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Get INVOLVED. Discuss, compare and contrast; writein with your
events, topics and responses. |
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It's a creative dialogue - write in to editor@unheardwords.com
What do you think?
Why Write?
This month's editorial
Community Archive
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This month the Reading Group welcomes author, Stewart Kunaka, talking about his new poetry book called Freedom is only a thought away, "Kunaka’s joy of discovery through thoughtful and expressive writing reveals that freedom really is only a thought away."
We are also privileged to have Angela & Golda from Maat Natural Health Products & Services talking about Complementary Health; could they heal you and improve your health and well-being?
So please come along as we'd also love to welcome you...
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
On 15.May.2008
- 4.45pm-6.00pm
Contact: Sonia Dixon 01922653137 or 01922653121 or dixons@walsall.gov.uk |
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Well I'll be...  bitten
a few more times by the theatre bug this month. I've seen the excellent Random (debbie tucker greeen), As You Like It (Watford Palace), Charlie Dark's Have Box Will Travel, Inua Ellams' 13 Negro Fairy Tales (spellbinding imagery you can float on like "a black eyed pea in a glass of milk") and in the next coupla weeks I'm of to see King Lear, Oxford Street andIn the Hoods (Shout out to Mr Gee).
sitting
in different locations around the capital, writing some new stuff - new ideas from different perspectives, new acoustics.
swishing
through Aesthetic Sounds, verb seemed to fit my rhyme scheme and seemed apt given the title of this gig, which features Lee Henry with support from Taylor Lane, J'nay and Sharlene Hector and me. Should be a great night out, one that has established itself as the best one-stop for Soul, RnB , Jazz and spoken word over recent years. Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London N15 4RX, 31.May.08, 7:30pm
spinning
more records. Check for the first of the summer sessions
tipping
you off with a recommendation...She plays the Carling Academy (7:00pm) on the 12.May.08, her name is Asa, her new video - Fire on The Mountain - is Fiyah
http://www.verbswish.com
The celebration of African literature and languages, in collaboration with SABLE LitMag returns to the British Museum on Saturday 31 May 2008.
 | Word from Africa is a celebration of African literature, music - and most of all language. Presented by Africa Beyond , in collaboration with SABLE LitMag and with support from the British Museum and Arts Council England , London, the free one-day event will take place at the British Museum in central London on 31 May, from 13.00 till 20.15.
Visit bbc.co.uk/africabeyond for more information. |
The New Metis website has now been launched at metis.uk.com.
Metis came to the attention of unheardwords in 2006, when we featured an early interview and poem.
His various happenings and gigs have appeared in the Community Space ever since. |  |
Hi everyone,
[verb]swish here with a special announcement: the DVD concert of my book launch, Penultimate at the Roundhouse, is NOW AVAILABLE to buy at verbswish.com. |
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 | The DVD is a limted edition pressing, and besides spoken soul and neo-poetry from me, the Penultimate DVD includes some amazing writers of song and poetry. |
SUMMER SCHOOL helps get crime writers clued up
Amateur-Agatha Christies and wannabe-Colin Dexters will have a chance to pick up some tips in this summer's course, Writing Crime Fiction. The week-long course, which is currently accepting applications, will be begin on 11th August 2008, and is being taught by Rosemary Rowe, a pseudonym used by Rosemary Aitken. Rosemary has written many best selling textbooks on English Language and Communication and is the author of over twenty published novels including the ten historical crime novels in the Libertus series.
Further information: falmouth.ac.uk/shortcourses
SHANGWE POETRY NIGHT
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An Evening with Nicole Moore (for info 07846 542321)
Upstairs in the Studio at The Poetry Café,
22 Betterton Street,
Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BX
Venue Tel: 020 7420 9887/8
Thursday, 24.April.2008
Admission: £5 (£3 Concessions)
8.00pm to 10.00pm |
Evening's Contributors:
Grace Quansah (Akuba) lecturer since 1988, Akuba simultaneously began enchanting audiences in 1997, with African-centred performance storytelling.
Patsy Antoine is a writer, creative writing tutor and a graduate of the Middlesex University MA in Writing. She commissioned and edited Afrobeat, an anthology of new black British writing and is currently working on her first novel.
Louise Hercules Black British artist based in London who specializes in both poetry and photography.
