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 | Millenium Galleries Reading (Sep 2009)
Dear PoetThought you might be interested in our Special Poetry Event nextWednesday (16th) at the Millennium Galleries in Sheffield, 6pm-8pm --free entry, with a bar & bookstall. It is to launchpamphlets by the altogether brilliant 2008/9 Competitionwinners:Carole Bromley from YorkSally Goldsmith from Sheffieldand Anna Woodford from Newcastle.plus Sheffield Prize winners Dave Sheasby, Monica Riley andLouise Wilford.Please docome along, it promises to be a great evening in a lovelysettin |
 | Women Poets (Sep 2009)
Hear, Women Poets, Here St George’s Church, Mappin Street, S1Thursday 8 October 2009Tickets £4.00/£3.00 (cons). This year Carol Ann Duffy became the first female Poet Laureate and dedicated her appointment to women poets everywhere. To celebrate this and National Poetry Day come and hear some of this region’s finest women poets read from their work. Elizabeth Barrett, Liz Cashdan, Debjani Chatterjee, Nell Farrell, Sally Goldsmith, Geraldine Monk, Ann Sanso |
 | WD & Millenium (Sep 2009)
Dear PoetNot to bombard you -- but a reminder aboutthe reading TOMORROW, Wednesday (16th) at the Millennium Galleries inSheffield, 6pm-8pm - entry is FREE, and there will be a bar &bookstall. Carole Bromley fromYorkSally Goldsmith from Sheffieldand Anna Woodford from Newcastle.plus Sheffield Prize winners Dave Sheasby,Monica Riley and Louise Wilford (though Louise is being represented onthe evening by her friend Noel Williams). It should be a great event in a lovelyvenue. Ple |
 | Autumn poetry events (Sep 2009)
Autumn Poetry Events 10th-31stOctober, Sheffield Off The Shelf Festival: Seewww.offtheshelf.org.uk for allthe gen. Including Poetry Business Highlights: Writing Days with the Poetry Business. Sat 26 September and Sat 24 October 2009 10.15pm-4pm at thePremier Inn, AngelStreet & Bank Street Arts. £25/£18 (cons) eachPoetry Business writing days are alwaysspecial – experienced and beginning writers alike create new poems in anintensive but h |
 | Sep WD (Sep 2009)
September Writing DayDear poet, Just to let you that there will be a Writing Day this Saturday.10.15-4pm, morning at the Premier Inn, corner of Angel Street and BankStreet; and afternoon (half the group) at Bank Street. Pleasebring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or betterstill write one up to discuss from the morning session. Please phone (0114 3463037) or email if you need more details. It’s not essential, but would be appreciated |
 | Oct 05 POD (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayTo celebrate this year's National Poetry Week, we'll be sending you a different 'Poem of the Day' every day this week... Today, it's 'You'll Know Her' by Sally Goldsmith – from her brand new Smith/Doorstop pamphlet, 'Singer', a winner in the 2008/09 competition.YOU'LL KNOW HERfor sure, when she comes at you, out of her bed of clanking trains, hooting seas and half-finished nightmares.You’ll know her by the ragbag of scraps and string, her rabbit paw for luck, the dead |
 | Oct CPotM (Oct 2009)
Classic Poem of the MonthThis third classic poem was suggested by Paul Nash. REMORSEAWAY! the moor is dark beneath the moon, Rapid clouds have drunk the last pale beam of even: Away! the gathering winds will call the darkness soon, And profoundest midnight shroud the serene lights of heaven. Pause not! the time is past! Every voice cries, 'Away!' Tempt not with one last tear thy |
 | Oct North archive (Oct 2009)
From the archives of The North...Each month, we fish out a poem, article, review or feature from oneof the back issues of The North, and publish it here for yourdelectation.This month's offering is by Dean Parkin and is taken from issue 31.A MAN SETS OFF EARLY FOR WORKwith every good intention and parking his car, catches his thumb inthe door handle, so it feels like the nail has been prised up from itsbed. He walks away, briefcase in one hand, the other hand raised, thumbheld up in disbelief as |
 | Oct 06 POD (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayToday's Poem of the Day is from Carole Bromley's 'Skylight' – a winner in the 2008/09 Poetry Business competition.A JEWISH GIANT AT HOME WITH HIS PARENTSafter Diane ArbusEver wanted to eat your folkslike icing dolls off a wedding cake?I could sweep them up like dust, shake them onto the flower bed.They keep the curtains closed all dayto stop the carpet fading;they don’t like my nose, my hair,my enormous feet.Mum keeps a roomful of toysas if I might regress,looks up at |
 | Oct 07 POD (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayToday's Poem of the Day is 'The Tree', from Anna Woodford's 'Party Piece' – a winner in the 2008/09 Poetry Business competition.THE TREEWhen I raise my footoff the ground, in linewith all the other womenand the couple of men,I am expressing myselfsimply as a womanwith a raised foot.When I raise my handsabove my head, they areswept up in a movementof hands: of wrists andof fingers. I holdmy position on an unequal footing in the yogagroup. At the farcorner of |
 | Oct 08 POD (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayToday's POD is the title poem from Michael McCarthy's new collection, 'At the Races'. This book was the overall winner in the 2008/09 Book & Pamphlet Competition, and will be available to buy from the 16th of October. (The book launch is to be held at the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield S1 that evening. Tickets £6; all welcome.)AT THE RACES7 July 2007In the dreammy nephew, who is called after memeets me at the races. He tellsme I’m on yesterday’s video.I remember |
 | Oct 09 POD (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayToday's Poem of the Day – the last one of National Poetry Week – is from Michael Schmidt. The poem originally appeared in his 1983 new and selected poems, 'Choosing A Guest', and can also be found in his Collected Poems (Smith/Doorstop, 2009).CHOOSING A GUEST1 Whom shall I invite? The centrepiece Is five red apples on a walnut dish. The table takes their sheen. Whom Shall I invite to what the trees provide? 2 Before I choose a guest I go outside. It is evening almost, |
 | Showroom (Oct 2009)
Poetry at The Showroomthis weekTUESDAY 13OCTOBER 7pmSally Goldsmith,John Lyons, Mike Di Placido. Tickets £6/£4 (cons) on the door or book tickets from the Showroom– 0114 275 7727. Sheffield’s own incomparable Sally Goldsmith, whose debut collectionSinger is hot off the press, reads(and sings!) alongside legendary Trinidadian poet and performer John Lyons, together with ex-professional footballer Mike Di Placido (whose pamphlet Theatre of Dreams features the Man Utdday |
 | New Smith/Doorstop pamphlets – October 09 (Oct 2009)
New from Smith/DoorstopWe're delighted to announce the launch of four new pamphlets. All are available to buy from The Poetry Business, Inpress and selected book shops. (See www.poetrybusiness.co.uk or call 0114 346 3037 for details.) They are £4 each, and Friends of The Poetry Business are entitled to a 25% discount when they order direct from us.Theatre of Dreams – Mike Di Placido£4 – 978-1-906613-10-5An ex-professional footballer, Mike Di Placido’s debut pamphletta |
 | John Lyons – No Apples in Eden (Oct 2009)
New from Smith/DoorstopWe're delighted to announce the launch of John Lyons' selected poems, 'No Apples in Eden'.This title is available to buy from The Poetry Business, Inpress and selected book shops. (See here or call 0114 346 3037 for details.) The cover price is £9.95, and Friends of The Poetry Business are entitled to a 25% discount when they order direct from us.No Apples in Eden – John Lyons£9.95 – 978-1-902382-99-9An entertaining and powerful performance poet, John |
