So I'm still stubbornly persisting with my poem a day project in the way that only I can stubbornly persist at projects whether or not the reasons are crystal clear..... when I commit myself to an idea I'll stick with it, no matter how stoopid and unfounded... like the time myself and an equally bloody minded accomplice stood outside the college library all day, just to see who'd move outside a particular square of slabs first. (He pushed me out in the end, hours later, we had to beg passers by to get us food)
Anyway... so yes 224 days of at least writing one poem per day, sometimes 2, once or twice 3. Success rate - 1 poem published (the second of my life long poetry works in print so far)... another 11 accepted in various places which I'll be revealing to you in a thrilling slow reveal as they land in their new homes.
Some of the acceptances have been big surprises - poems that seemed to have something in their favour but that I hadn't worked too hard on...
Now I have about 70 odd poems that can be sent out, most of them still needing tweaks here and there. There are 25 or so out there awaiting a result.. and I have to say it's great fun - it's like having casino chips in a game. Even the rejections are starting to be fun as I go back to the table and see what's been freed up, what I can send elsewhere etc... see original table here. Anyway I really needed the spreadsheet - without it I wouldn't have a clue what I sent where.
I suppose the message is - ensuring I've created a bit of space for writing has led to me write more, and sending work out - even when you're not sure of it, isn't always a bad thing, sometimes it'll strike a chord in a most surprising place, critical mass motivates - knowing I have a lot of poems now makes me more inclined to send em out, makes me less precious and worried about each as an individual, since I know there'll be another one around tomorrow (maybe that's a bad thing) and bottom line - it's fun, keeps your writing muscles supple... and is still easier than going to a gym!
10 comments:
I compliment you on what you are doing for yourself as a poet! You are doing wonderful at keeping to your goal and should be applauded for it!...claps... I really think this is a brilliant idea and you are absolutely right about it keeping the writing flowing! Great idea and I truly hope it goes somewhere for you, maybe you'll make a book of poems!
Your perseverence is inspiring, as well as supportive of the saying that genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. I suspect that the numbers may be slightly different for poetry, but it's a wonderful lesson for those who think that art just sort of happens.
Congrats on your 11 acceptances! I have had wait for it, ONE poem published, though I was very pleased about it! That you've stuck to writing a poem a day is something else, well done.
I keep getting mine rejected (if thats the right word for ignored - except for Crannog who are brilliant at getting back whether your successful or not!)
I'm green with envy at your persistance and purple with guilt at not following your lead. You've the bones of a collection. I'm pinked with anticipation of hearing your acceptances
This is very encouraging maybe I should seriously consider sending some of my work out I've always been a bit of coward on that front
Quite frankly, I'm disgusted. How dare you work so hard and show the rest of us for the slackers that we are. I am one of those Dead Acorn refers to who believes 'art just sort of happens.' See recent radio show for more evidence of this opinion of mine. (Shakes head in scornful disbelief...)
You're one of the most prolific writers I know. Dying to see where the stuff is getting published. I'm inspired
Thanks Summer,... bows humbly... - I see you had a good post on the same topic yesterday - it does work.
Thanks Acorn - yes the recipe for poetry is 1% sweat, 99% perspiration.
Thanks Niamh - some were plural - ie 1 place taking several poems. Having one in print isn't to be sniffed at either. I had months and months and months of rejects before this weird little bubble of good news.
EW - that comment is a poem in itself - it's better than several of my poem a day attempts. Start now!!!
Thanks Gwei - definitely do, treat it as the game that it is... see http://variouscushions.blogspot.com/2010/05/3-pfos-and-maybe.html - for my earlier lack of success and trying to use that positively... cheered me up anyway
Bwa ha ha Oub, sadly some geniuses out there can produce award winning brilliant stuff on first draft with no practise, no notice. I'm not one of em, but if I was I'd probably still practise away, to be a better one of em, and cos I like it.
Tks Uisce, glad it's inspiring, I took inspiration from a writer who wrote over 1000 poems in one year, and it didn't do them no harm. Doesn't matter where you get the kick from, ya just gotto write!
I am so impressed! And inspired! I want to copy you.
Oh, that sounds like work. Could I just be you instead?
Tks Titus, fraid copying it is, since I'm myself most of the time, although there are times I'm completely not myself - so I guess you could stand in then
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