I've been writing poetry since the age of 12, and regularly since I was 18. During this time many people have told me that my material is of a good standard and that I should really get my work published. And if someone approached me offering a lucrative deal to publish any of my writing, of course I would consider it. But the reality of the situation is that to become published you first need to become recognised, and in poetry circles that means a lot of investment in terms of both time and money, entering competitions and building up your profile.
If I was writing for money or adulation, then I would consider this. But I write mainly because it gives me pleasure. Every poem is like a little window back in time, that opens a memory of my circumstances and feelings at the time it was composed. They all make me smile in some way, whether the memories they evoke are sad, fond or just plain ridiculous.
So then, although the main reason I write is for myself, friends and family have always liked to read my words. Hence the idea of this blog. My aim is to post some of my work, either new or from my archives, at least once a week. I'll see how it goes!