 | New Smith/Doorstop titles – October 09 (Oct 2009)
New from Smith/DoorstopWe're delighted to announce the launch of four new pamphlets and three new books from Smith/Doorstop. All are available to buy direct from The Poetry Business or from Inpress. (See www.poetrybusiness.co.uk or call 0114 346 3037 for details.) Friends of The Poetry Business are entitled to their usual 25% off the cover price when they order direct from us.Collected Poems – Michael SchmidtMichael Schmidt was born in Mexico in 1947. He studied at Harvardand at Wadham Col |
 | Michael McCarthy – At the Races (Oct 2009)
New from Smith/DoorstopWe're delighted to announce the launch of Michael McCarthy's new collection, 'At the Races' – the overall winner in the 2008 Book & Pamphlet Competition.This title is available to buy from The Poetry Business and Inpress. The cover price is £8.95 and Friends of The Poetry Business are entitled to a 25% discount when they order direct from us.'At the Races' will be launched tonight at The Showroom Cinema in Sheffield, as part of the Off the Shelf festival. Mi |
 | Poem of the Day (Oct 16) (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is taken from Mike Di Placido's new pamphlet, Theatre of Dreams.An ex-professional footballer, Mike Di Placido’s debut pamphlet takesits title from his magical trial with Manchester United in the earlyseventies. His time there is warmly recorded in snapshots of Messrs.Busby, Stiles, Law and, not least, his fourth person of The Trinity,George Best.BESTThe Cliff, Manchester, 1970Too overawed to speakso I brushed shouldersas we trooped off from train |
 | October Writing Day (Oct 2009)
October Writing DayDear poet, Just to let you that there will be a Writing Day this Saturday.An early one this month because it's part of the Off the Shelf festival.10.15-4pm, morning at the Premier Inn, corner of Angel Street and BankStreet; and afternoon (half the group) at Bank Street. Pleasebring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or betterstill write one up to discuss from the morning session. Please phone 0114 3463037 or email if you need mo |
 | Poem of the Day (Oct 2009)
Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is taken from Catherine Smith's collection, Lip, which was shortlisted for the 2008 Forward Prize for Best Collection.HOW IT ALL STARTEDDo you know this dream? An exam room full of neat, serious girls, your lucky gonk by your fountain pen, the plop of tennis balls through an open window. You’re here for ‘O’ level history on The Causes Of The First World War but you’ve no idea – too busy bunking off to watch Crown Court, and |
 | The Postal Strike (Oct 2009)
The postal strikeDear poets,Due to delays resulting from the postal strikes, we've decided to extend the deadlines for our Writing School and forthcoming residential course.To apply for the Writing School, send us:a sample of 10 poems (published or unpublished), a short covering letter stating why you want to come on the course, and a short cv with publication details.If you're applying by post, just make sure your application is postmarked Thursday 5 November or earlier. Feel free to apply by e |
 | Poem of the Day (Oct 30) (Oct 2009)
This week's Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is Michael Laskey's 'The Door', from The Man Alone (Smith/Doorstop, 2008).Read more about Michael Laskey here.THE DOORThis one went first when we’d hardly begun,the son of the house, youngish, off for a swim.This one had said she’d go early and wentwithout any fuss. This one was drunk,a hand on the door frame to steady himselfbefore he lurched through. This one asked usto hang on a sec, but never came back.Nobody noticed the next |
 | November North Archive (Nov 2009)
From the archives of The North...This month, we have retrieved from the archive some prose by Gerard Benson. This was one of a series of articles by Gerard, with this part titled 'The Very Early Years' and first appearing in North 32.THE VERY EARLY YEARSSometimes I think I remember Gordon. He’s an elusive presence on the edge of memory. A blond head, a whiff of excrement. A child in a cot. A cream coloured shirt with large buttons. But thinking again and remembering a photo of myself at th |
 | Classic Poem of the Month (Nov 2009)
Classic Poem of the MonthThis month's Classic Poem was suggested by Simon Currie."Thinking of the unfairness
of Fate when in June my wife Jane died at 64 after twenty years of Parkinson’s
Disease, I kept saying to myself Andrew Marvell’s line “what luckless
apple did we taste”. The context is the section (reproduced above)
of his post-Civil War poem, 776 lines in 97 stanzas, dedicated to “My
Lord Fairfax”, the Parliamentary General also a Yorkshireman and |
 | Poem of the Day (9) (Nov 2009)
New Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is Yvonne Green's 'Ghetto Blaster'. This poem is taken from Boukhara, a first-stage winner in the 2008 Book & Pamphlet Competition.GHETTO BLASTER1962, if not later.He had a black radio.He carried it in his armsbut it was supposed to siton the sideboard.He carried it because ofthe reception and the receptionmade him very angry,Bordel de bordel de bordel.We sat at the kitchen table,having dinner time.He pressed his earto the black fabric speaker.S |
 | Hands Off Poetry (Nov 2009)
Hands Off Poetry campaignDear poet,We're contacting you as a subscriber to our 'general news' mailing list. Although this isn't news of the Poetry Business, we consider this an important issue and hope you don't mind us contacting you about it.You might be aware the AQA have removed Carol Ann Duffy's poem 'Education for Leisure' from the GCSE curriculum following three complaints -- two of which were that it 'glorified knife crime' (the third was that it features the murder of a goldfish).Michel |
 | November Writing Day (Nov 2009)
November Writing DayDear poet,We're going to be working away at the end of this month, so we've moved the November Writing Day forward to this Saturday (the 14th). We do hope you can still attend.Other than the date, usual arrangements apply:10.15-4pm, morning at the Premier Inn, corner of Angel Street and BankStreet; and afternoon (half the group) at Bank Street. Pleasebring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or betterstill write one up to discuss from the m |
 | Poem of the Day (10) (Nov 2009)
New Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is taken from John Lyons' new and selected poems, 'No Apples in Eden' (2009).A GRANDMOTHER’S HOME RULE 1He lived anxious days of learningunder his grandmother’s stern eye,punitive leather strap, her fierce faith in English:Des days in dis island people tink dey free.Dey callit ee man cee pay shon, buh ah telling yuh,slavery eh done yet, yuh know. Education isde onliest way outa slavery, so yuh better siddownread yuh book2Aft |
 | One week until the competition deadline (Nov 2009)
Competition DeadlineDear poets,The 2009 competition deadline is fast approaching. Postal entries need to be postmarked Saturday 28th of November (or sooner) and we will accept online entries until Tuesday 1st of December.And for those of you in Sheffield: a reminder about the Sheffield Prize category. Andrew Motion will be selecting the best single poem from a Sheffield entrant, and the writer will win £100 and see the poem published in The North magazine.See our website at www.poetrybusine |
 | Poem of the Day (11) (Nov 2009)
New Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is from Geoff Hattersley's collection, 'Back of Beyond'.CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGYou were writing dud chequeslike no one’s business,I was splashingthe forged tenners around.In the hole in the roadsomeone sang‘Take Me to Tulsa’,snow settling on his sombrero.I tossed him a tennerscrewed into a ball.A woman approachedarmed with documentsand truth;she was selling badges,a definite bargainat a tenner apiece.I signed the petitionto end the war, |
 | North 44 is now available (Dec 2009)
North 44Dear readers,North 44 is now available, and subscribers will be receiving their copies in the next few days. This issue includes 65 poems from 38 poets — Nick Pearson, Gill Andrews, Jean Harrison, John McAuliffe, Stewart Conn, Angelina Ayres, Margaret Wilmot, P A Walsh, Lorna Shaughnessy, David Healey, Ann Atkinson, Cliff Yates, David Morley, River Wolton, James Goodman, Michael Henry, Paul Yandle, Tom French, Swithun Cooper, Dean Parkin, Matthew Sweeney, Sally Baker, Howard Wright |
 | December Writing Day (Dec 2009)
December Writing DayDear poets,The December Writing Day is an early one — this Saturday (the 19th). We hope you can still be there.The usual arrangments apply:10.15-4pm, morning at the Premier Inn, corner of Angel Street and Bank Street; and afternoon (half the group) at Bank Street. Please bring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or better still write one up to discuss from the morning session. Phone (0114 3463037) or email if you need more details. Not essential, |
 | January Writing Day (Jan 2010)
Dear poet,Happy New Year! We hope you will be able to get across to aWriting Day soon — the next is this Saturday (23rd) and the followingis Feb 20th. As usual, the days are 10.15am to 4pm, meeting in theConference room at the Premier Inn in Sheffield (on the corner of AngelStreet and Bank Street). We will work together in the morning from writing exercises, withbrilliant poems as models or stimulus. In the afternoon, we'll splitinto two workshops to discuss either |
 | February Writing Day (Feb 2010)
February Writing DayDear poets,This month's Writing Day will be on Saturday. (Apologies for the late reminder, and hope you can still make it.)As usual:10.15am to 4pm, meeting in the Conference room at the Premier Inn in Sheffield (on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street). We will work together in the morning from writing exercises, with brilliant poems as models or stimulus. In the afternoon, we'll split into two workshops to discuss either a poem you've brought with you (and |
 | Competition Winners 2009 (Feb 2010)
Competition Winners 2009Thank you to every one who entered the 2009 competition. The four first-stage winners are:Nina Boyd, 'Futile Parachutes'"A collection of cleanly-written and well-organised poems that, for all their efficiencies, are capable of leaving us with an appealing sense of mystery and unfinished business." [AM] Sue Boyle, 'Unregarded Lives'"The title proposes an idea of modesty – which is certainly present in the humble attentiveness these poems pay to their subjects, but is |
 | Poem of the Day (12) (Jan 2010)
New Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is from Sally Baker's new collection, 'The Sea and the Forest' (Smith/Doorstop, 2009).HOUSEThat house made of winter skywith a sloped lawn at the back,windows rattling like rigging.A full moon, high tide, north-easterly wind.Rabbits hung in the green shed,a bag of turnips and sprouts on the doorstep.Surely whoever was meant to comewould come soon, out of the sea or forest,dragging himself to me.The Poetry Business receives financial assistance from |
 | In Defence of Poetry: The debate (Feb 2010)
In Defence of Poetry: The debateDear poets and friends,The Leeds Salon is to host a debate on the removal of Carol Ann
Duffy's poem 'Education for Leisure' from the school curriculum.
Should children be protected from
controversial literature? Should works be studied because of their
literary merit or as springboards to discuss particular issues? Should
students be taught to analyse poems in order to understand their
meaning or should they be asked to provide a personal response? How
import |
 | George Szirtes & Ann Atkinson reading (Feb 2010)
George Szirtes & Ann Atkinson reading in SheffieldPoetry Readings & State of the Art Panel DiscussionThursday March 4th, 7:30pm Bank Street Arts, Sheffield S1 2DS (map)A rare chance to hear the T S Eliot prizewinning poet, George Szirtes. Also appearing are Nathan Hamilton (poet and editor of Egg Box Publishing) and the poet and translator AgnesLehoczky. Plus Derbyshire Poet Laureate and former editor of Staple, Ann Atkinson, whose brilliant pamphlet Drawing Water has just been published |
 | Simon Armitage pamphlet launch (Feb 2010)
Simon Armitage, The Motorway Service Station as a Destination in its Own Right You are invited to the launch of Simon Armitage's new pamphlet, The Motorway Service Station as a Destination in its Own Right (Smith/Doorstop, 2010).Bank Street Arts, 32-40 Bank Street, Sheffield S1 2DS (map)Monday 8 March, 7:30pmTickets £5 (£3 concs)To book tickets, email us at office@poetrybusiness.co.uk or call 0114 346 3037.THE ENGLISH ASTRONAUTHe splashed down in rough seas off Spurn Point. I watched t |
 | Poem of the Day (13) (Mar 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis Week's Poem of the Day is taken from Simon Armitage's forthcoming Smith/Doorstop pamphlet, The Motorway Service Station as a Destination in its Own Right. (This collection will be launched at an event at Bank Street Arts on March 8th — find out more here.)THE ENGLISH ASTRONAUTHe splashed down in rough seas off Spurn Point. I watched through a coin-op telescope jammed with a lollipop stick as a trawler fished him out of the waves and ferried him back to Missi |
 | Classic Poem of the Month (March 2010) (Mar 2010)
Classic Poem of the MonthThis feature has been 'offline' for a while, but it's back now with Ben Jonson's 'On My First Son', chosen by Jonathan Davidson of Coventry.On My First Son by Ben Jonson Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy ; My sin was too much hope of thee, lov'd boy. Seven years thou wert lent to me, and I thee pay, Exacted by thy fate, on the just day. Oh, could I lose all father now ! For why Will man lament the state he should env |
 | Simon Armitage, March Writing Day & pamphlet sale (Mar 2010)
Simon Armitage launch,the March Writing Day,and sale on Smith/Doorstop pamphletsSIMON ARMITAGE PAMPHLET LAUNCH — TONIGHTThe reading tonight at Bank Street is now sold out. Those who have reserved tickets will be able to collect them (and pay) on the door. If you have reserved seats but are not now able to attend, please do let us know as soon as possible.MARCH WRITING DAYThis month's Writing Day will be held on March 20th. As usual, they are open to all and held in Sheffield in the Confere |
 | From the Archives of the North... (Mar 2010)
From the Archives of The North...This month's offering is a poem by Andrew Motion, taken from issue 33 of The North. CRICKETOnce upon a timeI’ma boy dragged off to cricket, pinned by heat in rickety deck-chair armsand safe from harmexcept for the undone button and yellow lips of cottonthereat my mother’s breast where,(tell her!) a glimpse of naked skin draws inthe danger-ous gaze of strangers,andon the other handmore than a little concerned having just discernedmy father, sprinting i |
 | 2009 Sheffield Poetry Prize Winner (Mar 2010)
