Online internet courses by Call of the Page

Are you interested in a Call of the Page course? We run courses on haiku; tanka; tanka stories/prose; haibun; shahai; and other genres.

Please email Karen or Alan at our joint email address: admin@callofthepage.org
We will let you know more about these courses.

Call of the Page (Alan & Karen)

Friday, July 27, 2012

British haiku multi-events, including haiku, renga, renku, haibun, and haiga art at the Stripe Studio, University of Winchester with Notes from the Gean haiku journal on the road, plus The Kigo Lab

 
image by http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe



There is going to be a haiku/renga weekend at the University of Winchester on Sat 4th and Sun 5th of August, sponsored by the University and hosted by Mark Rutter and the poets of Notes From the Gean on the Road: Alan Summers, Alison Williams, Colin Stewart Jones, and Andy Pomphrey.

There will be haiga (haiku and image) and linked verse workshops and a ginko (haiku walk) in the Winchester watermeadows, where Keats wrote ‘To Autumn.’  All events except the ginko will be held in Stripe Studio 2, in the Stripe Building, University of Winchester.
   
FFI
  
Alan Summers
With Words, the Haiku Journal, and The Kigo Lab
http://area17.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/haiku-from-alan-summerss-recently.html

Colin Stewart Jones 
Editor in Chief, Notes from the Gean haiku magazine, and proprietor of Gean Tree Press.


 " A powerful collection—innovative, sublime, raw, beautiful. Great work..." -- George Swede.
Colin Stewart Jones will be launching his haibun collection with a short talk about the energy and disciplines of fusing haiku poetry with haiku-taut prose.

Alison Williams
Notes from the Gean haiku editor
http://notesfromthegean.com/nftg/editors/41-editors/2-alison-williams.html
 
Karen Hoy
http://area17.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/karen-hoy-appears-in-major-new-haiku.html

And much more happening at the Stripe Studio:
image by http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe
image by http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe
image by http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe
image by http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe
image by http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe
 
Images by design engine | http://www.designengine.co.uk/johnstripe



Saturday, July 21, 2012

tanka workshops and tanka from Alan Summers at 140 And Counting on iTunes

a small death
the cracked shell
of a snail
now this delay
at the train station




Alan Summers
Previously published:
Mosaic Anthology (Bath Spa University 2009); Blithe Spirit vol. 20 no. 4 December 2010; The Strand Book Of International Poets 2010 (Strand Publishing 2010) ISBN: 9781907340062; Take Five: Best Contemporary Tanka Vol. 3 (MET Press 2010)  ISBN 978-1-935398-27-1; 140 And Counting (Upper Rubber Boot Books 2011) ISBN 978-1-937794-04-0



sometimes
before falling in love
with my wife
again and again
the cries of swifts


Alan Summers
Previously published:

Blithe Spirit (Vol. 20 No. 3 2010, British Haiku Society)
140 And Counting (Seven by Twenty magazine pub. Upper Rubber Boot Books)




140 And Counting is a collection of the best twitter literature from the first two years of the journal Seven by Twenty’s history, on relationships, nature, work, animals, seasons, science fiction and fantasy, and mortality: 141 clever little allotments of literature by 119 authors in 1 exquisite ebook! Plucky underdog online journal Seven by Twenty is an online magazine using Twitter as its publishing platform, for readers at home and on mobile devices, which started publishing weekdaily in July 2009. Seven by Twenty specializes in literary and speculative writing that fits in a tweet – they mostly publish haiku and related forms (like scifaiku and senryu), and cinquains and American sentences, and very, very, very short stories.

iTunes Preview:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/140-and-counting/id495503391?mt=11 

  • $4.99
  • Available on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
  • Category: Fiction & Literature
  • Published:Dec 10, 2011
  • Publisher: Upper Rubber Boot Books
  • Seller: Joanne Elizabeth Merriam
  • Print Length: 162 Pages
  • Language: English
  • Requirements: This book requires iBooks 1.3.1 or later and iOS 4.3.3 or later. Books can only be viewed using iBooks on an iPad, iPhone (3G or later), or iPod touch (2nd generation or later).



For anyone interested in online lessons and workshops the tanka journal way please do contact us at: admin@callofthepage.org



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Thursday, July 19, 2012

University of Winchester and Notes from the Gean haiku journal present a haiku; haiga; and renku weekend



Haiku/Renga Weekend

There is going to be a haiku/renga weekend at the University of Winchester on Sat 4th and Sun 5th of August, sponsored by the University and hosted by Mark Rutter and the poets of Notes From the Gean on the Road: Alan Summers, Alison Williams, Colin Stewart Jones, and Andy Pomphrey.

