My first poetry book – Rebel Blood Cells – came out a year ago today (June 1st, 2023). It’s taken me on an incredible journey.
To start off with, I’ve sold a whole bunch of copies, through Amazon, the publisher website, and in person. Coupled with the launch event and a public reading , I’ve been able to raise over £725 for Leukaemia Care, which will help fund things like additional GP training, patient travel costs, buddying services and information booklets. And when I say I sold a whole bunch of copies, I mean, Amazon Poetry charts don’t lie… (JOHN COOPER CLARKE!!!)
The launch party was incredible. The zoom guest readers included some of my absolute favourite people (in no particular order): Rachel Carney, Dean Rhetoric, Natalie Holborow, Mari Ellis Dunning, Phil Jones, Tracey Rhys, Andy N, Bethany Handley, Matthew MC Smith and JP Seabright. The Open Mic included some stellar names too… thanks gang.
I’ve had two rather incredible days out off the back of the book. In October ’23 I was invited to the Houses of Parliament for an event honouring Leukaemia Care volunteers, which for a politics nerd like myself was a dream come true. I think someone is still lost in the corridors of power looking for the gluten-free vegetarian sandwich I asked for.
In April ’24 I read my poems at the British Society for Haematology’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Liverpool. Part of the Presidential Lecture, nonetheless. I haven’t read in public in person since maybe 2013, and that was in a weird open-mic in Swansea, where I was heckled by a drunk bloke. This was next level – a huge audience who I spoke to and sold books to and posed for selfies with after the event. Absolutely amazing experience.
The best thing was the way the book had landed with the people that read it, and the lovely messages they sent, many very sensitive, very private, but all giving me a sense of hope and validation that by putting my worst moments out there I have given something to other people in similar situations.
The reviews were pretty good too – massive thanks to Wales Arts Review to championing it, to Andy N, Paul Brookes, Mab @Buzz Magazine, Nigel Kent, Patricia’s Pen, and all who went above and beyond to promote it. Especially Matthew at Black Bough Poetry.
You can buy Rebel Blood Cells from Punk Dust Poetry or Amazon, or Leukaemia Care. I can confidently say it’s not just me that thinks it’s quite good! Thanks
Jamie Woods '77 