I had been writing poetry on and off for many years. Poetry has always been important to me and I have written on and off for many years, mainly for special occasions or when commissioned. The quantity of work increased significantly when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Whilst talking to some friends at work about my work, about reaching a wider audience and developing as a poet. Write Out Loud, came up as a recommended to me as a friendly group of poets who were supportive to new writers. I joined the organisation and quickly got support and constructive feedback on my poems from its many members. After a setting up my own page on there the next challenge for me was performing my work. The continuous constructive feedback has and continues to help improve the quality of my written word.

Eighteen months ago I went to my first ‘Open Mic’ at the Howcroft Inn in Bolton and to say the least I was nervous. My performance was shaky and was not helped by my stammering problem. The warmth of the welcome and applause gave me such a buzz. That night I was bitten by the WOL poetry bug. I got allot of support to get over my nerves and was recommended to become part of a stage show called, ‘A Crow of Murders’ by Dominic Berry, to help with this. Thanks to the techniques taught in this show, my performances have and continue to improve. WOL has given me the confidence to write and star in my own show, ‘Emotional Rainbows’.

Thanks to the support and fellowship WOL has to offer; I have a widening circle of friends, become part of the poetry family, been to gigs down as far as London, taken part in workshops, written my own book, entered competitions, my poem chosen as ‘Poem of the Month’ and have now opened a WOL ‘Open Mic’ night at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale. The one thing that impresses me greatly is that poets old and new are just accepted for who they are, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. All poets and writers share the love and appreciation of the written word.

With collective support long may ‘Write Out Loud’ continue to grow.

I was discussing this with the head of my dept the other day.

I join many organisations and the purpose for this is to allow my voice to reach out to a wide readership and at the same time see what the response to my poetry is.

WOL is predominantley white with some Asian members who are active on here, so it is interesting for me to see how my work is perceived (as opposed to a pred. Asian audience)

It has taught me to shut up and listen to other people's point of view.
Through listening to others I have more of an idea of what 'works'.
WOL has given me a voice which would otherwise be supressed by vested interests in the so-called mainstream media.
WOL has given me a chance to get things off my chest -it's good psychotherapy- therapy for psychos!

I'd say it's given me the opportunity to conquer some fears,get to grips with things that chauve me and address them in the form of the poem,,and it gives me the chance to learn from much better poets than I !

Plus,I also get a good night out at least once a month!

Jonboy

I hate to be the first to admit...but since joining this site i have recognised my own body odour more...

WOL formed the base of my poetic career.
I would have more than likely not taken it very far if not for WOL.

It has given me a new social life, opened many doors
loads of new friends

and other interesting things.

Write Out Loud has enabled me to open more and more doors. Thanks to the encouragement I wrote my first book 'The Taming of the Fork', a book about my Parkinson's disease dealing with the subject in a semi-serious way. Go to www.poems2inspire.co.uk if you would like to order a copy.

That lead to being interviewed by the MEN, which appeared 27th of Jan and that has lead onto a live interview on GMR on Friday next.

WOL provides perfect platforms for and on behalf all poets on this site. Many a career has been launched. Sing WOL's praises.

Cured me of my disco obsession.

Helped me to further damage my liver, facilitated me doing embarrassing things in foreign places and lured me into being rude to other poets.

Provided me with a poetry event which I can stagger home drunk from (Hole in t' Wall, Hebden Bridge). Mind you, that did mean I smashed my chin on the cobbles in the icy weather a few months ago. WOL has given me a permanent scar.

Well it should have set the grammar police on you. Split infinitives, tut tut.

I think it should have provided 'a poetry event from which I can stagger home drunk'.

Split infinitives are sooo yesterday Malcolm, us youngies don't mind them at all. Do keep up!

Well, you can take the boy out of Manchester...

Yesterday,
All my grammar seemed to go away...
Why it
Had to go I don't know, it wouldn't stay.
I said,
Something wrong, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday,
A siren called so I had to say, you just don't know
I said,
you got it wrong, now I am yesterday