Garyswordz is a collection of original poetry, poetry review,poetry what’s on, film review, blog and general artistic trivia. You may also wish to check out my links list as well.There are some hugely talented bloggers and poets on there. Please feel free to comment as you see fit.
For 2014/15 I was Staffordshire Poet Laureate and Poet in residence at Uttoxeter racecourse.
If you want to hear me perform, check out my “appearances” tab, if you want to see not only my poetry reviews, but also those of some of the top wordsmiths in the Midlands, check out the “Behind the Arras” website.If you would like to hear me, and a brilliant selection of Spoken Word, check out Radio Wildfire. I have run a poetry workshop in prison, for prisoners, and am a member of Write Down Speak Up, Birmingham’s leading poetry collective, as well as Lichfield Poets.
I have performed at over fifty venues and have guested at the Worcester Literary, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Ludlow Arts,Hullaballoo Music and Arts, Stafford Arts, Cheltenham Poetry,Ledbury Poetry, Much Wenlock Poetry and Lichfield Literary Festivals.
You may have read my work in the inaugural “Be” magazine,published in conjunction with the Worcester Literary Festival, “Battle Lines” the Lichfield Poets Anthology in support of the National Memorial Arboretum, “Smoke & Mirrors” an anthology containng the likes of John Cooper Clarke and Attila the Stockbroker, Silhouette Press’s “Here Comes everyone” or Crystal Clear creator’s “Hearing Voices”.I was also shortlisted for Birmingham Poet Laureate 2011 and performed at the opening of the Birmingham Book Festival with Matt Harvey, and my work is on permanent display on the Polesworth Poetry Trail, a poem on the glories of Pooley Hall. At Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Museum you may hear me reading several poems at audio points in the Sculpture Gallery.
A Night at “Hit the Ode” Birmingham
Garyswordz 
Just thought I’d say hi as I’ve now include you on my regular feeds.
Bob
Dear friend
Do you make review of books? What is the criterion?
Sincerely
Latha
Hi Gary, I have chosen your excellent blog for a Liebster award, you can read my post about it on my blog to find out more…http://mermaidsdrown.blogspot.com
Ruth, you are very kind in your nomination and generous in your comments.I have continued in the spirit of the awards by nominating further.
I was wondering how I could get involved in the Poetry Alight at the Spark?
I attended the rest, and would like to take part in the next one if possible.
Thanks, Lucy.
Lucy, I hope you received my e mail. I have booked you a spot.
Hello Gary: We had the first poetry and music event at Ad Gustum Restaurant, Stouport-on-Severn, last night. There may be others. If so, can I send you the details beforehand?
many thanks, Michael
of course, always happy to list, I will try to get down to one.If anyone wants to send a review i will post it in Behind the Arras.
Hi Gary, saw you at the Mouth and Music tonight.
Look forward to hearing about what else is coming up soon!
Richard.
Hi Gary, I enjoyed your reading with Julie very much last night. I wonder if you would add the Poetry Breakfast to your regular events? We meet every second Thursday (except August) at 9am at Tea on the Square, Much Wenlock, Shropshire. Cost is £6 to include coffee and croissants. We read published poetry on a different theme each month and have occasional guest readers (Chris Kinsey in July, Jean Atkin next month, October)
I could send you info about it regularly if you’re interested?
Thank you,
Anna x
Thank you for your generous words. Added!
Hello Gary, it’s Jimmy Richards. Could you drop me your email? Been trying to get in touch. Hope all is well. J
Jim, great to hear from you. I lost touch with you and Keith when I changed e mail addresses and lost my phone with contact numbers. garylongden81@gmail.com 07505133000
oops 07507133000
Hi Gary. It was lovely talking to you at the 2017 Olympia London mind, body, spirit, wellbeing event this weekend, where we were both exhibiting. Thank you for your interest in my Moments in Time, are they yours, are they mine? verse collection; and for your appreciation and super positive comments on the writing and purpose of them. It was a really good event and provided a way for many more people to enjoy and personally connect with their emotions through words.
kindest regards Ceran.
http://www.rainbowinspired.co.uk
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Hi Gary
I’m running a Staffordshire Moorlands literary-arts project called Knotted Identities, funded by Arts Council England. I’d like to be in touch if possible as there are some opportunities you might be interested in knowing about… thank you for your consideration