Peter Riley wrote:

>I was invited last year to take part in a quite prestigious poetry
>event in Bologna. I got there through the influence of a French poet who is
>interested in my work. There was one other English poet there, the one
>provided by The British Council: a young woman who had had one small book
>of poems published by a 'major' publisher. Her entire reputation rested on
>this book: about 30 short tight poems. I thought the poems were all right,
>and the person even nicer. But I couldn't help finding it odd that someone
>who had done so little, of whatever quality, should be promoted on such a
>grand scale -- Bologna was her third international engagement in two weeks;
>she had been sent to Japan, she had been sent to Mexico.... Next thing I
>heard she was poet in residence at a prestigious British arts festival....
>I couldn't help thinking: what is the nature of this success? what is it
>produced by? Is it produced by a large number of readers responding
>positively to the little book of poems with resulting celebrity status? I
>had to doubt very strongly that that was how it happened, though her
>readership will of course increase as a result of the BC promotion. What
>does this kind of "success" mean

Kate Clanchy? Come on Peter, it wouldn't be that painful to post the name,
or would that be promoting her? Can't have that! When she read in Hobart
last year, the response was amazing. I'd say 90% of people hadn't heard
of her prior to the reading, and yet she sold a truckload of books.
People liked the poetry. They didn't buy her book because it was published
by Chatto. To answer your question from down here, a large number
of people / listeners / then readers responded positively to her
"little" book of poems, though it doesn't now give her celebrity status.
It gives her a much wider readership than if she'd never been
supported / promoted by the Brit. Council. Armitage was on this tour
as well, and his books sold out in all the shops. His readings
were wonderful. Good luck to 'em!


>Brooding rancour and resentment are disabling in every way.

Yes, they are, and they also have the potential to create a bitterness
of tone and spirit that are very bad for one's own poetry. As you know,
this genre we love is notorious for sparking jealous carping and
anger. Let's just get on with it.

Best,

Anthony


......................................................
Anthony Lawrence
PO Box 75
Sandy Bay
Tasmania 7006









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