Nicola Greenwood Bristol born London dweller who started writing as a child. Her love of language combines the beauty and confusion of words.
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The Writers Bureau, CreativeWritingCorrespondenceCollege,
are sponsoring a 2008 Poetry and Short Story Competition.
Closing date entries is 30.June.2008.
Full details available at writersbureau.com. |
Erudite Scholar and Pan-Afrikanist, Professor Oba T’ Shaka
author of The Art of Leadership and Return to the African
Motherland Principle of Male and Female Equality will be giving
a lecture on the topic: The Choice between two cultures.
When: Wednesday 16.April.2008, 7pm-10pm, Adm £7.50
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Where: At Centerprise,136 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2NS
contact: 020 7254 9632, eamevor@centerprisetrust.org.uk - www.centerprisetrust.org.uk
We're celebrating the 60th anniversary of Windrush this year at Walsall Central Library on the 17th April with author Victor Richards performing his poetry and talking about his book, adapted from three one man plays, "Streets Paved with Gold", "Return to the Caribbean" and "Children of the first generation". Plus music and singing. An evening celebrating the lives of some of those West Indians who made that historic journey on the 21st-22nd June 1948.
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
On 17.April.2008
- 4.45pm-6.00pm
Contact: Sonia Dixon 01922653137 or 01922653121 or dixons@walsall.gov.uk |
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| FIRST IN THREE offers a chance to see emerging work by local theatre-makers, writers and performers, and to get involved in the creative process, by filling in feedback forms, and by joining the performers to drink, discuss and debate late into the night. |
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When: 4.April.2008, doors open from 7:30pm
Where: Stage Three at the Northern Stage (click image for further info)
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UW reviews new book which shines personal light on the pressures and frustrations that turn ideals of family into the cycles of aggression that constitute domestic violence. |
Ripping Pages -a kind and loving home for Northampton's literature.
Open mic night: Our next night is (this) Tuesday 1.Apr.2008 at The Romany, Trinity Avenue, Northampton from 8pm (map here).
It would be great to see you there.
Also, submit your story on a theme and win £10 to spend at Kingsthorpe Book Shop. The deadline is March 31st 2008. We are looking for up to 1,000 words on the theme of 'Food'. Please e-mail your poetry or prose to us at rippingpages@hotmail.co.uk
Ripping Pages is a Northampton writers' group. We aim to connect writers and poets and widely celebrate the county's writing scene. If you would like more information about Ripping Pages click image above.
Everybody moves on eventually...
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African Writers Abroad are currently accepting memoir submissions from
women of African descent for our forthcoming anthology on the theme of MOVING. |
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Moving is something that most of us have had to do at some time. Whether changing countries, cities or even streets the experience can be an emotional one. Fear, excitement, joy, hope are just some of the
sensations that you may have felt when you had to move.
African Writers
Abroad (Andrea Enisuoh) are looking for poignant memoir pieces about moving.
Why did you move? How far did you go? How did moving make you feel? What did you leave behind? What did you hope to find - and did you find it?
This anthology will reflect a broad range of voices, viewpoints and
experiences. Whether you have moved once, twice or several times we want to read your stories of real life experiences and journal /diary entries (typically pieces of between 2 and 3,000 words).
For further information or submission details please email:
africanwritersabroad@yahoo.com
Deadline for submissions: 31 July 2008
Dear friends
I bring you sad news. The golden days of Sunday afternoons at the Market Tavern are drawing to a wet and windy close. The gloomy hurricane battering against my window is a poignant reflection of my tragic soul, as the day of our sad farewell draws ever nearer.
But let us not forget the end is still a distant cowboy on the horizon. Let us rejoice this Easter Sunday.
Poets / musicians / comedians / storytellers / clowns / philosophers / therapists / anaesthetists / enthusiasts / spectators
All welcome. All open mic, no need to book. And, free food and roasties.
3pm til late,
Sunday 23rd March
Market Tavern, corner of Moseley St & Birchall St, Digbeth
1. INTRODUCTION TO POETRY (Thursdays 7-9pm)
3 April to 8 May (5 sessions at the "Poetry Society Studio", Poetry Cafe,
22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX
Tel: 020 7420 9880 poetrysociety.org.uk
2. LIFE WRITING INTO MEMOIRS, ESSAYS & FICTION (Saturdays 2-4pm)
5 April to 10 May (6 sessions)
at The Hackney Museum, Hackney Technology & Learning Centre
1 Reading Lane, Hackney, London E8 1GQ
Tel: 020 8356 3500 hackneymuseum
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Tutor:
Nicole Moore freelance writer, published poet; founder of Shangwe.com and the co-founder of WordsofColour.co.uk Productions; independent publisher of Brown Eyes (2005) and Sexual Attraction Revealed (2007).
