As this is my second week of holiday, I was hoping to give you a picture and a few exciting ideas related to the image, but sadly the British weather has turned and outside events have pretty much been rained off for the last few days.
I did manage to get out for a wander by a canal yesterday, looking at the ducks and seagulls, and an unexpected swan, for a very fleeting visit – but sadly I didn’t take a camera!
So instead I’ll update you about the prep for my upcoming performance (more about that on Sunday), and explain what I’ll need to do next. After all, what’s better when you’re having a two week holiday than working through it…!
I started by meeting up with my friend (who is ‘headlining’ the event). We agreed the first half of the playlist and a number of related poems and readings, plus we decided a new poem and a couple of additional readings were required.
After that, I started to do some research. This is the pile of reference books I stacked up on day 1:
By the time I’m finished I’ll probably have about 3-4 times as many!
I also chose a subject for the poem – Cicero. I really enjoyed reading his quotes for the peace post, and his standing in history is so contradictory as to make him a perfect subject for further investigation. Sadly, none of the books on my sofa will help with that but I have a few more up my sleeve (or, more accurately, on a bookcase!) to rely on! The poem is about war, and his quotes and his life experiences will work brilliantly for that.
Once the poem is written, and the rest properly edited and updated, I’ll share them all with my friend, alongside the other readings I have found. I’ll practice reading, over and over again. And then do it at least two more times. I have to remember that performing is different from reading, and like any performer I need to rehearse.
And finally, the performance will come, and I’ll be ready for it!
The main focus for the next few days is poetry, poetry, poetry. But I am hoping to enjoy a trip to family and to watch a carnival (ok, and go to a funfair!) this weekend too. You never know what ideas will be shaken free on a rollercoaster, after all!
Happy writing,
EJ
🙂
Becoming a writer 
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