2009 Sheffield Poetry PrizeThe Sheffield Prize category honours the best single poem from acollection submitted to the Book & Pamphlet Competition by aSheffield entrant. The category was launched in 2008 to celebrate The Poetry Business'move to Sheffield, and is sponsored by The University of Sheffield.In 2009, the competition judge was Andrew Motion, and he selected Beverley Nadin's 'R.S.V.P.' as the winner. He gave second place to Liz Cashdan's 'Hay for Horses' and third to Jenny King's 'S |
 | Poem of the Day (14) (Mar 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayON HEARING A JAZZ TRIO PLAY SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT BY NIRVANAI just turned on the radio, I'm washing up.Make that, doing the dishes. This band comes onand I don't know who it is but I start to recognisethe tune, only they've looped it out, slung it like a lassoround the saddle of the song. I'm startingto like how the bass bends the bit whereKurt Cobain sings here we are now,entertain us. The drums too, are doing somethingweird, something almost out of sync. Suddenlyit |
 | Classic Poem of the Month (April 2010) (Mar 2010)
Classic Poem of the MonthThis month, Wendy Klein has selected two Emily Dickinson poems for our Classic Poem feature. 341After great pain, a formal feeling comes—The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs—The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,And Yesterday, or Centuries before?The Feet, mechanical, go round—Of Ground, or Air, or Ought—A Wooden WayRegardless grown,A Quartz contentment, like a stone—This is the Hour of Lead—Remembered, if outlived,As F |
 | Buxton Poetry Competition 2010 (Mar 2010)
Buxton Poetry CompetitionThis year's Buxton Poetry Competition is to be judged by Ann and Peter Sansom, directors of The Poetry Business.Our theme this year is ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’. Poets are invited to use their imagination to interpret this theme which could refer to a time, a place, a person, a feeling or something completely different. Poems do not have to be connected to Buxton or any other location or event, so get creative! Buxton Poetry Competition is very proud to be work |
 | March Writing Day (Mar 2010)
March Writing DayDear poets,A very last minute reminder about the March Writing Day, which will be held tomorrow.Usual arrangements:The Writing Days are open to all and held in Sheffield in the Conference Room at The Premier Inn (morning) and at our new offices in Bank Street Arts. The Premier Inn is on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street (see map).They run from 10:15 am to 4:00pm, with writing exercises in the morning and a critical workshop in the afternoon.Please bring a poem (and ten |
 | John McAuliffe — A Midgie (Mar 2010)
John McAuliffe — A MidgieSmith/Doorstop is delighted to announce the publication of a new pamphlet from John McAuliffe: A Midgie.'McAuliffe's got the gift. Mark the name. His sure hand is apparent in every line: syntax and pulse in the service of experience.' — August Kleinzahler'Over the past decade John McAuliffe's steady contributions to poetry journals in Ireland, Britain, and the United States have confirmed the promise of his 2000 "Poet of the Future" award from RTÉ… |
 | Poem of the Day (15) (Mar 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayCONTINUITYThe wind sails leaves around the house like late notices for the garden’s deterioration. Turn a blind eye. RTE longwave announces gigs in familiar venues, I like the presenter’s comfortable thoughts of tonight and the day after, until, that is, he introduces The Holy Land by the Bothy Band then veers into advertising a poetry broadsheet and a silver plate, before attacking quote the crimson tides and purple mountains end quote someone (who?) might |
 | April Writing Day postponed (Apr 2010)
April Writing DayDear poets,Just to let you know that the April Writing Day has been postponed and will now be held on Saturday 1st of May. As usual, we start at 10:15 — in Conference Room at The Premier Inn for the morning, and at our offices in Bank Street Arts in the afternoon. If you're planning to attend, it would be much appreciated if you could let us know. We hope to see you there.Also... you might be interested to hear that Waterstones are running a special offer until midnight on |
 | Poem of the Day (16) (Apr 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis Week's Poem of the Day is taken from Allison McVety's forthcoming collection, Miming Happiness (Smith/Doorstop, 2010). Allison's first collection, The Night Trotsky Came to Stay, won the 2006 Book & Pamphlet Competition and was shortlisted for the 2008 Forward Prize. Miming Happiness will be published next month.IN THE READING ROOM AT THE BRITISH LIBRARYyou can hear the sea. And in this noiseless place,a pin drop from a milliner’s grip some ninety yearsa |
 | Poem of the Day (17) (Apr 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis Week's Poem of the Day is Catherine Smith's 'Postulant'. This poem was first published in North 33 (2003).POSTULANTThe morning of her vows to ChristSister Patricia cracks a fertilized egg.The chick's eyes are sealed tight,head huge on its wizened body,bright blood filming the yolk.Later, scissors, then a razor,are weilded over her scalp,leaving it coarse as a man's chin.Her nape prickles in a drought.Palms pressed, she kneelsand raises her eyes to the crucifix.Tod |
 | 2009 Overall Competition Winner Announced (Apr 2010)
2009 Overall Competition Winner AnnouncedWe're delighted to announce that Nina Boyd is the overall winner of the 2009 Book & Pamphlet Competition. Chosen by Andrew Motion as a first-stage winner, Nina went on to submit the winning full-length collection, and will have her book published in the Autumn.Andrew Motion said of Nina's competition entry, 'A collection of cleanly-written and well-organised poems that, for all their efficiencies, are capable of leaving us with an appealing sens |
 | Poem of the Day (18) (Apr 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis week's Poem of the Day is taken from Dorothy Nimmo's 2000 collection, The Wigbox: New & Selected Poems.LAST THING AT NIGHTGreat Aunt Emma, fearing an intruder, would kneel down and push her stick under the bed. Night after night, year after year, there was nothing. But one night Great Aunt Emma, squat in her winceyette, pushing her stick under the bed hit something soft, unyielding. Come out, Friend, she said, I've been looking for thee for fifty years.Last th |
 | April Writing Day (Apr 2010)
April Writing DayDear poets,The April Writing Day was postponed and will be held this Saturday.As usual, it will be held in the Conference Room at The Premier Inn (for the morning) and at our new offices in Bank Street Arts. The day starts at 10:15am and finishes at 4pm. Please bring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or better still write one up to discuss from the morning session. Places cost £25 (£18 unwaged). Pay on the day – by cash or cheque.It's not |
 | Poem of the Day (19) (Apr 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis Week's Poem of the Day is from John Lyons, first published in North 43 and later in his new and selected poems, No Apples in Eden (Smith/Doorstop, 2009).A POEM FOR MY FATHERYou lived a peculiar independence,you, the progeny of slavesscarred with a history perpetratedin killing cane fields.I watched you,amazed at your well mannered poise.Was this mute rage against themwho offered baubles as gems,vinegar as water?There were somewho thought you learned too easilyto h |
