Spring is most definitely here, even if the biting wind and chilly temperature suggest otherwise. And my Winter Walks for Well-being and Writing project, commissioned as part of Wandsworth Council’s year as London Borough of Culture, wrapped up towards the end of March.
The final part of the project, once I’d delivered three walks and workshops, involved putting together a booklet of poems written by participants. The poems arriving in my inbox gladdened my heart. Such a lovely range of poems, in mood, approach and subject; and a feeling that what I had envisioned when I applied for the micro-commission, was materialising on the printed pages I spread out and arranged, after some shuffling, into what felt like a coherent order. The booklet wanders through three Wandsworth green spaces – Battersea Park, King George’s Park, and Roehampton’s Downshire Field and side streets. The poems meander from cherished memories to surprising observations, vivid sensory impressions, a dash of social commentary and a sprinkling of humour.
Having arranged the poems, I decided on a title for the booklet, choosing a phrase from one of the poems: Breathe It All In. Then I wrote an introduction and created a simple cover. Before sending it to the printer, I read through it all on the screen, checking each poem against the version I’d printed out. Just over a week after emailing a PDF of the booklet to the printer, I took delivery of a box of the physical booklets.
It looked great! How fine to travel from initial concept to finished object.
But… it was only as I drafted an email to all the contributors to let them know the booklet was published and invite them to the launch that I realised, looking at the email addresses, that the first name of one of the poets printed in the booklet was incorrect. Somehow my brain had morphed Dianne into Danielle. I was – still am – mortified.
The only available remedy, save trashing all those copies and getting the book reprinted – not viable financially nor environmentally – was to add an erratum in the booklet. And email a sincere apology to Dianne.
I’m trying to view this as a rite of passage for a very small publisher. Bit by bit, Nick and I are pasting a slip of paper to the inside front cover of each booklet. There’s time, as the important publishing milestone known as the launch is taking place on Saturday 9th May, 12 – 1pm, at Wandsworth Town Library.
The launch will feature readings from contributors. Free copies of the booklet, complete with erratum slip, will be available, and light refreshments will be provided. If you’d like to attend, please book on Eventbrite so I have an idea of numbers.
Hilaire 