On Being A Writer by John Siddique

My fellow Salt author, John Siddique, has just published his 4th collection of poetry, Full Blood, and is interviewed wonderfully over at Sue's blog today. As well as finding his answers about putting together his collection fascinating, I loved the poem from the book that Sue had included in the blog post and asked for permission to publish it here too. I think it fits so well with what we've been discussing here... and so beautifully written, too. Stunning! Can't wait to get my hands on the book, and hopefully also host John in person at a real (yes, non-virtual!) event in the summer.


On becoming a writer

Learn to sit and be invisible,
surround yourself with ordinary
things. Take no notes in public.

A glass of water with your coffee
will let you sit for longer.
Never appear interested in the talk.

Be plain on the outside. Inside
your mouth is a diamond; never
speak of it before you set its ways in ink.


© John Siddique 2011
Taken from Full Blood (Salt Publishing)
ISBN 9781844718245
Available at your Bookshop, Library & Online Store