For info call: 07846 542321
Well I'll be...
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Running... |
Up and down London like clockwork. At Goldsmiths University
18th March 08: hosts a night of music called 'Double Take', (Rm 167, nearest tube New Cross, from 7.30pm). Finally, this month were at a night called Furnace in Balham, a meld of passionate, spontaneous word, music, theatre fusion. (Georges Pub, Balham Hill).
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Spinning... |
For this month's competition, there is an album from one of the sessions up for grabs. To enter just email a request: info at http://www.transtatic.co.uk. So far I've been digging in the crates pulling out old Bacharach cuts, Masakela jawns, but also some new Daft Punk stuff, and some of Herbie's Grammy winner.
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Taking... |
'Every Step', Tawiah's etherial new single.
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(Re)reading... |
Eat this book - Eugene Peterson, Tunesmith - Jimmy Webb, The Gospel of St Luke, Selected Poems - Langston Hughes.
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Right, I think that's all the fun. I'm off to the drycleaners, the post office, and the bank (no laughing). theverbswish
Reading After Empire: Call for Papers
How should we read colonial and postcolonial texts? Is reading an act of resistance, or the domestication of difference? Does postcolonial studies posit an 'ideal reader'? What (if anything) are the differences between local, national and transnational audiences? How can we ever adequately interpret the imperial archive?
This conference focuses on the neglected but central role of reading in colonial, postcolonial and diasporic contexts. It uses reading in its broadest sense (e.g. as reception, viewing, consumption, translation) to raise questions about the politics, and the pleasures, of interpretation.
We are interested in both empirical and theoretical accounts of readers and audiences across a range of genres (e.g. literary, cinematic, televisual, internet-based) and contexts (e.g. libraries, living rooms, cinemas, book groups, chat rooms).
Titles and abstracts of no more than 200 words should be sent electronically, along with a 50-word biography, by March 31st 2008 to Bethan Benwell (b.m.benwell@stir.ac.uk)
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Suggested topics: contrapuntal reading; imagined and interpretive communities; catachresis; the postcolonial exotic; literacy; reception as a situated activity; colonial libraries; postcolonial history of the book; nationalism and hermeneutics; readers within fiction / film; reading / ethics |
Conference details including Registration forms at:
http://www.devolvingdiasporas.com/conferences.htm
Courtesy of Sheree Mack
| Hi, our writing group (University of Liverpool Creative Writing Society for Lifelong Learning) has launched its second competition, all the details are here
academi.org/lit-comp,
along with a downloadable entry form. Suzanne | 
Entry deadline: 31.May.08 |
Hi All,
In the spirit of mutual support and the power of the LINK, please feel free to hook up to everydaycreativity.
Here you’ll find links to further blogs I have started in response to my recent research trip to the Caribbean.
Please send me any links to your practice whether website, blog, gallery etc that you would like to feature. Best Sheree |
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Hiyall
...Thursday (6th March) was the Blues Jam – as usual, just about anything bluesy – from guitars, harps and whatever. On Thursday 13th March, the guests are Mellow Peaches – catch them while you can!
Visit towerofsong (Crossroads Blues Club) for further info...
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This event focusing on the production of, reception given to, and cultural position of Black British Literature from a local and international perspective, will take place at Goldsmiths University of London (New Cross, South East London) on the 13-14 March 2008. The conference will include a wide variety of practitioners and experts, including actor, playwright and broadcaster, Kwame Kwei-Armah, and Diane Abbott MP. |
For more information visit:
Goldsmiths/On Whose Terms
Courtesy of Kadija George
myspace.com/sablelitmag
Next Open Mic Night: Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
at The Romany, Trinity Avenue,
Northampton from 8pm
Come along, bring friends. You may be pleasantly suprised...
For anyone who has not joined the library your opportunity is now.
