I recently wandered down to my nearest comic book store, as I hadn’t been for quite a while. Between writing new stuff, designing the look for my next new anthology and trying to revise a bunch of questions and answers for an important test, I’ve had very little time to keep up with my other, somewhat geeky, passions.

So, I decided that, as it was such a nice day, I’d head out into the sticks to my favourite little town on the edge of Dartmoor for a coffee and maybe a little graphic novel retail therapy. I wandered in and saw the member of staff on duty was not my friend, but the owner of the store, so I tried my hardest to do the whole small talk thing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not them it’s me and I am very aware of this fact. Nevertheless, I think it went smoothly and I even managed to pick up a graphic novel for the price of a caramel latte, so it was a win-win situation.

I started talking to her about my work (ie my new anthology and the attempt at podcasting) and my recent performance at the local Ways with Words literary festival, as the owner was not aware of my books, etc. She had a brainwave! The Bookseller’s Association is apparently having a poetry day in October, and she asked if I would be interested in going down for a poetry night to read some of my work. I happily said ‘yes’ as it would give me a chance to strengthen my delivery and interpersonal skills, as well as promote my latest book, Scribblology V2. I would also get the chance to try out some of my new scribbles and test the water, so to speak.

So, it’s official! I will be speaking at the poetry night at Gnash Comics, Ashburton, in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Stay Safe X