Poetry Reading-11 September

Subject: Poetry Reading-11 September
From: Amergin
Date: 12 Sep 12 - 05:35 PM

Here in Portlandia, there is a small press, called Habit of Rainy Nights Press, that host an open mic session on the second Tuesday of each month. Well, they were looking for poets to be featured readers for the sessions. I sent a message stating I know I don't have a chance in hell, but asked what their criteria is to book some one...well apparently they just have to like your work...so I sent him a link to my youtube site...and so, on 11 September, more popularly known as Nathanmas, I was a featured reader at their open mic at Milepost 5 in NE Portland. I was, and still am, pretty chuffed over the whole affair.

I must say it really makes your head swell when well established, published poets tell you how great your work is. I have been going to open mics for years since I was 20. Even though there have been years at a time where I did not go....or write. I am little known...in fact he had never heard of me. He told me that when I sent him a link to my youtube videos, he was blown away and immediately loved my stuff...and my stage presence. It took him just a few minutes to tell me he wanted me to read. Last night was magic. I feel like I am finally coming into my own...and here I was just a few months ago considering giving it all up, because I couldn't get published...but I kept on, took a poetry class in the spring, and learned what I needed to learn in order to fine tune my poems...and to grow further, and regain a confidence in myself and my work that I had long ago lost. At 38, I feel like I am finally coming into my own.

Here is a link to the Youtube video I made of my reading, in case anyone is interested. Please forgive the low production value...I made it with my phone.

Featured Reading @ Milepost 5

Subject: RE: Poetry Reading-11 September
From: GUEST,amergin
Date: 13 Sep 12 - 02:57 PM

Subject: RE: Poetry Reading-11 September
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Sep 12 - 04:20 PM

I am kinda taken about by the apathy that I am feeling here. If I were to have posted a bullshit trolling thread about real or faked moon landings I would have had tonnes of responses. Yet, I post something that is important to me...nothing. Teach me to share any of my successes here.

Nathan Tompkins

Subject: RE: Poetry Reading-11 September
From: Northerner
Date: 13 Sep 12 - 04:39 PM

Hello Nathan. Only just spotted your thread. Well done! I also write poetry and read it at live literature events.

Subject: RE: Poetry Reading-11 September
From: Amergin
Date: 14 Sep 12 - 04:06 AM

Thank you very much! Next month I begin talks with a couple of people I know about getting things sorted for my first book.

Subject: RE: Poetry Reading-11 September
From: Northerner
Date: 14 Sep 12 - 05:23 AM

I wish you well with that. I know some writers who have also gone the route of publishing their poems in a book online. I have had a couple of poems published but don't have enough yet of suitable quality to put in an anthology. This afternoon I go on a group town walk with a local poet. As we walk we will observe and make notes and use the experience to craft some writing.