Sunday 18 July 2010
Poetry Pottiness!
Unbelievably, I have sold 400 books in the first two and half weeks of selling. Imagine that?!!! I never thought it would go so well. But it is doing, and I've still got 4 more schools to go before the holidays. But better even than that is the feedback. The kids genuinely seem to be enjoying what they are reading. And that is the highest praise for me. I have heard of children sitting in the playground, reading my book whilst all around them carries on as normal; children bringing their book to school the following day to read; children copying the drawings; children writing their own poems. It is absolutely brill! At Wombwell Park Street in Barnsley last week I did a poetry day with the children. Apparently the following day the Year 5 children illustrated the poem that we created together, and then had it judged by the head. I just love to hear things like that - I don't often get to see the finished article as I'm gone before it arrives. I guess I'm the facilitator, not the finisher! But it's wonderful for me to hear these stories. And the most incredible thing about it all is that I've done it myself. Well, that's not strictly true - without David my printer and designer; Lilian my illustrator, and Clare, my wife, I'd not be where I am now. But it's come about because of me. So well done me!!!
Sunday 4 July 2010
How it feels
So, how does it feel having my own book in my hand and selling it to others?
In all honesty, it feels better than I could ever have imagined. I can't tell you how wonderful it has been seeing people walking away with my book, reading the poems and coming to tell me which ones they liked. I never imagined I'd actually be at this point, and yet here I am, feeling confident, proud and excited.
So far, particular favourites seem to be 'Sick Sid', 'Hand in the Sand' and, 'Animals with Attitude' (thanks Phil - I like that one too.). I've had a mum of three suggest that our hilarity at 'Sick' is due to the change in perspective one gets of said vomit after raising three little ones! And, so far the best comment by miles, is from Rosie, my niece. When I asked her which poem she liked best, she said, without a hint of irony or sarcasm, 'About the Author' - the bio bit at the end of the book.
Classic!
In all honesty, it feels better than I could ever have imagined. I can't tell you how wonderful it has been seeing people walking away with my book, reading the poems and coming to tell me which ones they liked. I never imagined I'd actually be at this point, and yet here I am, feeling confident, proud and excited.
So far, particular favourites seem to be 'Sick Sid', 'Hand in the Sand' and, 'Animals with Attitude' (thanks Phil - I like that one too.). I've had a mum of three suggest that our hilarity at 'Sick' is due to the change in perspective one gets of said vomit after raising three little ones! And, so far the best comment by miles, is from Rosie, my niece. When I asked her which poem she liked best, she said, without a hint of irony or sarcasm, 'About the Author' - the bio bit at the end of the book.
Classic!
Competition fever!
Two competitions, one outcome: fame, fortune, and prestige!
Well, not quite. One of the competitions is the World Cup Final, and if Spain and Holland manage to make it through their tricky semis to the final, this budding author will receive £513 from the very nice people at BETFAIR. And if they don't? Well, the very nice people from BETFAIR will give him his money back. Can't ask fairer than that.
But the more exciting competition is the one with my poem, 'Sick Sid'. It's been watched by getting up to 200 people now (or rather, 100 who have each watched it twice!) and it's looking good against some of the other competitors. Although having said that, the winner 2 months ago got over 4000 views, so some perspective is needed!
But with the competition and my book coming out, along with lots of people BUYING and READING my book, this little poet is feeling rather fab dabby dozy at the moment (particularly 'dozy' actually, as the girls were all up at 5 this morning!).
So, if you haven't already, please log on to www.smories.com/watch/sick_sid/
Twice!
Thanks muchly.
Con
Well, not quite. One of the competitions is the World Cup Final, and if Spain and Holland manage to make it through their tricky semis to the final, this budding author will receive £513 from the very nice people at BETFAIR. And if they don't? Well, the very nice people from BETFAIR will give him his money back. Can't ask fairer than that.
But the more exciting competition is the one with my poem, 'Sick Sid'. It's been watched by getting up to 200 people now (or rather, 100 who have each watched it twice!) and it's looking good against some of the other competitors. Although having said that, the winner 2 months ago got over 4000 views, so some perspective is needed!
But with the competition and my book coming out, along with lots of people BUYING and READING my book, this little poet is feeling rather fab dabby dozy at the moment (particularly 'dozy' actually, as the girls were all up at 5 this morning!).
So, if you haven't already, please log on to www.smories.com/watch/sick_sid/
Twice!
Thanks muchly.
Con
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