You are invited to meet the exciting award-winning, international author, Jim Crace. Crace is widely regarded as an innovative and highly original writer with a powerful ability to create imaginary worlds and landscapes.
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
On 13.March.2008
- 5.45pm - 8pm |
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Contact: Sonia Dixon 01922653137 or 01922653121 or dixons@walsall.gov.uk
 | Are you passionate about books and reading? Ever considered a career in publishing but don't know where to start? |
SAQI, London is offering the second of three one-year traineeships funded by the Arts Council, England. Closing Date for Applications: 7 March 2008
SAQI is an international independent publishing house with offices and bookshops in London and Beirut. You will need to be a highly motivated, enthusiastic and flexible individual from the African, Caribbean, Arab or Asian communities. Ideally educated to degree level, you have a passion for books and reading, are an excellent communicator, well organised and have a meticulous eye for detail. You'll get a fantastic insight into all aspects
of publishing with the opportunity to gain experience in editorial, rights, publicity, sales and marketing departments. SAQI will pay a training bursary to the successful applicant. The traineeship begins on April 1 2008.
For further details contact Anna Wilson on 0207 221 9347 or email : anna@saqibooks.com
First Shangwe Poetry Night of 2008: 27.March.08:
Upstairs in the Studio at The Poetry Café,
22 Betterton Street,
Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BX
Tel: 020 7420 9887/8 or 07957 736 706
Admission: nominal admission / concession fee applies
8.00pm to 10.00pm
(Open mics welcome from 7.30pm)
A vibrant and energising monthly performance poetry space, promotes fresh emerging talent in a supportive atmosphere - founded by Nicole Moore and hosted by Peter Kallon. |
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We welcome previous Birmingham Poet Laureate Richard 'Dreadlockalien' Grant.
Dreadlockalien is a working poet based in the midlands U.K. Rising from the soundclash toasting days of carnival blues and speakers too big to carry. Regularly appearing internationally as a conference keynote speaker, poet, and workshop facillitator.
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Our guest Poet will be Ian Mcmillan (poet, writer, broadcaster and speaker).
When: Wednesday 20.Feb.2008
Where: Birmingham Parish Church, St. Martin in the Bull Ring, T: 0121-600 6020
stmartininthebullring.com/Poetry
Also dreadlockalien.co.uk
You are invited to our Black Reading Group meeting to be held on the 14th February 2008 (Thursday) at Walsall Central Library 5.45pm-8pm, where we will be joined by BBC author, Colin Grant, talking about his new biography of Marcus Garvey – the first biography of the legendary and controversial black orator – which is now available.
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
On 14.Feb.2008 - 5.45pm-8pm |
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Contact: Sonia Dixon 01922653137 or dixons@walsall.gov.uk
Well I'll be....
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Playing... |
the swanky Cafe Suki, recently refurb'd japanese joint on 10.Feb.2008. For tour info, visit the website linked below. |
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Swishing... |
the curtain back on the shiny new website at verbswish.com. Shout out to Brian Gardner , knocking it out the park all the way from Chicago with the template inspiration for the new look. |
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Interacting... |
with you esteemed folks on We'll I'll Be blog (part of verbswish.com) |
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Rewinding... |
a track that's particularly close to me heart: Foy Vance's 'Indiscriminate Act of Kindness' |
God willing, will see / speak to ya soon.
theverbswish
Hi all
Seems like we've been away ages over Christmas and New Year,
but now we're back for our third birthday special and another whole year of fun, every last Sunday of the month at
The Market Tavern
corner of Moseley St and Birchall St
Digbeth, Birmingham, 3pm - 7pm
And it's all open mic - anything goes, from three-chord amateurs to professional
geniuses, from experimental poetry / music fusion, to comedy characters. Get down there this
Sunday, get the usual free roasties, plus enjoy our special third
birthday spread.
See you all very soon,
Lizzie (Wrote Under Co-operative) 
Next Open Mic Night: Tuesday, February 5th, 2008
at The Romany, Trinity Avenue,
Northampton from 8pm
It would be great to see you there.
There's also the Children’s novelists lecture series at University of Northampton
(St George’s Avenue, Northampton, NN2 6JD):
The School of The Arts presents a lecture series featuring prestigious writers for children.
Tuesday 22nd January 2008 - Kevin Crossley-Holland
Kevin Crossley-Holland: poet, librettist, reteller of myth, legend and folk-tales as well as a novelist.