 | Poem of the Day (20) (May 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis Week's Poem of the Day is taken from Gerard Benson's forthcoming collection, A Good Time (due for publication in August 2010).GHOSTS Ghosts lived in the churchyard. On winter afternoonsthey lined up by the wall to watch us playing hopscotch or he or just staring,all sorts of dead people, women and men,and the cholera children. You could see faceshovering there. From the school railingsto the graveyard was sixty-four long strides.I counted them. The ra |
 | Stanley Cook reading by Peter Sansom (tonight) (May 2010)
Stanley Cook reading by Peter SansomApologies to those of you receiving this who are not in Sheffield (or nearby).Dear PoetsRather late in the day, but you are very warmly invited along to the Sticky Bun Club event tonight (Tuesday 4th May). Please do join us if you can. Beer, wine, tea, coffee available as well as Sticky Buns. And Stanley Cook's Collected Poems at half-price on the night!All good wishesPeter Sansom7.30pm, Caffetteria, Leopold Street, Sheffield, 7:30pm, £3 |
 | From the Archives of the North... (May 10) (May 2010)
From the Archives of The NorthEach month, we fish out a poem, article, review or feature from one of the back issues of The North, and publish it here for your delectation.This month's offering is a feature by Steve Waling, taken from issue 34 of the magazine. FRANK O'HARA LUNCH POEMS: NOTES AND POEMS1) Frank who? What was it like in the ‘50’s?He was a New York, gay, urbane, lover of the music of Rachmaninov, dance and Abstract Expressionist art. He worked in the Museum of Moder |
 | Allison McVety — Miming Happiness (May 2010)
Allison McVetyMiming HappinessAllison McVety’s first collection, The Night Trotsky Came to Stay (Smith/Doorstop, 2007), was the overall winner of the 2006 Poetry Business Book & Pamphlet Competition. It was was shortlisted for the 2008 Forward Best First Collection Prize and won enthusiastic reviews.Allison's second collection, Miming Happiness, will be launched on Thursday. Allison’s poems have appeared in such as the Times and PN Review and have been broadcast on Radio 3. |
 | 2010 Competition Launch (May 2010)
The 2010 Book & Pamphlet CompetitionThe Poetry Business is now inviting entries for its 24th Book & Pamphlet Competition. And this year, we're delighted to be sponsored by NAWE (The National Association for Writers in Education), their support allowing us to raise the prize money to £2,000 — see the bottom of this email for more information.This year’s judge is Simon Armitage, and the deadline is last posting on the 29th of November 2010 (or the 1st of December for onlin |
 | May Writing Day (May 2010)
May Writing Day& other newsDear poets,The May Writing Day will be held on the 29th of this month (a week on Saturday). As usual, we'll be in the Premier Inn conference room for the morning session, and divide into two groups (with one heading over to Bank Street Arts) in the afternoon. The day starts at 10:15 and finishes at 4pm, and places cost £25 or £18 unwaged. If you're planning to attend, please let us know by replying to this email.Allison McVety's second collection was laun |
 | May Writing Day (this Saturday) (May 2010)
May Writing DayDear poets,A quick reminder about this month's Writing Day. It will be taking place this Saturday, starting at 10:15am and finishing at 4pm. The morning session will be at The Premier Inn as usual.If you are planning to attend (and haven't let us know already), it would be a great help if you could send a quick reply to this email.All best wishes,Katherinep.s. A forthcoming event at Bank Street Arts that you might be interested in: Cook-Up in a Trini Kitchen An ev |
 | Readings on Weds 2nd June & Fri 18th June (May 2010)
Poetry Readings:Wednesday 2 June & Friday 18th JuneTHIS WEDNESDAY (2nd JUNE), 7pm at Bank Street Arts, SheffieldJOHN LYONS and ALAN PAYNE reading their brilliant poemsas part of a Caribbean food evening — rather special food and drink included in the admission price!JOHN LYONS has an international reputation as a poet and poetry-perfomer, and tonight will also be reading from his successful cook book, Cook Up in a Trini Kitchen, 'a feast for the senses'.ALAN PAYNE was born in the Carib |
 | Poem of the Day (21) (Jun 2010)
This Week's Poem of the DayThis Week's Poem of the Day is taken from Alan Payne's new pamphlet, Exploring the Orinoco, which was a winner in the 2009 Book & Pamphlet Competition judged by Andrew Motion.EXPLORING THE ORINOCOWith the Thames in their hearts,and childhood fevers in common,my father and his dead brotherexplored the Orinoco.The boat of my father’s faithcarried them upstreamto the port of Encaramada,past the granite domesof Punta Curiquima.There, on a deserted island,they cam |
 | Alan Payne — Exploring the Orinoco (Jun 2010)
Alan Payne Exploring the OrinocoThe Poetry Business is delighted to announce the publication of Alan Payne's first collection, Exploring the Orinoco. This pamphlet was a first stage winner in the 2009 Book & Pamphlet Competition, with judge Andrew Motion describing it as "an exotic and ambitious collection, in which deceptively simple structures are built to carry an impressive weight of interest and reference". And John Lyons wrote, "With a well-crafted economy of language in this collectio |
 | June Writing Day & reading in York (Jun 2010)
June Writing Day& reading in YorkDear poets,June Writing DayThe June Writing Day will be on Saturday the 26th. As usual, we will be in the Premier Inn for the morning session and the group will split between there and Bank Street Arts for the afternoon session. We start at 10:15am and finish at 4pm.Please bring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or better still write one up to discuss from the morning session. Places cost £25 (£18 unwaged). Pay on the day &# |
 | World Cup Competition (Jun 2010)
World Cup CompetitionDear poets,Send us a World Cup inspired poem for the chance to win a copy of Mike di Placido's collection, Theatre of Dreams, and publication on our website.The poem can be any length and style. Entry is free, and the deadline is the 21st of July. Send entries via email to office@poetrybusiness.co.uk, or by post to The Poetry Business, Bank Street Arts, 32-40 Bank Street, Sheffield S1 2DS.An ex-professional footballer, Mike Di Placido’s debut pamphlet takes its title f |
 | Writing Day on Saturday (Jun 2010)
June Writing DayDear poets,Just a quick reminder about the Writing Day on Saturday. We start at 10:15am as normal, and finish at 4pm. We're at the Premier Inn on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street in the morning; and we split for the afternoon, with half going to our premises on Bank Street. Places are £25 (or £18 unwaged) and you can pay on the door by cash or cheque.The July Writing Day is scheduled for the 24th of that month, and we'll send another reminder nearer the time.B |
 | Yvonne Green — The Assay (Jul 2010)
Yvonne GreenThe AssayYvonne Green's first full-length collection, The Assay, is now available from The Poetry Business.Yvonne Green was born in London in 1957. Her poems have been published in many magazines and journals and on BBC Radio 4’s 'The Food Programme'. She was poet in residence to JWA Women’s Refuge, to Norwood Ravenswood and at Spiro’s Ark. Her pamphlet, Boukhara, was a winner in the 2008 Book & Pamphlet Competition, judged by Alison Brackenbury.Reviews of |
 | Competition Winners Launch & Party (Jul 2010)
Competition WinnersPamphlet Launch & PartyFriday 23 July, 7:30pm Bank Street Arts, Bank Street, Sheffield S1 2DS£5 / £3 / free to Members of Bank Street Arts (and you can join on the door: £10pa)Includes free glass of wine and refreshments.Join us at Bank Street Arts on the 23rd to hear Cathy Benson, Sue Boyle and Alan Payne read from their rather beautiful Smith/Doorstop pamphlets. (Sue and Alan's collections were first-stage winners in the 2009 Poetry Business Competit |
