I have been asked to write, but as usual the compensation lies almost entirely in the haltingly expressed gratitude of the reader.
Apparently it is now expected that a poet should not merely create the work but should then proceed to promote it.
Somehow this feels wrong. One does not wrestle with one’s muse merely to hawk her around the streets like some common panderer. No, in a civilised world a patron approaches you. They are courteous, diffident even, and suggest gently that they would be delighted if you could find time to pen them a short ode.
But it seems we live in an altogether darker world where the poet has to jostle with the huckster or fairground barker in an attempt to have their art noticed.
Alas
But in my day
Brass
Was not the poet’s pay
Pass
And look not into my eyes
Crass
The world that I despise.
But still, let it be mentioned that a small work of mine, garnished with the studied ruminations of friends and critics alike, is now available for your delectation and delight
It is available for purchase, but I have been led to believe that it is also available as a ‘free download’. This bizarre offer apparently lasts from the 31st of July to the 4th of August and is available at
http://www.amazon.com/Lambent-Dreams-Jim-Webster-ebook/dp/B01278WPWI/
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lambent-Dreams-Jim-Webster-ebook/dp/B01278WPWI/
Hurry and acquire your copy now lest this miracle of electronic communication fail and leave you bereft.
Oh and as an aside, some have commented on the picture. It is indeed a true likeness, although admittedly I was younger then and it is before I grew my moustache. Indeed it is the picture my beloved wife carries in a locket.
Reblogged this on Jim Webster.
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I wish you well selling books. Writing is the easy part, marketing tears at the heart of a writer. If you are successful, there are 29 million books on Amazon and a great many writers who’d be happy to hear about your marketing success. 🙂
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What are 29 million books to one such as Tallis Steelyard? When his work was released to the adulation of the well read, his book, admittedly free, was downloaded so fast that he proved to be the greatest living poet within the boundaries of Her Britannic Majesty’s domain (or at least that bit served by Amazon.co.uk)
Admittedly Homer and Aristotle came higher than him, as did the author of Beowulf, but the rest stood round, heads bared in silent admiration.
Or thus he proposes to interpret the figures 😉
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