Friday, February 17, 2012

The book takes shape

Just back from the lovely kingdom county, otherwise known as Kerry, where I've been working on the manuscript of the new book, with my editor, Noel King.

Noel is a fine poet in his own right, having a long-awaited debut collection published in 2010 by Salmon press: Prophesying the Past. So he knows his poetry onions and it's easy to trust his instincts when editing, because he's usually right!

We had the lovely job of having to lose poems: some because they were not quite right for the book, others simply because we didn't have enough room in the end - and that's not a bad complaint to have!

The book now has a shape, and I feel I can now start calling it a book, not a ms anymore. It feels stronger than the first one: I hope that is true, I can't say for certain myself, because I'm far too close to it at present. You know, wood for trees syndrome and the like. Sometimes I think it's bloody marvellous; at others I'm just not sure. Tell me other people doubt like that too?

The title will be The Angels' Share. It begins with whiskey and ends with arses. And there is a pair of boobs in there as well... some mountaineering poems, a fair few sonnets, even some chips. I hope there's something for everyone!

11 comments:

Michael Farry said...

Well done Barbara. At more or less the same stage myself. Beginning to get excited!

Titus said...

All the very best with the process. Arses and boobs? Surely you're spoiling us.

Angela France said...

That's great news, Barbara - well done.

(and yes, to the doubt, frequently)

Rachel Fenton said...

Yay, bums up, Barbara, in a toast to you and progress!

Unknown said...

Thank you guys, it's getting there!

Now hopefully a release date soon!

Kay Cooke said...

Very exciting! All the best.

Tommaso Gervasutti said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Group 8 said...

It sounds great B. Love the title. Best of luck with it all.

Unknown said...

Thanks Nu!

Rachel Fox said...

Boobs & chips? Something for everyone!
Good luck with it!
x

Unknown said...

Thanks Rachel- yes I hope it will be liked!