind said...

Would you believe but I almost brought that vid today!.. but talked myself out of it, as I often do with things I want.... anyway, as regards to your book idea.. love it! what a deadly idea! Agreed, there is nothing more wonderful than the pages of a book, to age and dog ear and yellow and dust and be forever in actuality... :-) .. now, of to the shops I go tomorrow and by the vid, now I have perfect reason .. yay!.. presents!

KING OF THE CAMELS said...

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME ?
I AM LUCKY TO HAVE A COMPUTER LET ALONE A TV
I WOULD LOVE TO JOIN IN I WOULD WELCOME THE CHALLENGE TO SEE MY SPELL CHECK GLITTER AND SHINE AND SWITCH IT OFF COS THE SPELLING IS MINE
WHY AM I BREAKING INTO AN ELECTRICAL SHOP TO STEAL A DVD AND A WIDE SCREEN TELLY
I MIGHT GET CAUGHT
I WILL BLAME PAT SHORT BUT IT WAS YOU TOTALFEEKINEEGIT THAT DID THIS TO ME .

Dr. Jeanne Iris said...

Hey TFE, I searched high and low for this Garage, even put my request in to Inter-library Loan through the Univ. No luck. :(
Guess, I'll just use my imagination.

Karen said...

Can't get it here, TFE. I'm looking for Plan B!

Dr. Jeanne Iris said...

And then there's Plan C: Inspiration garnered from the many attempts to locate this Garage. The last time I searched with this much energy for a garage, there were boys with tight jeans, sweaty t-shirts, guitars and a drumset involved.

wv: madoommi: what the King of the Camels has hidden in his pocket.

Rachel Fox said...

I think I'll be on plan b too. Just no time to track the film down and watch it with holidays here and everything.

As for poemless Monday...maybe people can write about that. Or we could all paste a photo (and therefore link to this week's task in a way).

Just an idea. I kind of like the idea of a week off actually. A time to pause and think and all that.

x

Totalfeckineejit said...

Plenty of room NanU, you'd be welcome!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks Weaver for the offer.Railways? Buses? Well I suppose good poetry should transport you!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Have a nice week away ,rachel.And thanks for the offer of help,I'll be needing all I can get.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Yes Jeanne, definitely wood or steel.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks too for the offer Heather,it's good to know,hope everyone else let's me know.

Totalfeckineejit said...

There is a link on the blog post for an American outlet selling Garage, might be a bit pricey though at 28 dollars? Always plan B Willow :)

Totalfeckineejit said...

Jump on board Wild Somerset Child, we'd love to have you with us.No sticky toffee wrappers though!

Totalfeckineejit said...

OOh,yes! I'd love some illustrations from you ArtSparker, you talented Californian you.Just wot the buke need.Tanx ye mucho!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Ps.Fillum? I likes it, spot on!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks Titus for the offer and letting me know,getting somewhere now- a bit! The film is 15 cert here but I noticed it had an 18 cert on Amazon Uk...???t's a quiet type of a film, you'll either love it or hate it!

A star? Aw, shucks,taint nuthin!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Nice one Argentand tankxs for letting me know.Be queueing up I'd say!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks for letting me know Padhraig
and thanks for the offer of help-I'll need it!What were ye saying bout the film?

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks Mr Riverun, I briefly checked out Lulu, and Weeeeeeeeeellllll, it didn't make me wanna shout.sorry bout that poor effort at a joke, it looks a really helpful site, it might be exactly what I need, thanks a million.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks Niamh and that's an interesting idea bout the comments too.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Go for the garage cataroonies!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Hey Camel King, hope you have a good fast get-away camel.While you're in there would you get me a toaster and a kettle,ye may as well be hung for a sheik as a lamb!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Jeanne see link on blogpost for Americano outlet.I hope thats garage bands ye are talking about!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Plan B is fine Karen, or 28 dollars if ye want to buy it, tis a good film but that's a lot o beano!

Totalfeckineejit said...

Take a week off Rachel, then we'll all be roaring like lions full of poetry and bits of wildebeest.

Drama Queen said...

I have no problem with you including anything you think appropriate from my few offerings.
Don't know if I can stomach Pat Short film, but I'll do my best. Might try Plan B instead (if I can)

Domestic Oub said...

You have my blessing to use all my utterly amazing poems in the book, and if you don't pick them all for inclusion I will howl and scream like a particularly spoilt toddler. I will make a TFE voodoo doll, embrodered in Haiku, and stick pencils into it. I will start an alternate Monday poetry bus entitled 'Unappreciated Genius Poetry Monday'.
Also, I will be absolutely no use to you whatsoever with the practical side of this idea. No typsetting offers, good ideas about publishers, etc, etc. Yer on your own mate when it comes to Domestic Oubliette...

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks DQ and don't worry ,you don't have to eat the film ,just watch it :) Or plan B.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thanks D'oub , but pleae ,No! No! No! Pull my fingernails out, hang me by my dangly,poke rusty needles into my eyes, make me listen to Cliff Richard, anything, ANYTHING but the HAIKU!! AAAAAARRRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandra Leigh said...

Your book sounds like a great idea, TFE. As for "Garage", I'll try to find it, but I'm glad you have come up with a Plan B, as it sounds as if the film might be hard to find on this continent.