Just for Jesus

sacrificial poet

There's something wonderful about having a week off from work (all kinds of work) to stop and reflect and dream. This week has been such a week. But last week saw me being sacrificial poet at the final of the SA Poetry Slam. I was terrified! I can curate and introduce other readers at Spineless Wonders Presents, but when it comes to reading my own work in public, that's a whole other level of nervousness. But I was asked (thank you Indigo!) and said yes before I could say no. The thought of doing was much more nerve wracking than the doing. I was pleased as punch. And it led to me being invited to read at Word Box on Tuesday night (Oct 15th @ 7.30pm), which is a monthly night of readings at The Soul Box, Hindley St. I'm one of two special guests for the upcoming event. Again, I said yes before I thought too much about it. Seems to be my theme at the moment, and it's working. If you're in Adelaide, come along, say hi. There's an open mic section too, if you fancy having a read.

The 'Just for Jesus' part of this post refers to a story I've had published online by American literary journal, apt.aforementionedproductions.com. It's really wonderful to have a story accepted by this award-winning Boston-based small press. And it's nice to be on holidays, to have the time to savour the moment.

Earlier in the year I was invited to submit to the Review of Australian Fiction. The story I submitted, 'Minor Key', will be available in Volume 8, Issue 5. I'm honoured to be in the same issue as NT writer Marie Munkara (not the first time - we were both published in Bruno's Song in 2011). Anyone can sign up at Review of Australian Fiction. A subscription to the volume costs $12.99 (you receive 12 stories). It makes an excellent Christmas gift. Jennifer Mills curated & edited this Volume - she's proud to have achieved a 50% Indigenous quota (with consultation from Ali Cobby Eckermann) – also 33% Territorian and 75% women. Awesome. Please consider purchasing RAF - it's a great lit journal and your $ goes toward paying the writers (yes, I got paid!)

But the holiday week has been, quite deliberately, one of not-writing. I created a space in which to reflect, be proud of my achievements, dream up what next and contemplate a larger project. These moments of stopping are when I feel some deep unconscious work gets done. It's taken me years and good friends and mentors to realise the value of slowing down and reflecting. I've had a brilliant, thoughtful week in which I've cleaned, cooked, watched movies, got drunk, read, listened to music, rearranged the loungeroom and been kind to myself. That's the best kind of week.
C x