Hello

I recently joined WW. I moved here from America( I am not American though) having attended an M.F.A Creative Writing programme. I am trying to get an idea of poetry in London i.e. where is it? Do the poets on here for example go to the Troubador, or to the Poetry Cafe readings? Or to the Camden People's Theater for Subvoicive.Is that a good series?

What are the publishers like here? I only know of the big ones, in America there are an alarming number of smaller ones, is that so here? There are only a few sites listed on WW. Is that a reflection of the state of poetry publishing here?

I have had more success in general with invitations to read my poetry - I would like to do that here(?).I chose not to be in a writing programme anymore, because I realized that one doesn't need to be in one to write! However I do miss being part of a community of writers.

Any ideas, information, comments, hello's etc would be wonderful.Thanks. Best. Sakhtar

Hello, I'm sure you'll get lots more tips here from the site experts, but in the meantime I'd say one of the best places to check out poetry magazines, and pick up leaflets with info about events is the Poetry Magazine Libary, at the Royal festival Hall, Southbank. Sadly it is closes for two years for refurbishmant at the end of this month - so I'd suggest a trip asap. Also, check out the website of The South - I went to an excellent workshop and symposium run by them recently. (They take place in Brighton University, but it's quick and easy to get to by train from London.)

Oh, and check out Tinyclanger's posting in the Lounge - a group of us are going to the Poetry Cafe tonight for the Open Mike session.

Sakhi - come along to night! It looks as though there might be quite a healthy sized group of us; the more the merrier. So, if you're free.....Poetry Cafe some time after six this evening.


Mike

A good place to check out London-wide poetry events: http://www.poetrylondon.co.uk/events.htm