Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer poet and actor from Suffolk. An eternal optimist and mid-life-creative advocate, she’d like to point out that it’s never too late to live the dream. And with this month’s blog, some ink to inspire and ignite your creative fire.
January is a weird month. On the one hand it is a new year and a new start – full of resolutions and clean sweeps. On the other hand, it is a bleak month and many of us feel the onset of the winter blues in the Christmas Comedown. For me, it is a double deflation as after a book launch, and a re-union, my birthday is January the 4th. Now, how many of us born at this time (and indeed gift-givers) will relate to the Christmas-birthday joint gift/January sales gift/reject Christmas present gift? You know it’s true! I was actually due on Boxing Day and it is the one time I have been late, as I am a stickler for being on time. Anyway, one person’s unwanted gift is another’s treasure, and I can’t complain as had some excellent gifts and I spent the whole weekend enjoying multiple celebrations, watching the Robbie Williams movie, and meeting up with friends. It was the first time we’d all been together in 18 years due to one of our group emigrating to Australia, so it has been a treat. I am ready to tackle all the new projects that are already coming my way, including a new book to write. My ‘resolutions’ are achievable, and I am hoping for another good year. Happy New Year to you all and may it be a good one. Happy Birthday too to PENspiration, which is now ONE YEAR old. Here's to many more.
My mini-interview this month is with poet, performer, entrepreneur, champion of spoken word: the Local Legend, AMY WRAGG, who told me about Soapbox CIC.
I’m Amy Wragg, the region’s longest running independent female promotor of music and spoken word. (19 years!) I run ‘Soapbox’. Until very recently, I have never had any public funding. Soapbox started life in the backroom of a pub and has springboarded the careers of many, like Luke Wright or Selena Godden. It is now a CIC (Community Interest Company) We focus on spoken word – stories, gigs, open mic – but essentially it is live sharing of spoken work. As a CIC I can now apply for funding, development and more opportunities for artists. My aim is to develop a pipeline for talent – paid and ticketed events because art should be paid and accessible for all, not just for the privileged, or those who can work for free. I want to hear a range of diverse voices. However, Words and Verses, my open mic nights, will always be free and open to all, taking place the first Tuesday of every month from March.
I am particularly passionate about supporting young women and teenage girls, as I remember how hard that was. I have just been awarded a Norfolk and Norwich Festival Bursary to deliver a series of workshops aimed at women under 25 in Suffolk at The Hive on Norwich Road in partnership with Future Female Society, which is really exciting.
For me, art is first and foremost about self-expression and enjoyment. I do it because I love it.
Amy’s recommended book: Naomi Klein, Doppleganger:
Find Amy’s writing in: Ten Poets published by Earth Island Books.
Well, that’s all for now, see you in February with more insights, interviews and creative ideas!
Love, Virginia.
Virginia has written numerous articles and fiction, written for stage and radio, and published three books, The Camera Obscure, Tourist to the Sun and That Little Voice. Her fourth books is a Punk Novel, Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets, published by Urban Pigs Press. Find Virginia at virginiabetts.com