There will be haiga (haiku and image) and linked verse workshops and a ginko (haiku walk) in the Winchester watermeadows, where Keats wrote ‘To Autumn.’  All events except the ginko will be held in Stripe Studio 2, in the Stripe Building, University of Winchester.


  • Saturday August 4th: 10am: We will meet in Stripe Studio 2, followed by a ginko in the Winchester water meadows (bring camera as well as writing pad, pen, etc).
  • Sunday August 5th: 10am: Stripe Studio 2: morning: haiga workshop; afternoon: renga workshop.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Mark Rutter at mark.rutter@winchester.ac.uk or  flyingsaucers@btinternet.com.

All events are free and all are welcome.

A number of us are British Haiku Society members, and with the extra opportunity of talking to Notes from the Gean haiku journal Editor in Chief, and owner of the Geantree Press, Colin Stewart Jones, from Aberdeen, Scotland, and previous British Haiku Society haiku magazine editor Mark Rutter, this is really a rare chance for anyone wanting to know more about haiku publications, and the art of haiga, haiku, renga/renku, and haibun prose.

 
University of Winchester weblink:
http://www.winchester.ac.uk/ACADEMICDEPARTMENTS/ENGLISHCREATIVEWRITINGANDAMERICANSTUDIES/NEWSANDEVENTS/Pages/NewsandEvents.aspx

The Winchester Watermeadows haiku walk will be a stunning opportunity to walk where Keats wrote 'To Autumn' and also take part in a traditional Japanese custom in haiku poetry.


Saturday August 4th: 10am: We first meet in Stripe Studio 2, followed by a ginko in the Winchester water meadows (bring camera as well as writing pad, pen, etc).


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haiga artist Kuniharu Shimizu of Tokyo selects a haiku by Alan Summers for his artwork



Kuniharu Shimizu said:
" I like the contrast of the subject matters, big truck in the artwork, and a can of coke in the verse. However the sizes differ, both are man-made things, expressing their existence in their own ways."

Please feel free to add a comment or two both on this blog, and at Kuniharu Shimizu's website:
http://seehaikuhere.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/haiga-865-alan-summers-haiku.html

Donna Fleischer says:
 
"What an imaginative pairing. The gleam of the industrial world of machines and metal, and cans of cherry cola, with room for a morning star.

 
Posting this at my blog word pond, with delight! Thank you both!"

Donna's Word Pond link:
https://donnafleischer.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/area-17-eleventh-and-twelfth-days-haiku-poetry-showcase-by-alan-summers-at-cornell-university-usa/

About Donna: https://donnafleischer.wordpress.com/about/

Donna Fleischer

In December 2011, Fiera Lingue published seven new poems, honoring Donna among “those poets I evaluate as representative of our times” (Anny Ballardini, editor).

Her recently published poems include: "The Red Photogram", in Visions, Voices, and Verses, an anthology of poems of ekphrasis (Exiles Press and The New Britain Museum of American Art, 2012).

Donna has also been the assistant editor of bottle rockets, a journal of the small poem, and of bottle rockets press anthologies and serial volumes (2007 to 2013)
http://www.bottlerocketspress.com

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Become well-versed in Haiku - A Skills³ workshop by Alan Summers for Wiltshire College

Skills³ is a new range of skills' experiences from Wiltshire College.

 
The haiku course led by Japan Times award-winning writer Alan Summers:
http://www.skills3.co.uk/experiences/detail.aspx?ref=CHAIKU&year=12%2F13

Buy before 17 Aug 2012 and save £5.00






Become well-versed in Haiku 

Trowbridge Campus 

Thursdays starting 1st Oct 2012    

7-9pm     4 sessions 

Click onto this link to read more, enquiries, or to book onto the course:

http://www.skills3.co.uk/experiences/detail.aspx?ref=CHAIKU&year=12%2F13 

Who is this course/experience for ?

This course is for everyone, whether new or familiar with the haiku genre. It’s both for those wishing to increase their confidence in creative writing, and those wishing to further their general written skills. This course is also ideal for those who enjoy trying something different, and new, in a relaxed, friendly, fun, supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

What will you experience ?