Thursday 7th February 2008 - Geraldine McCaughrean
Geraldine McCaughrean has written 140 books and been published in 40 languages. She writes for every age level, from first-readers and picture books to adult works.
A MOTHER SPEAKS by Judd Batchelor,
at The Studio Theatre
The Hackney Empire
291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
Tel. +44 (0)20 8510 4500
From 17.Jan.2008 to 03.Feb.2008
Show Time: 7:45pm;
£12.00, Concession: £8
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(Click image for further info) |
The strength of a mother's love is immeasureable. Imagine the love of your child suddenly taken away from you by an unprovoked act of violence. How far would you go to see justice served?
Icilda and Huldah hosting - present another engaging evening:
With Readings from the famous book, Dis n Dat and other books / poems; performers etc.
Reviews of Recommended Books, Information and News
plus YOU and Your Talents
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
On 17.January.2008 - 4.45pm-6pm |
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Contact: Sonia Dixon 01922653137
or dixons@walsall.gov.uk
Also coming up on 14th February a very special evening together with author Colin Grant, author of Negro with a hat: the rise and fall of Marcus Garvey and his Dream of Mother Africa.
THINGS THAT CAN'T BE SAID
We are working with Apples and Snakes on an exciting high powered theatrical performance poetry project. Five artists from the region have been commissioned to write in response to 'things that can't be said'.
Shabina Aslam, a well-reputed director of spoken word, theatre and radio drama, is directing the production.
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Artists will perform an ensemble of stories using music, movement and sound, creating a visual tapestry of love, life and relationships. Each event will be introduced by a local guest poet.
Artists:
Michèle Barzey, Marcia Calame, Cheri Gillings, Vincent Gould, Shaun Smith.
Tour Dates:
Friday 1.February.2008
mac Birmingham at 8pm.
0121 440 3838
macarts.co.uk
Introduced by guest poet Kim Trusty
Wednesday 6.February.2008
Arena Theatre Wolverhampton at 7.30pm.
01902 321 321
arenatheatre.info
Introduced by guest poet
Emma Purshouse
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Saturday 2.February.2008
Norden Farm Maidenhead at 7.45pm.
01628 788 997
nordenfarm.org
Introduced by guest poet A F Harrold
Thursday 7.February.2008
Glasshouse Studio Theatre Stourbridge at 7.30pm.
01384 399 430
Glasshouse
Introduced by guest poet Spoz
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Kalabash World presents:
Ladbroke Grove FILM WRITE is a monthly film night showcasing groundbreaking films/authors/poets. Free film screenings, incredible authors and poets reading from their recent publications, local filmmakers describing what inspired their work and community discussion.
FREE ENTRY 6.30pm-11pm Free Caribbean Food
(2nd Tuesday every month).
Film starts PROMPTLY at 7pm followed by reading/performance/discussion
Inn on The Green,
3-5 Thorpe Close, Portobello Green, London W10
Tube: Ladbroke Grove
Tuesday 15.Jan.2008
Film: Burning an Illusion (Dir: Menelik Shabazz)
A young British-born black woman begins to question her attitude to love, life and desire for middle-class respectability, set in West London 1970s.
Opening night with Khadijah Ibrahiim reading from 'FWords: Creative Freedom'
Tuesday 12.Feb.2008
Film: From You Were Black You Were Out / Black Britannica (Dir: Colin Prescod)
This seminal film made in the early '80s recounts the experiences of the Black community of Ladbroke Grove.
Ebele reads stories alongside Spoken Word from Dorothea Smartt
ebele.co.uk
britbornbajan.com
Tuesday 11.Mar.2008
Film: Pressure (Dir: Horace Ove)
A British-born younger son of an immigrant family from Trinidad finds himself adrift between two cultures.
Spoken Word with Tuggstar from 'Season of Love Lost'
Tuesday 8.Apr.2008
Film: The Spook Who Sat By The Door (Dir: Ivan Dixon)
1970s first black CIA recruit uses his skills to train the youth in guerilla warfare in ghettos of the USA
Koje Oyedeji reads from 'Tell Tales' anthology
telltales.co.uk
Tuesday 13.May.2008
Film: Kidulthood (Dir: Menhaj Huda)
A rare insight into the life of a group of troubled 15-year-olds growing up in West London.