 | July Writing Day & Poetry Party (Jul 2010)
July Writing Day & Poetry PartyDear poets,It's the July Writing Day this Saturday (the 24th), from 10:15 am to 4:00pm, with writing exercises in the morning and a critical workshop in the afternoon. As usual, it will be held in Sheffield in the Conference Room at The Premier Inn (morning) and at our new offices in Bank Street Arts. The Premier Inn is on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street.Please bring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – or better still write one |
 | August Writing Day (Aug 2010)
August Writing DayDear poets,The August Writing Day will be held on the 21st of this month. We start at 10:15am as normal, and finish at 4pm. We're at the Premier Inn on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street in the morning; and we split for the afternoon, with half going to our premises on Bank Street. Places are £25 (or £18 unwaged) and you can pay on the door by cash or cheque.The September Writing Day is scheduled for the 18th of that month, and we'll send another reminder near |
 | Paul Mills — Voting for Spring (Aug 2010)
Paul Mills Voting for Spring978-1-906613-16-7£9.95Published August 2010, Smith/Doorstop BooksPaul Mills was born in 1948. He was Gregory Fellow in Poetry at Leeds University 1976-78, and is currently Lecturer in the School of Literature Studies, College of Ripon and York St John, York. He has had three previous poetry collections published by Carcanet. Two of his plays have been performed, at the Royal National Theatre and at West Yorkshire Playhouse. Paul was the overall winner in the 1998 |
 | North 45 (Aug 2010)
North 45Dear readers,North 45 is now available to buy from The Poetry Business. (Subscribers should all have received their copies, so get in touch to let us know if you haven't.)The latest issue includes poems by — Maitreyabandhu, Lydia Macpherson, Philip Hancock, David H W Grubb, Richard Halperin, Martin Edwards, Gillian Allnutt, Jeffrey Wainwright, Susan Utting, Hannah Lowe, Joel Scarfe, Helena Nelson, Sue Kindon, Charlotte Gann, Michael Henry, Fiona Sampson, Peter Berry, Jean Harrison, |
 | Writing Day tomorrow (Aug 2010)
August Writing DayDear poets,The August Writing Day will be held tomorrow.As usual, we start at 10:15am and meet at the Premier Inn on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street. Places cost £25 (£18 unwaged) and you can pay on the door.If you're planning to attend (and haven't already contacted us), it would be much appreciated if you let us know.All best wishesfrom The Poetry BusinessThe Poetry Business receives financial assistance from Arts Council England. |
 | September Classic Poem of the Month (Sep 2010)
Classic Poem of the MonthThe current Classic Poem of the Month is Thomas Hardy's 'The Voice' and was chosen by Noel Williams. The VoiceWoman much missed, how you call to me, call to me, Saying that now you are not as you were When you had changed from the one who was all to me, But as at first, when our day was fair.Can it be you that I hear? Let me view you, then, Standing as when I drew near to the town Where you would wait for me: yes, as I knew you then, Even to the original air-blue gown!Or |
 | September Writing Day & poetry party (Sep 2010)
September Writing Day& poetry partyDear poets & friends,The September Writing Day is this Saturday. We start at 10:15 in the Premier Inn conference room (on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street), with half the group moving to our offices on Bank Street for the afternoon. Places cost £25 (or £18 unwaged) and you can pay on the door. As usual, it's not essential but would be much appreciated if you could let us know if you're planning to attend. You are also invited to atte |
 | Poetry Business party — 25th September (Sep 2010)
Poetry Business partyDear friends,The Poetry Business is having a party on the 25th of September and you're invited!The event will be held at Bank Street Arts, starting at 7:30pm, and promises to be an all-round splendid evening, featuring:Jane Aspinall from Liverpool, a winner in our 2009/10 Competition, judged by Andrew MotionGerard Benson, Bradford's poet laureate, whose collection A Good Time is launched tonightand the incomparable Michael Laskey of the Poetry Trust and founder of the Aldebu |
 | The Poetry Business & Off the Shelf (Sep 2010)
The Poetry Business& Off the Shelf Festival 2010Dear poets and friends,The Poetry Business is working with the Off the Shelf Festival (in Sheffield) again this year, hosting readings and a masterclass as part of the festival programme. Our events are listed below. For more information, see the Poetry Business website here.For full details of all the festival events, visit the Off the Shelf website at www.offtheshelf.org.uk/, or join their Facebook group at facebook.com/OffTheShelf. Sun |
 | Troubadour International Poetry Prize (Sep 2010)
The Troubadour International Poetry PrizeDear poets,We thought you might be interested to know that entries are now being invited for the Troubadour International Poetry Prize. Full details below.Best wishes,Peter, Ann & Katherinetroubadour international poetry prize judged by gwyneth lewis & maurice riordanwith both judges reading all poems prizes: 1st £1000, 2nd £500, 3rd £250& 20 prizes of £20 each plus a spring 2011 coffee-house poetry season ticketa |
 | Poetry Business party & October events (Sep 2010)
Poetry Business party& October eventsDear poets and friends,Just a quick reminder about the Poetry Business party on Saturday. Jane Aspinall (2009 competition winner), Gerard Benson and Michael Laskey will all be reading, and there will be a bar, book stall and raffle. It starts at 7:30pm at Bank Street Arts, and entry is £4 or £3 concs. (and £1 less for Bank Street Arts members). Let us know if you're planning to attend, or just turn up on the night.Smith/Doorstop poets will |
 | Carcanet evening at Ilkley, Thursday 7 October (Oct 2010)
Carcanet evening at IlkleyThursday 7 OctoberDear FriendsYou are warmly invited to a very special -- unique! -- event at the lovely Rombalds Hotel in Ilkley next week: a celebration of Carcanet Press, featuring Michael Schmidt and Peter Sansom (aka Patricia Beer, Sujata Bhatt, John Clare, Kenneth Koch, Edwin Morgan, Les Murray and Frank O'Hara ...). An entertaining evening of two halves: first Michael and Peter read their own vivid and compelling poems and discuss publ |
 | Happy National Poetry Day! (Oct 2010)
Happy National Poetry Day!In honour of National Poetry Day, here are three poems from recent and forthcoming Smith/Doorstop titles, all (loosely) related to this year's NPD theme of 'home'.WE SPEAK ENGLISH NOWand gratefully. There's been time to readand work and break bread together,to translate ourselves, give ourselves strengthfor what comes next. Some of us have disappearedwhere we best match. Others remain distinct.Our minds are peppered with our cultureour children's minds with what they've |
 | Stop, Listen and Leap with Nina Boyd, River Wolton & The Top Shelalas (Oct 2010)
Stop, Listen and Leap with Nina Boyd, River Wolton & The Top ShelalasThis Sunday, join Nina Boyd, River Wolton and the Top Shelalas for a night of sung and spoken word from acclaimed performers, and the launch of two Smith/Doorstop collections.Nina Boyd, winner of the Poetry Business Competition 2009, launches her collection Dear Mr Asquith. River Wolton launches her first full length collection, Leap . Top Shelalas — Rose Hodgson, Helen Lyle and Kate Thomas — with voices, string |
