Search for BBC Scotland's first poet in residence starts now

YouTube not doing it for you? Want some more on-screen/on-air time - take a look at this unique opportunity with BBC Scotland across the range of its programming.

Applications to poetinresidencescotland@bbc.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 12th of June.  This project is a collaboration with the Scottish Poetry Library and begins in October 2015 to coincide with National Poetry Day 2015. And it is paid.

More information here https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/connect/blog/could-you-be-bbc-scotlands-first-poet-residence and here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4NL6MvzBVQZgYPYRcldT44s/bbc-scotlands-poet-in-residence-opportunity

Welcome to Issue 10 p&g

Yes we have reached double figures with this - the bijou issue - and yet our biggest concern remains our folder naming convention on reaching this milestone.

Fabulous poetry awaits...p&g is a many faceted jewel... Andrew McCallum finds his wealth in the hills and an apple orchard; Dorian Rolston considers alternative settings; Jonah Semple shines like a diamond for a stranger; Ian C Smith and Craig Spence search for treasure while there is a little bit of alchemy from Thomas Clark; and John Quinn wonders if all that glistens.

Ed Waverley of course looks outside the box...

Plus new poems and artwork from Stephen Daniels, Phil Wood, Neila Mezynski and Bridget Khursheed. And talented translator Thomas Clark also does the technical bit...

X marks the spot...

Read p&g Issue 10 here http://www.poetandgeek.com/magindex.html

poetandgeek Issue 10 due out soon

Enjoying the moment of putting it together right now. New work from Andrew McCallum, Ian C Smith and Thomas Clark. And so much more...

Here is a little taster translated by Thomas Clark. More very soon - watch this space http://www.poetandgeek.com.

The Frogmore Poetry Prize 2015

The closing date for this one is 31st May - and it is easy to overlook because of the prestigious (and large-prized) Bridport Prize that closes the same day. With a bit of good planning you still have time to enter both.

NB good planning is key as this is a postal only competition.

And the prize is not to be sniffed at:

£3 to enter for a possible 250 guinea first prize (you can feel like a race horse).

More details available here http://www.frogmorepress.co.uk/

The big push

I don't know if it is the change of season or getting a new device that needs setting up or some other wind blowing - but have been sending my poems out all over the place. And it actually feels quite refreshing.

Possibly a little disturbing too - but don't think this is a bad thing.

I remember having a conversation with my hairdresser about the curious time of my appointment; my poor hairdressers over the years hear all my secrets although I enjoy a haircut about as much as going to the dentist. This appointment was at 5pm - a time that had been for about 3 or 4 years associated only in my mind with children's tea times and baths and - it was such a surprise to find myself in Chester, on my own and having a haircut. I felt dizzy. Genuinely dizzy and a bit sick to be honest.

So I discussed this and said I didn't like it.

Whereupon my hairdresser replied how strange: this was the very feeling of surprise, of spontaneity, of feeling a shift and the world turned a bit upside down - that he sought out about all others.

So I have been thinking of Craig, now safely emigrated to Australia I trust - where he told me confidently "there is a shortage of hairdressers".

And wondering if he was right.

PS read this and send something lingering in your editing box to someone you didn't expect to want to see your stuff. And see what happens. Whatever does. It is a good thing to - as another old friend used to say - "live with the vertigo".

Launch of Roads to Yair Bridget Khursheed 17th May 2015 Darnick, Scotland

Come and enjoy a pleasant afternoon in the middle of nowhere celebrating the launch of Bridget Khursheed's new book Roads to Yair (Twinlaw Publishing).

The event is held in Smith Memorial Hall, it is free and there will be nice things to eat and drink, a reading from Bridget and a chance to buy the book. 2.30pm - 4pm. Free

More information about the event is available here https://www.facebook.com/events/625793937522652/625798447522201/ and more information about the book and how to buy it here http://twinlawpublishing.co.uk/

Moviepoems competition @WritingFestival

It is that time of the morning and this appealed to us. What more can we say?

You can find more about this competition here  http://www.wildsound.ca/poetrycontest.html and watch the horrorpoem (interesting concept in itself) movie here - Hammer by Sandra Lester is genuinely well-creepy - don't be distracted by the narrator's accent and long intro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilniHf_urIo