Courttia Newland reads from 'Music For the Off Key'
courttianewland.com
Tuesday 10.Jun.2008
Film: Our Story, Our Voice (Dir: Owen Alik Shahadah)
Engages the diverse voices of the dis-empowered in a multi-cultural world that has no multi-cultural voice.
Sharmila Chauhan reads from her debut novel 'Devi'
myspace.com/sharmilachauhan |
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In conjunction with SABLE myspace.com/sablelitmag
SABLE is a LitMag which publishes new work by established and emerging writers of colour.
For further details on any of the events:
E: filmwrite@kalabashworld.com
T: Kate 07956 883 440
Kadija George, 07980 269 138
Happy New 2008
Please check out my new everydaycreativity blog, where I attempt to make a new piece of art work each day for 2008.
Best
Sheree
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SHORT STORY COMPETITION - TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF JOHN LA ROSE
(1927-2006)
As part of the international conference "On Whose Terms?: Critical Negotiations in Black British Literature and the Arts", we announce a short story competition. In Memory of Poet, revolutionary, activist, co-founder of the Caribbean Artists Movement, New Beacon Books, and the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books, John La Rose who occupied a crucial place at the heart of British and Caribbean political and cultural heritage.
Judges:
R. Victoria Arana PhD, FRSA, Professor of English at Harvard University; Margaret Busby PhD. OBE, co-founder of the publishing company Allison &Busby; Courttia Newland, British Council writer in residence for Georgetown University, Washington DC (2007) and Kadija Sesay, publisher, writer, literary activist and founder of 'SABLE: the Lit Mag for New Writing'.
Prize: £150. The winning short story will be published in SABLE: Black Lit. Mag for Writers
We welcome entries from:
Adults (over 18) of Caribbean, African and Asian descent, any nationality.
The submitted short story must be written in English and not previously published. Length must not exceed 6,000 words.
Deadline 5pm GMT, 15.January.08.
For inquiries please email: Dr. Deirdre Osborne (d.osborne@gold.ac.uk)
Please email submissions labelled SHORT STORY in the subject box to
OnWhoseTerms@gold.ac.uk
as an MS Word attachment.
The winner will be notified by March 1st and the prize presented on Thursday 13th March at the international conference "On Whose Terms?" at Goldsmiths, University of London.
New band, looking to bring spoken word poetry and music together
to make a unique sound and a positive difference; touching on social issues.
Influences include... Saul Williams, Ursula Rucker, Anthony Joseph
I'm looking for a male and female poet / lyrist (ideally) aged between 21 an 26
to join myself and some musicians, to make a conscious movement that
enlightens and inspires those that listen.
Based and rehearsals to be held in Northampton (Northamptonshire)
Interested? Contact: Ms J, M: 07794182039
E: Rhyme_Flow@msn.com
Are you our next intern?
Words of Colour is looking for its second intern to follow in the big shoes of Marsha Blake who is now pursuing her freelance writing career. If you are relatively new to journalism, want a career in the media, can demonstrate this passion and commit to writing for the site (unpaid) for six months (from January – June 2008), then get in touch. You will need to email 200-words about why you want to be an intern, and send a CV highlighting any media experience.
eMail: joy@thecreativecollective.com or visit wordsofcolour for further details. |  |
For more than a decade authors have been showing up at book clubs to discuss their literary work. During such appearances the author learns what the members think about their characters, plot and so on. However, the information is only gained after the book has gone to press. With so many books entering the marketplace and consumer demand constantly changing, wouldn’t it be beneficial to have the book clubs input prior to going to press?
Authors are starting to understand the benefits of this process. They are adopting reputable book clubs and forming focus groups to provide constructive feedback on their work before going to press.
Barbara Wright Sykes if is taking advantage of this new approach after her friend Pamela Samuels-Young (Essence bestselling author) told her how successful it had been for her.