 | October poetry events (Oct 2010)
October poetry eventsDear FriendsA reminder of a couple of events this week. Also, a final call for poems for our Masterclass on 24 October with John McAuliffe. John is one of the most perceptive and generous readers, whose outstanding collections are published by the Gallery Press. He is director of the Centre for New Writing at Manchester University. Please see our website to apply for places, www.poetrybusiness.co.uk.Tomorrow Tuesday 12th at 7:30pm at Caffetteria at th |
 | 7 weeks to competition deadline (Oct 2010)
The 2010 Poetry Business Book & Pamphlet CompetitionDear poets,We're delighted to announce that, in addition to their already very generous support of this year's Book & Pamphlet Competition, NAWE will also be offering all four winners the opportunity to have free access to Compass Points, their professional development planning and coaching service.This will take the form of a 90 minute session, either face-to-face or by telephone, with a member of The Writer’s Compass team. The o |
 | October Writing Day on Saturday (Oct 2010)
Writing Day on SaturdayDear poets,The October Writing Day will be held this weekend, on Saturday 23 October. As usual, the morning session will be in the conference room of the Premier Inn on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street, starting at 10:15am. In the afternoon, half the group will move to our premises in Bank Street Arts. We will finish at 4pm.It's not essential, but would be helpful if you could let us know if you're planning to attend.And another date for your diary: on Sunday (th |
 | Yvonne Green, Allison McVety & John McAuliffe reading in Sheffield (Oct 2010)
Yvonne Green, Allison McVety & John McAuliffeDear friends,Yvonne Green, Allison McVety and John McAuliffe will be reading at the Showroom Cinema as part of the Off the Shelf Festival this Sunday. The reading starts at 7:30pm and tickets are £6 (£4 concs). Book online here.Yvonne Green’s first full length collection, The Assay, is just published. “Her excellent poems show how different cultures can blend” Alan Sillitoe.Allison McVety’s vivid new collection, M |
 | Writing Day tomorrow & reading on Sunday (Oct 2010)
Writing Day tomorrow& reading on SundayYou are warmly invited to a gem of a reading in this year's outstanding Off the Shelf programme. Three brilliant and very different poets, Yvonne Green, Allison McVety and John McAuliffe at The Showroom THIS SUNDAY (24th), 7:30pm. Please do come along if you can.Yvonne Green is a former barrister in the Inns of Court and her prize-winning poems often describe her Boukharan family background. 'Her excellent poems show how different cultures can blend' (A |
 | Reading in Sheffield tonight (Oct 2010)
Reading in Sheffield tonightAnn Atkinson, Paul Mills and Jane Routh, Friday 29th, 7.30pm at The Lantern Theatre.Hope you won't mind a last-minute reminder about tonight's reading, and apologies for any cross-posting. This brilliant event is our final one in the Off the Shelf programme (so won't be badgering you again for a while!).Ann Atkinson’s pamphlet Drawing Water has won admiring reviews and she is known as a warm and entertaining reader of her work. Editor of Sta |
 | Writing Day this Saturday (Nov 2010)
November Writing DayDear poets,This month's Writing Day is an early one, and will be held this Saturday (the 13th). If you're planning to attend, please reply to this email to let us know.As usual we will be starting at 10:15am in the conference room of the Premier Inn on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street, and finishing at 4pm. Places are £25 (or £18 unwaged) and you can pay on the door.Best wishesfrom all at The Poetry BusinessThe Poetry Business receives financial assistance |
 | Simon Armitage masterclass & final call for competition (Nov 2010)
Simon Armitage masterclass& final call for competition entriesDear poets,As part of a year-long community project with the University of Sheffield and The Poetry Business, Simon Armitage will be holding a masterclass for Sheffield writers. The class is limited to 10 places. Please send up to three poems by email to office@poetrybusiness.co.uk before the 20th of November to apply for a place. Also, we are now two weeks away from the deadline for this year's Book & Pamphlet competition. (S |
 | 25 Years in The North (Dec 2010)
25 Years in The NorthThe North magazine was founded in 1985, and North 46 marks the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Featuring 75 poems by 40 poets, the issue includes some of the best work from the previous issues alongside brand new work. It's a bumper issue — with 106 pages of poems, features, articles and reviews — but the price remains £8 (or £15 for an annual subscription). See our website to order a copy. The poets in this issue are... Graham Mort, Anthony Wil |
 | New from Smith/Doorstop (Dec 2010)
New from Smith/DoorstopA Good TimeGerard Benson£9.95Order onlineGerard Benson was born in London and lives in Bradford, where he is the city’s poet laureate. His children’s books have won the Signal Award and been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.A Good Time is his fourth collection for grownups, along with a number of anthologies, including the Poems on the Underground series, of which he is a founding editor. He was the first ever poet-in-residence at the Wordsworth Trust, a |
 | December Writing Day this Saturday (Dec 2010)
December Writing DayDear poets,The December Writing Day will be held this Saturday (the 18th). The day starts, as usual, at 10:15 in the Premier Inn conference room; and the group will split between there and our premises in Bank Street Arts for the afternoon session. We finish at 4pm.Places cost £25 (or £18 unwaged) for the day. Payment can be made by cash or cheque on the door.It's not essential, but much appreciated if you could let us know if you're planning to attend.Best wishesfr |
 | January Writing Day this Saturday (Jan 2011)
January Writing DayDear poets,Just a reminder that the January Writing Day will be held this Saturday (the 29th). As usual, we will be meeting at the Premier Inn at 10:15am, with half the group then heading over to our premises at Bank Street Arts for the afternoon session. The day finishes at 4pm. Places cost £25 (£20 concs.).If you're planning to attend, and haven't already let us know, please reply to this email.Best wishesfrom the Poetry BusinessThe Poetry Business receives financi |
 | January poetry events (Jan 2011)
January poetry eventsDear poets, readers and friends,See below for details of three January events that may be of interest to you.'Poetry: its relevance and beyond' (Manchester)Wednesday 19 JanuaryOn Wednesday 19th January, Angelica Michelis and Antony Rowland will be in conversation with the Manchester Salon audience, chaired by Dave Bowden, looking at 'Poetry: its relevance and beyond': Where can we draw a line between opening up difficult and complex works of literature to an unfamiliar audi |
 | Happy New Year from The Poetry Business (Jan 2011)
Dear poets, readers and friends,A very happy new year to you all!We're delighted to announce that 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of The Poetry Business, and we intend to celebrate!The Poetry Business began life in 1986, set up with the help of an Enterprise Allowance and Huddersfield Polytechnic's photocopier; and is now, in its silver year, what Andrew Motion called "one of the most vital and vitalising literary organisations in the country".We publish books, pamphlets and audio under the Smit |
 | Readings in Manchester & Leeds and a competition (Feb 2011)
