Free Verse: Poetry Book Fair 2017

Bleary eyed, on the early train to London from Cardiff, laden with books I luck out, with an old friend on board who upgrades me to First Class: 'You've a new book, you must!' and she plies me with hot tea and cold apples to energise me for the day ahead.

I'd like to say it is a glamorous life being a poet and a publisher, but the reality is that I still have the bruises on the backs of my legs from wrestling my wheelie case of my books and all the other Parthian poet books across Cardiff, on and off a train, on and off the tube to the venue. A lovely venue at that, I don't think I've ever been to

Some books were sold, mostly mine, but I still had a lot to lug back to Wales, and I was sad to miss the majority of the readings including one by Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch, who wrote me a lovely cover blurb, though I was delighted that she popped by the stall to see me.

Kate Noakes with her latest Parthian-released collection Tattoo on Crow Street

Christina Thatcher with her collection More than you were which also proved popular for sales!

The sweets were a big hit, the flying saucers ran out first... although most people picked it for nostalgia, and then remembered that often it tastes of cardboard and that's why they don't eat them any more!

Poets with Parthian collections also popped by both to visit (Kate Noakes, her next collection is out with us in 2018) and to help out so I could have a break, and a pint with Tim Wells (Christina Thatcher, thanks!). Is was great to also see Bob Walton and Amy Wack there.

And then, exhausted, I went home.

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Wildlife

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