Macmillan Writing Day

Three years ago former Bath Spa MA student Rachel Knightley asked if I'd join a group of writers in being sponsored to write for a day, with the money going to Macmillan Cancer Support. I've done it every year, but this year I thought I'd take the cause out to the public and asked Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights if I could spend part of the day writing at their lovely shop. I'll be there from 1-4 p.m. today and would love to have some visitors. Not that I don't want to write--I always want to write--but I like this idea, of donating one's skills in some way to charity, and would like to see it become more popular. I also want to do what I can for Macmillan Cancer Support. I've lost two former poetry students to cancer in the last few years, first Linda Lamus, then Ellie Evans, and I'm grateful for Macmillan's good work.

Donations can be made here up to a month from today, I believe. Any amount, however small, is most welcome.

Britain's best independent bookstores

As it begins with Mr B's in Bath and ends with the Poetry Bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, I'm pleased to refer you to The Telegraph's article on Britain's best independents. I'm also wondering, of course, what stores the author missed and hope some readers will fill me in.

And a good time was had by all at Mr B's

Last night I read with Richard Lambert and Emily Dening at Mr B's Emporium of Books in Bath, and it was a splendid evening. There were a couple hurdles--the books had to be ordered at the last minute, and Tim Liardet was unable to emcee because he was ill, but Royal Mail Special Delivery brought the books in time and Wayne Hill filled in admirably for Tim. First Richard and Emily read for twenty minutes each--both reading well from engaging work, then a break, then I read from Yet for twenty minutes. The store was packed, and I don't know how many pamphlets I signed/were sold, but I think it was at least ten. My thanks for a wonderful event to Mr B's, Richard, Emily, Wayne and all who attended!