Poetry readings & the Buxton Open Poetry CompetitionDear PoetsDo please come along if you are near either of these readings this Saturday or next Tuesday: Ann Sansom with Nina Boyd, Clive McWilliam & Jo RoseSaturday 12th February at 2.30pm in Manchester: the International Anthony Burgess Foundation, The Burgess, 3 Cambridge Street, M1 5BY.Free entry.AndPaul Mills and Peter SansomTuesday 15th February at 7pm, in Leeds: Foyer of the English Dept, University of Leeds, Wood |
 | February Writing Day & Sheffield poetry reading (Feb 2011)
February Writing Day& Sheffield poetry readingDear poets,The February Writing Day will be held this Saturday. As usual, we meet at the Premier Inn (on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street) at 10:15am. Half of the group will then go to our premises in Bank Street Arts for the afternoon session. We finish at 4pm. Places cost £25 (or £20 concs). Email office@poetrybusiness.co.uk to let us know if you're planning to attend.We hope you'll also be able to attend our next reading on |
 | Sheffield Poetry Prize winners reading (Feb 2011)
2010 Sheffield Poetry PrizeDear poets and readers,We're delighted to announce the winners of the 2010 Sheffield Poetry Prize, chosen by Simon Armitage:1st: James Caruth, 'The Deposition'2nd: Anthony Adler, 'The Metaphors are Owls'3rd: Fay Musselwhite, 'Boulder'The winning poems will all appear in the next issue of The North magazine, due in April 2011.The three poets will be reading at our next event, at Bank Street Arts on March 11th, alongside Simon Currie and Sally Goldsmith (with her accordi |
 | 2010 Book & Pamphlet Competition Winners (Feb 2011)
2010 Book & Pamphlet Competition WinnersWe're delighted to announce to four first-stage winners of the 2010 Book & Pamphlet Competition, chosen by Simon Armitage: Paul Bentley, Plymouth"A remarkable, technically sophisticated blend of parody and elegy, personally felt poems interwoven with popular culture, party politics and history both natural and unnatural. Mischievous and moving." — Simon Armitage Christy Ducker, Northumberland"Unsettling and edgy, these poems have the st |
 | Poetry Business events in March and April (Mar 2011)
Poetry Business events in March and AprilDear poets and readers, The first ever Sheffield Poetry Festival will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of April this year, and the Poetry Business is delighted to be a stakeholder. Find full details and the Festival programme at the website here.See below for details of the Poetry Business 25th anniversary events we have planned for the next six weeks (or check the calendar on the home page of our website). Geoff Hattersley at The Red Shed (Wakefield |
 | Upcoming events (Mar 2011)
Readings in Sheffield and HuddersfieldJust a couple of reminders:THIS FRIDAY(11th) in SHEFFIELD Simon Currie,Sally Goldsmith and theSheffield Poetry Prize winners Friday 11thMarch, 7:30pm — Tickets £4 (£3 concs) Bank StreetArts, Sheffield S1 2DS Bar, raffle and bookstall. All welcome! The winners ofthe 2010 Sheffield Poetry Prize — James Caruth (1st), Anthony Adler (2nd) andFay Musselwhite (3rd) — will be reading alongside Smith/Doorstop po |
 | April events in Sheffield and London (Mar 2011)
The Poetry Business: 25th anniversary— April events in Sheffield and LondonDear poets and readers,A reminder about some of the forthcoming Poetry Business events:Sheffield Poetry FestivalFriday 1st April — Sunday 3rd AprilThe first Sheffield Poetry Festival will officially begin on Friday 1st April, and The Poetry Business is delighted to be a stakeholder. A huge variety of events will be hosted around the city, including 25 Years in The North, the launch of Ed Reiss' first full-leng |
 | Buxton Poetry Competition and Sheffield Poetry Festival (Mar 2011)
Buxton Poetry Competition& the Sheffield Poetry FestivalDear poets and readers,A few reminders...The deadline for the Buxton Poetry Competition is this Friday (1st April). Ann and Peter Sansom are judging it again this year, and poems are invited on the subject of 'fire'. (Download full details and an entry form here.) The Sheffield Poetry Festival also officially starts on Friday. The first event is in the Showroom, starting at 8pm, and is a reading by three Smith/Doorstop poets: Simon Armi |
 | Final day of the Sheffield Poetry Festival (Apr 2011)
Final day of the Sheffield Poetry Festival!Dear FriendsHope you can get along to some events, enjoy the bookstall, lunch, bars and soak up the atmosphere of all things poetry in Sheffield.At The Showroom, Paternoster Row:1pm: The marvelous poet laureates Ann Atkinson and River Wolton2.15: The Templar Showcase features the Festival's very own Rob Hindle3.30: TS Eliot prizewinner George Szirtes and the University's Agnes Lehoczky4pm: The Ground Aslant anthology with the inc |
 | Poetry Business 'Special Edition' at the Saison Poetry Library (Apr 2011)
Poetry Business 'Special Edition' at the Saison Poetry LibraryAs part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, the Saison Poetry Library will be hosting a 'special edition' event tomorrow night, with readings by Yvonne Green, Michael Laskey, Gerard Benson and Allison McVety.The event starts at 8pm and will be held at the Saison Poetry Library, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.Places are free, but can be reserved by emailing specialedition@poetrylibrary.org.uk.We hope to see you ther |
 | April 2011 Writing Day (Apr 2011)
Next Writing Day: Saturday 30 April_________________________________________________________________Dear poets, The next Writing Day will be held on Saturday 30 April. As usual, we will be meeting at the Premier Inn on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street (map) for the morning session, with half the group then heading over to our offices in Bank Street Arts for the afternoon.The day will run from 10:15 am to 4:00pm, with writing exercises in the morning and a critical workshop in the after |
 | Poetry Business news (April 2011) (Apr 2011)
Dear friends, The Poetry Business was fortunate enough to be granted NPO status by the Arts Council, for which we are very grateful. However. NAWE, The Poetry Trust and the PBS among many of our friends — including Arc, Enitharmon, Flambard and Beverley and Lancaster Literature Festival — have not been so fortunate. Please sign the petition here urging the Arts Council to reconsider its decision on the PBS, and leave a comment about the NAWE decision here.All best wishesfrom a |
 | April Writing Day reminder (Apr 2011)
Next Writing Day: this Saturday (30 April)_________________________________________________________________Dear poets,Just a final reminder about the Writing Day this Saturday.Asusual, we meet at 10:15am at the Premier Inn on the corner of AngelStreet in Sheffield. The day finishes at 4pm.Please bring a poem (and ten copies) for the afternoon workshop – orbetter still write one up to discuss from the morning session. Places cost £25 (or £20 unwaged). Pay on the day, by cash or c |
 | March Writing Day this Saturday (Mar 2011)
Writing Day this SaturdayDear poets,The March Writing Day will be held this Saturday, the 26th of March. As usual, we will be in the conference room at the Premier Inn, on the corner of Angel Street and Bank Street, for the morning session; and half the group will move to our offices in Bank Street Arts for the afternoon session. We start at 10:15am and finish at 4pm. Places cost £25 (£20 unwaged).It's not essential, but you can let us know you're planning to attend by replying to this |
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