I’ve been thinking how discovering one tiny thing, one obvious to anyone who has done it all before, can make a huge difference. Yesterday I had several files of poems (the physical kind, in poly-pockets. I like things physical) lurking, filed by date, 2012 to the present. I submit poems quite frequently, so the published ones are all highlighted so I don’t send them elsewhere; I note down where and when published, because that’s useful. But, now I’m getting a collection together, (it already has a home, so it’s a matter of deciding the order, chucking out or grabbing back others if I realise they don’t work together.)
So, the small but mind blowing discovery? Collate the poems like a book. Have them face each other, find where they are happy to partner up with another poem. So damn obvious, but what a difference it’s made 🙂
You’re so organised! I agree with you about the physical poem. I keep mine on the computer and I don’t yet have a book, but a pocket folder is essential for ordering a reading. I can see it would be even more so for a book.
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When I did readings my poems were all handwritten. I didn’t type up a poem until I first submitted a couple for Best of Manchester Poets. I didn’t have a computer. Filled with Ghosts was a handwritten journal. After I started getting a lot of work published I needed to have a system. I’ve had a couple of computer crashes that have wiped out everything, so I typed up all the handwritten stuff Collating the collection means that is vital 🙂
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Oh excellent! Yes, that makes sense. Are you all sorted now with your collection then?
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Hell no…every time I edit one I hate it
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On the plus side I now hate them in pairs…groups even. Most of my favourites don’t fit in ….because now i know what the book is about…
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That’s massive progress if you know what the book is about. You’re doing really well.
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Today was good . i think i know what I’m doing now. I’ve been putting off diving in…though usefully I tackled all that technology stuff last week to avoid starting poem sorting 🙂
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Am expecting another post like this I just read. You really make my day reading this one.
Thanks. Again. You can check me up on my blog also
http://www.patrickrealstories.wordpress.com
#PATRICKSTORIES
Peace and Love
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