The swanky gilded edition could be yours
No new writings for you today, as we are up against our own deadlines – but once again, one of our Bugged writers has come up with a prize worth having. Our Bugged book will include a short story by Roz Goddard but she’s better known as a poet, a former Laureate for Birmingham and the instigator of many fine projects. Her latest publication is a sumptuous pamphlet from Nine Arches press called The Soprano Sonnets. The poems respond to The Sopranos TV series, but we can vouch for the fact that they make perfect sense without any knowledge of it. Roz is kindly giving away a special-edition version of the pamphlet, signed and numbered. Here’s how to win it: inspired by Tony Blair’s recent autobiographical shenanigans, Roz asks you to write a couple of lines on the theme of ‘Cancellation’. Send’em in to us, as comments here on the blog or as Facebook comments, and we’ll pick a lucky winner on Sunday.
Most of the funding for Bugged comes from our own piggy banks, but Manchester Literature Festival (14 – 25 October) is one of the two festivals that have sponsored and supported Bugged from the beginning. It’s a brilliant programme this year as Cathy Bolton, the festival’s director, told us:
“Writers will be traveling to Manchester from as far afield as North Africa, China, Scandinavia and the United States to take part in the fifth Manchester Literature Festival. Our distinguished line-up includes Bernard Cornwell, Carol Ann Duffy, Seamus Heaney, Caryl Phillips, Michael Rosen and Lionel Shriver. The programme features a Historical Readers’ Day and events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the pioneering Manchester writer,
Jeanette Winterson: a veritable hit
Elizabeth Gaskell. We’ll also be presenting some unique MLF commissions including the inaugural Manchester Sermon to be delivered by Jeanette Winterston at Manchester Cathedral, showcasing some of the UK’s hottest new talent, and inspiring the next generation of readers and writers with a tempting selection of family-friendly activities. Events take place in a wide range of prestigious and unusual venues across the city.
“We are delighted to be kicking-off this year’s festival with the launch of the Bugged anthology on Thursday 14th October. As part of MLF’s Freeplay programming strand we provide opportunities for writers to explore the spaces where new writing meets new technology. The festival was particularly keen to support the Bugged project…. Manchester audiences are always keen to creatively engage with the festival, and we’ve been thrilled by the quality of contributions to the Bugged project.”
We’re delighted that Cathy is delighted. For full programme details please visit the website: www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk or email admin@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk to order a copy of the festival brochure. We’ll have a similar piece from Sara Beadle of Birmingham Book Festival in the next couple of weeks. Unless of course it’s cancelled – get writing, dear Buggers…
CANCELLATION
Abject apologies, please forgive.
OK, I forgive.
Perhaps another time. Perhaps another life.
Was it fantasy, purely a mutual fantasy?
Paul Beech
They call. Come in on Wednesday to have your sinus scraped and your nose broken. Why Wednesday? Another patient, same procedure, got nervous, called, said no. Your luck day.
A prompt reply to my call to arms, Catherine – well done!
Director, National Poetry Day – October 7th, 2010. Our theme is HOME.I am a Bugged writer. Come to our book launch on 14/10 in Manchester or 21/10 in Birmingham.Find out more about my work on my website and blog, nominated for an Author Blog Award.
Blair cancels to avoid shoes
Having lost his London leg
he still managed to walk away
© Heather Wastie
Dear Mr Blair
“Today’s Special Offer”
Our agents’ are in your area and will be happy to call, even at short notice, to discuss your funeral policy.
We aim to foster a special relationship with all our customers. We will call you so no need to contactl us to make an appointment.
A.T.RISK AND BROTHERS
FUNERALS ARRANGED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
Please note: we are not covered by the FSA and therefore our policies do not meet their cancellation terms.
How about a haiku for that elegiac touch?
Ex-prime minister
reaffirms his legacy
of disappointment.
Suzanna
Cancelled!
Past deeds come back to haunt,
They always do of course !