Again, it’s the time thing. Months ago I had an idea about getting as many authors of the once-and-now-mysteriously-gone bluechrome publishing together for a final hurrah. And now, it’s over. Thursday was wonderful. There was a warm and supportive crowd. Plenty of wine. The best nibbles Marks and Spencer had to offer. And this beautiful venue: St Benet Church, just down the street a bit from St. Paul’s. I must admit that when I first arrived to help set up, I had one of those wow moments when I realized where I was and what I was doing. To think, me a kid from suburban New York, here organizing a poetry reading in the shadow of the magnificent and historic St Paul’s Cathedral. But St Benet’s is also magnificent, with beautiful windows, old wooden pews, and a rather majestic golden eagle overseeing everything and everyone.
But of course, most important of all was the writing that was shared. There was a bit of fiction from Patricia Debney‘s beautiful novel, “Losing You.” But mostly, poetry was read. There were a few poets from the floor — always an eye-opener to see the great talent that drifts in, unknown. And then there were the bluechrome poets (either actually published or about to be before the great disappearance): Carolyn Oulton, Sue Rose, Leah Fritz, Ruth O’Callaghan, Adele Ward, and me. Sarah Salway and Joe Stein also came along to lend their support, and regards from ex-bluechromers around the country were read. Many people thanked me for organizing this and I gratefully accepted their thanks. But to be honest, this was no act of altruism. I needed to do this for myself. After all the hurt, worry and anger we all felt during what seems to have been an abandonment, I needed a way to stop and remember all the positives that also came out of my association with bluechrome. After all, it was bluechrome that was the first to read my work, poetry and prose, and believe it was worth publishing. It was bluechrome that introduced me to many of the writers I admire so much and am now lucky to call my friends. It was bluechrome who allowed me to start believing in myself as a writer. So I wish you well, Anthony, wherever you are. I thank you for the good you did for me and am now, officially, letting go of the bad. And I am from today, finally, moving on.
I think what you did was wonderful! I bet that event gave loads of people the closure they were looking for (and needed).
I’m so sorry I couldn’t get to the event…I had an evening meeting I couldnt get out of but I’m glad it went well!!
C x
Awww, Sue. I’m… I’m just glad for you.
Onwards and upwards!
Such creativity – a great outcome – congratulations, and I’m really glad it worked for you.
Sue, what a marvellous thing you organised – I am sorry I couldnt be there, as I would have loved to be. Your words here are a lovely positive message after so much upset. Good for you. The bluechrome books I have myself just underline the standards they demanded of their writers. I am sure I will be able to carry on reading their words from other publishers, but will remember it was bluechrome that brought them into the world first of all, in many cases. Lots of good luck to all
Sue, I agree with the others that you’ve done a wonderful thing, for yourself and for the other writers. I think you’ve already mentally moved on but it is important to cut those last stubborn strings that hold you back. Congrats!!
Carol: Thanks. We missed you, and I think we’re due for a meet up, aren’t we?
JJ, Queenie, Vanessa and Lauri: And thank you all! Yes, I really do think I’ve now moved on. Having a new publisher (more on that coming soon) definitely does help, though!
Sounds like a great idea – maybe one that could be extended to lots of publishing occasions because there are so many moments of things ending …and quite often they are more significant than things starting.
Wow. Sounds like it was simply wonderful. This is what closure should be.
Sounds like a truly beautiful event – well done for doing it.
lx
Sue this was an incredibly moving post! So glad Beyond Blue happened though I’m sorry it had to happen. Does that make sense? Well I know you know what I mean. xo
Clare: Yes, the significance of the end…so true.
Liane, Liz: Thanks. Yes, I know it really did some sort of psychological trick for me. I hope it helped others, too.
DJ: Oh yes, I completely know what you mean. But hurray that both of us are moving forward. And what bluechrome did for us is give us the confidence to know that we could. And of course, introduce us to each other!
Hi Sue – sorry it’s taken so long to find myself here and thanks for your comment on the blog. I’d love to know more about ‘the inside scoop’ so if you visit me again and click on the email me button near the top left, we can get in touch. I’ve just read a fabulous first novel from a young independent publishers that I’ll be reviewing later, I can give you the inside scoop on that in return!