Nottingham Poet Has X Factor
Anita McNamee published her first poetry collection, Buffy and Beyond (The Therapy Years) last month after picking up her pen in reaction to ITV’s X Factor programme.
The collection of verses includes one poem titled, Hard Day’s Night, in which Anita comments on the hit TV show.
The poem amused many of her friends and one even sent it to Simon Cowell for his reaction last week – but is still waiting for a reply.
Now Anita, from Whitemoor, is taking to the streets of Mansfield to do a signing of her book at Mansfield marketplace on national poetry day - Thursday, October 9.
She is hoping to raise cash for the charity MIND, which works to help people with mental illness, by selling her book for £3 and donating half to the charity.
Anita, who juggles her writing career with a full time job at business services company NBV, said she had written poetry all through her life but was inspired to publish her book as a landmark birthday approached this year.
She said: “I turned 40 last month and it definitely spurred me on to publish the book and get my work out there.
“I love writing and I hope I can inspire others to become creative in this way. Poetry is a wonderful way to relax and I get inspiration from everywhere.
“Watching the X Factor was a great example. Instead of shouting at the telly I picked up my pen and started to write.
“My friend thought it would be funny to send it to Mr Cowell. He hasn’t heard anything back yet but it would be hilarious if he did respond.”
She said she had called the book Buffy and Beyond (The Therapy Years) because she is a huge Buffy the Vampire fan and because she finds writing therapeutic.
She added: “If they had an X Factor for poets I would love to enter. I’d love to get Simon’s verdict on my work and maybe even write a poem especially for him.”
Anita can be found at the MIND stall in Mansfield marketplace, close to the library on October 9. For more information and to buy a copy of her book please visit her website http://www.anitamcnamee.com/.
ENDS
Hard Day’s Night
People, places
queuing up,
waiting to be chosen.
Hope mixed with fear.
Millions tune in
with desperate longing.
It should have been me.
“I have the moves
I can perform.”
“Have you seen what he’s wearing?
He looks a right gorm.”
The judges,
Tired, cynical, worn.
ready to give up,
they think of their contracts
and smile.
She walks in
belting out
‘Over the rainbow’
suggesting hip hop style
and little else.
We are in for a long night.
© Anita McNamee