Encore: Back Story, Launch Photos & Miscellany

Back in the dark, cold mists of January (which now seems like a lifetime ago), only a week or two after I'd made the decision to run Valley Press full time, I got an email from one James Mcloughlin, expressing an interest in 'me and my publishing company' (which at the time, would have elicited a big grin - now I just nod and think 'so you should').  The rest is history - I read his poems, and loved them enough to commission a slim volume, which is out now and available through all good book vendors.  You've got to know him since then through his regular posts on this blog, more of which will be on the way I'm sure.

James' book was officially launched last Wednesday (25th May) in Leeds, and in my humble opinion the event went very well.  We certainly filled the venue, and James did brilliantly... making himself heard over a reggae festival downstairs (who were kind enough to turn down the speakers, actually; good blokes).  He did an especially good job considering he's a modest young man, and no veteran of the public-speaking circuit - though well on the way after this.  He was introduced by long-time Valley Press friend James Nash, who is a veteran and brought plenty of gravitas to the night (without diluting the sense of youth and vigour).  Appropriately enough, it was Mr. Nash who first gave James my contact details, so he was there for the birth and graduation of this particular child of VP (referring to the book, of course).

We also had help from fellow VP author Felix Hodcroft, who read James' darkly mysterious poem 'Lucidity II' - though when I sent it to him, he quipped 'is that Lucidity 2, or the notorious philosophical football team Lucidity 11?'  Public awareness for 'Encore' was also boosted by Andrew McMillan, who not only provided a great endorsement for the back cover, but also posted some of the poems on respected ezine Cadaverine - click here to read the poems and accompanying article. 

I'll finish this post with some pictures from the launch, and a video (which James has kindly uploaded to his YouTube channel), but before then I'd like to thank everyone who turned up on the night or helped with the book's production, and remind people who haven't read this excellent book that it is still available for a highly reasonable price, both as a paperback and now for the Kindle.  Tell your friends!

The crowd assembles, bracing themselves for some great poetry.

James Nash (left) introduces James Mcloughlin (right).

James reads his poem 'Expanding Borders'.

James Nash tackles 'Euphoric Nausea'.

Felix Hodcroft reads 'Lucidity II', also showing off the book.

And as promised, video evidence from the launch - James reading the title poem from his book.  Sorry about the quality, by the way; if anyone would like to donate a decent camera to the Valley Press effort, you know where to find me.  Also, excuse the carry-over from the reggae night downstairs... though I think it adds a bit of drama.  Think of it as a soundtrack.