In November, Barbara formed a focus group with Nubian Queens Book Club in California. Ms. Sykes is currently working on Joy And Pain the sequel to Good Lovin’ Ain’t Easy. All resulting comments will be recorded to assist the editor / author with character analysis and plot development prior to final manuscript approval. |  |
For more information contact: Ann Collins (Collins Publications): publicist@collinspub.com
3233 Grand Avenue, Suite N-294 • Chino Hills, CA 91709
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Dreadlockalien, Birmingham Poet Laureate 2005-6 and
Host of BBC Radio 4 Slam Poetry uk 2007 wanted to contribute to this poet / writers' forum but retains a passionate desire to keep it 'live'. For a taste of his work you can visit myspace.com/dreadlockalienpoetry |  |
You are invited to
the Black Reading Group meeting
on Thursday the
13th December, 2007
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street,
Walsall, WS1 1TR
starting at 4.45pm-6pm
A new book, different and exciting!
Contact: Sonia Dixon 01922653137
or dixons@walsall.gov.uk
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Welcome to author Jae Watson who will be talking about her new book Journey which has received worldwide interest. It is a
beautifully written, stand-out literary novel packed with intrigue, twists and turns.
London Schools and the Black Child is a conference focussing on continuing inequalities in educational attainment experienced by children of African and Caribbean heritage.
The conference will be opened by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. Speakers will include Lord Andrew Adonis, Minister for Schools and Learners - Department for Children, Schools and Families, Diane Abbott MP, government speakers and special guests from the worlds of education and the media. | Venue:
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is directly opposite Westminster Abbey
When:
Saturday
8 December 2007,
9am - 5.30pm |
Admission free - registration required.
For information visit london.gov.uk
EVER CONSIDERED becoming a writing mentor?
These days a number of writers are considering how to develop the skills they need to
help mentor aspiring writers. In this workshop tutor Spike Warwick will explore what mentoring creative writers involves - what it is and what it isn't.
Through exercises, handouts and discussion, the group will examine current mentoring skills and good practice. Participants will leave with clear guidelines that will help them on the road to becoming a successful mentor.
Date: Saturday 8.Dec.07
Time: 10.30 – 4.30pm
Place: Centerprise (Top Floor),
136 Kingsland High Street, London E8
Fee: £20
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To book call: 0207 254 9632 or 0207 249 6572 (ansaphone) or email:
literature@centerprisetrust.org.uk
Literature, music and image: merging the boundaries
Ripping Pages (Northampton based) is looking for writers, artists, musicians and photographers to contribute to a series of live events in Northampton in 2008. We wish to create events that re-invent by merging the boundaries between literature, music and image.
Northampton has a vibrant, developing community with a wealth of cultural diversity. Over the coming year Ripping Pages wants to celebrate this artistic diversity in our community. For further information call us on 07948 658656 or e-mail: rippingpages@hotmail.co.uk
Other happenings...Sleep
We are still accepting poetry and prose on the theme of sleep.
The deadline is 30.Nov.07. We are looking for up to 1,000 words.
And we have an Open Mic Night: 11.Dec.07, 08:00pm
Ripping Pages is a Northampton writers' group. We aim to connect writers and poets and widely celebrate the county's writing scene. For further information call us on 07948 658656 or e-mail: rippingpages@hotmail.co.uk or visit site (click image above).
A monthly event hosted by Achilles Presents
Virgin’s Night
at The Poetry Café, 22 Betterton Street,
Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BX
Tel: 020 7420 9887/8 or 07957 736 706
Thursday, 29.November.07
Admission: £5 (£3 Concessions)
8.00pm to 10.00pm
(Open mics welcome from 7.30pm)
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This evening is for all shy poets and those just getting into performing poetry to come to a warm encouraging environment to perform, network and hopefully to gain experience and inspiration.
This night is also for poets trying out pieces for the first time.
Come down and share a verse or two with us and don’t worry, we’ll be gentle.
T 07957 736 706
E nicole@shangwe.com
E achilles_1@hotmail.co.uk
www.shangwe.com
Centerprise Bookshop in association with Hogarth Blake Ltd host the Bicentenary dinner and lecture with Anthony Browder.
As part of his 2007 UK tour, Tony Browder, the African-American author, historian and lecturer will deliver an insightful lecture to challenge the painfully distorted perceptions of Africa that are perpetuated in the media and institutions of higher education.
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Monday 10.December.07
Dinner from 6.30pm – 7.50pm
Lecture and discussion 8pm – 10.30pm
Limited capacity, early booking is recommended
For reservations call 020 7254 9632 or email eamevor@centerprisetrust.org.uk
For tour details visit www.hogarth-blake.com |
 I thought your readers might be interested in this book on a blog.
