An Easy Ride

Monday 23rd February 2015

Just found TV Smith is playing at the top of Jenni’s street in December at the Black Bull. That’s a definite for me. Today has been a hassle. Too many options and not really enough time. Could do with a crystal ball to know what the best action would be. I don’t like Mondays. Always an anxiety that people won’t like the activities I’ve prepared for the week. Got nothing much done for myself today. Need to think about my next Red Squirrel Press book. 11.29 pm.

Tuesday 24th February 2015

Stressful day. Put in about 13 hours yesterday and still not finished my prep by this lunchtime. I’m pleased to be home. Need my bed soon. Head starting to pound a bit. Might go in a little later than usual tomorrow. 10.33 pm.

Wednesday 25th February 2015

Absences and walkouts. Plus some amazing pieces of writing; some moments of genuine euphoria and real progress made by keen participants. Only two people could make the evening class. A shame coz it was a full-on publishing workshop. And I can’t justify a repeat unless the two who came tonight aren’t present. You need a thick skin. You need endurance and a positive mental attitude. Or maybe you just need to be so fucking desperate and shit in all other aspects of life that you keep chugging away until you fucking expire. No worries. I signed up for this. 11.03 pm.

Thursday 26th February 2015

Sixth workshop of the week and bag-less on the bus. I only took a notebook and a copy of the Consett Writers set from our Stanley Civic Hall gig last August. We had a read-through session for a new anthology. Lots of new material to add. Good session. Good to have the shopping done and be home by twenty-to-one this afternoon. Lots of Facebook action this afternoon with Kate Fox’s post about decent pay for poets. I spend most of the afternoon, though, just reading rubbish then falling asleep. Got the bus to Newcastle and checked out music magazines. And a mototrials monthly – good to see some pushbike trials in there as well. Had a bacon and cheese panini from Eat4Less then over to Byker. The Cumberland Arms has been painted. Silver tables. And I have fun stamping up loyalty cards for Jibba Jabba diehards. Thanks to all the cool people who turned up. Katie Yossarian was funny on fear and hypochondria. Open mic included: Mark Potts, Ian McGregor Hart, Richard Atkinson, Aaron Wright, Asa Maddison, Jane Burn, Marianne Pownell, amongst others… Chris Harland played a blinder this evening, taking his poems to new theatrical heights. Rahul Kohli always a little controversial but managing to keep it on the funny side of the line. Headliner Chanje Kunda was mint. Strong vivid poems, variety of pace and delivery, with props. Thanks to Jenni, The Cumberland Arms and Apples & Snakes. Chatted with Jane Burn about her forthcoming Talking Pen pamphlet, her astounding prolific output and creative drive. An early finish so easy to chat and get back to Newcastle for chips and gravy then the bus back to Consett. Will probably end up in Tesco. And late to bed. Ok. 11.23 pm.

Friday 27th February 2015

Late to bed, late rise. Friday is now becoming catch up day. Stray journal entries, student emails. Was good to spend a bit of time on the Anomalies book this afternoon. Finally sorted the duplex feature on my new laser printer so I can produce A5 pamphlets and booklet signatures from a standard A4 manuscript page at home.

Good to hear the Heidi May and Rollins podcast. Heidi is his assistant, takes no bullshit and shows Hank up a lot. Makes for some hilariously entertaining insights. Particularly enjoyed the in depth talk about the rise and demise of the original Rollins Band, sometimes playing to audiences of just ten people a night to being on the bill of Perry Farrell’s Lollapalooza in front of thousands and headline tours with the Beastie Boys.

Went to Newcastle about twenty to six for the Literary Salon. When I got into town I couldn’t resist a spicy chicken panini at Eat4Less. Then onto the Scrumpy Willow and Singing Kettle Café for the gig. Emma Whitehall kicked things off, poems and a story she’d just had accepted for an anthology. Then some gritty love poems from Harry Gallagher. Alix Alixandra: effervescent, brilliant performer. Then smutty S&M from a woman I’ve never seen before. Scott Tyrrell closed with a set of real love poems. Poor Jenni couldn’t get in. Turned away at the door. Sold out. Now on the 45 back to Consett. Totally packed bus. Most of the standing passengers got on at the Metro Centre. I don’t like that place much – passed out there one time a few years ago. Anyway, looking forward to a day on the book editing tomorrow. 10.47 pm.

Saturday 28th February 2015

Bit lethargic first thing, but pleased to end the month with a productive eight hours of editing on the Anomalies 1989 – 2014 book I’m putting together for myself and anyone who would like to buy it. Watched some longboarding videos, listened to Toyah and Marilyn Manson. Grazed on ginger cake, crisps and cheese toasties much of the day. Jenni is a little under the weather but aims to be at my place sometime tomorrow. 11.25 pm.

Sunday 1st March 2015

Bit distracted today. Central heating isn’t working. Pilot light has gone out and fire needs new thermocouple to get boiler going again. My cousin said he’ll get the new part and fit it midweek. Spoke to Mam and Ernie, messaged Jenni. House starting to get chilly again. Funtime freezing tomorrow whilst trying to plan a week’s work. Oh well can’t have an easy ride all the time. 9.10 pm.