I have posted my new book on my blog, Bethesda Moon. It is free to read and download and people are welcome to make suggestions and comments.
Pop in and have a look for yourself.
All the best,
Isabel
Hi Everyone, thanks to all who came down on 12th Oct for the book launch.
Here are some pictures.
Well I'll be....
| Catering... |
for all with a variety of gigs to attend; |
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Thurs 22 Nov 07: SOAS poetry jam at at the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS).
Fri 23 and Sat 24 Nov 07: A one of Pause tour special at students Fusion Weekender in Oxford.
Mon 26 Nov 07: S.London Full Band spoken soul and neo-poetry vibes at Living Room on the 26th (S.Croydon)
Take your pick.. or picks - see myspace for full listings. |
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| Directing... | any bookings and booking enquiries to PR co-ordinator at TRANSTATIC, Mike Smartt, you can reach him on: info at verbswish dot com. |
| Retailing... | |
| The first printing of 'Selected Swishes', published by TRANSTATIC. It's available exclusively at shows or from www.verbswish.com. This first pressing is almost sold out (I can count what remains on 2 hands) so thank you to all who purchased. We've also got poetry tees and posters featuring artwork from the amazing illustrator, Lakwena Suit. These'll be available on the website soon. But in the meantime if you've got the book and you know what design and size you'd like. Mail us and we'll hook you up. |
| Celebrating... | |
| It was 4 years ago now. A cold november Friday night, not disimilar from this one. I took the fast train from Watford Junction, beginning a physical journey that would end at a building in Streatham Hill and mark the beginning of a spiritual journey, as I took a back row seat at this 3 day seminar on Transformation. I crept in enterprising, materialistic, hungry - feet squeaking with a fresh pair of straight-out-the-box converse, clad with Triple-5 Soul gear; limited edition, distressed (of course). Unbeknownst to me, I was about to begin a spiritual voyage; to be confronted with the message of the God who made me; pre-triple 5 soul, pre-converse, pre-varsity sweatshirts, en vogue afros and all the other objects of identity I had clung to.
I left the first night excited, unconverted but I think the chains must have been loosened. I arrived home and began to write - (think wild-eyed touchtypist, muttering into a monitor) - not quite believing what was being bashed out. Conscious that I had written nothing like it before, and that something else was...helping me.
Since, I've played with some fine musicians at world-renowned venues, met and introduced secretaries of state, dignatries, millionaires, the homeless - taught and learnt from formidable individuals - young and old.
Two things to say: firstly. It is not my own hand that has brought me here - what do we have that we didn't receive?
Secondly. It is not an 'arrival' - there is still so much more to be done; so much more 'being to be', if that makes sense; to know and fully trust the source of all blessedness, the one who will turn away none of those who come to Him -The Lord Jesus Christ. |
| And on that note... | Well I'll Be seeying y'all God willing...
theverbswish |
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Launch Event- 'PERSPECTIVES ON BEING BRITISH' Issue of SABLE
at the New Sugar and Slavery Gallery
– Museum of London, Docklands
How far did Imperialism transform the aesthetics and perspectives of the African diaspora in the UK?
Undressing Empire -a series of events coinciding with the publication of the SABLE: Black British Perspectives Volumes covering: Past, Present and Future, edited by Koye Oyedeji. The first event will feature readings and a roundtable discussion and include new work by poet Dorothea Smartt and contributions from writer, playwright and curator, Michael McMillan and SABLE Essay editor Susan Yearwood.
The London, Sugar and Slavery Gallery
Museum in Docklands
West India Quay. Canary Wharf
London E14 4AL
When: 6.Dec.07 |
£5 / £3 concessions - 7.00pm
In partnership with The London, Sugar and Slavery Gallery Museum in Docklands, East London
For bookings and more information T:0870 444 3850 |
Kadija George 
http://www.sablelitmag.org
You are invited to the Black Reading Group author event
on the
15th November, 2007
at Walsall Central Library
Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TR
starting at 4.45pm-6pm
Come and welcome author Marilyn Heward Mills who will be talking about her new book & signing copies: a book
Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award
"Cloth Girl is a remarkably self-assured for a first novel. It
brings the Gold Coast of Africa and the pre-War colonial
world to life – it is warm, vibrant and moving".
The First Novel Award judges:
Sophie Kinsella, Andrew McClellan and Alyson Rudd.
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