The following topics will be covered during the haiku course:


  • The origin, background, and history of haiku through Classical, Modern, and Contemporary Japan.
  • The various styles of haiku inside and outside Japan.
  • A number of tools and techniques to understand, and write, contemporary haiku.
  • How to keep a Haiku Journal.
  • How to edit and strengthen your haiku drafts with confidence using a self-critical and analytical eye.
  • What haiku editors and publishers are looking for in online and print journals, and competitions to send your haiku to (if you are interested in seeing your haiku published).
  • Depending on course length we will also cover forms related to haiku such as tanka and renga. 


Skills3 Icon 
Skills3 Icon 
Practical - hands-on, exciting and rewarding quality skills' experiences.
  


Flexible - delivered at convenient times for the chance to learn in locations all over Wiltshire at a time to suit you.

Skills3 Icon 
     Fast - Acquire new skills or develop a new interest in just a few hours or days.
     You never know where they could take you to next!

Who are Skills³?
All the experiences offered through Skills³ will be delivered by professional and highly experienced tutors.  Skills³ is supported by the expertise of Wiltshire College. The county of Wiltshire's leading provider of adult training and learning.

Why Skills³? 

Practical, Flexible, Fast experience days for you and your friends to enjoy; whether you’re looking to improve on existing skills or you simply want to have some fun, Skills3 have an experience day waiting for you!

 

Alan Summers has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University; he is a past General Secretary of the British Haiku Society; and a Japan Times award-winning writer for haiku and renga.  His haiku are translated into 15 languages, including Japanese, Russian, French, as well as British Sign Language.

He is an experienced workshop leader, who enjoys creating a friendly, lively, and inclusive atmosphere, and isn't that the best way to learn after all?
 
Alan's poetry has been published and anthologized worldwide.  His pamphlet The In-Between Season was launched in Bath at the Royal Crescent Hotel, in July, and a collection is forthcoming Winter 2012/Spring 2013.

He is also regularly published in Japan, including Japanese newspaper publications: Yomiuri Shimbun; Asahi Shimbun; Mainichi Shimbun; The Japan Times; and The Mie Times. 

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Basho Has Left the Building: a unique collection of haibun by Colin Stewart Jones (Gean Tree Press)












Basho Has Left the Building is a collection of haibun and graphic haibun by Colin Stewart Jones with an  introduction by Jane Reichhold and back page blurb by Penny Harter:
 















This is a strong collection of haibun, exhibiting gritty power as Jones explores innovative formats, ranging from stream-of-consciousness to incorporating original art which often functions as visual haiku to accompany the prose. His subjects include thought-provoking political and historical commentary; relived childhood memories; expressions of personal despair, frustration, and confusion; and even tender and sorrowful love poems. His prose descriptions often read like prose-poems, and the incorporated haiku startle with their absolute rightness. I highly recommend Basho Has Left the Building. In these haibun, Colin Stewart Jones has left Basho’s neighborhood as he takes us into the 21st century of haibun.

—Penny Harter, co-author (with William J. Higginson) of The Haiku Handbook, and of Recycling Starlight, The Night Marsh, and the forthcoming prizewinning e-book of haibun, One Bowl.


Basho Has Left the Building can be viewed in a flip book format on PC, Mac, and most tablet devices.  To purchase a copy just click onto the following link:
http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=5UHN88YD#.T_3rb46nec0.blogger

What people are saying about "Basho . . . . ."

"A wonderful read and the design is superb!" -- Vida Tzetzka Ilieva

"A powerful collection—innovative, sublime, raw, beautiful. Great work..." -- George Swede

"Great work! A breath of fresh air. I hope this breaks out of the JSF niche market and hits the mainstream." -- Brendan Slater

"There's something bitingly fresh and clear about everything emanating from Colin Stewart Jones, and this fine work is no exception. I am splashed by his unexpected 'take' on things, his insight that makes me gasp at an inner level, and so to smile... I haven't finished reading 'Basho Has Left The Building' yet. Perhaps I'll just keep wandering around in there." -- Kathy Earsman

Basho has Left the Building
now available to buy in e-pub format

download for all devices and own forever for just $2.99 here:
http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=5UHN88YD#.T_3rb46nec0.blogger

Please feel free to circulate this message widely.


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Thursday, July 12, 2012

haiku published by Mainichi Shimbun, Japan














St Pancras Station
John Betjeman's waistcoat
catches the breeze




Alan Summers
Selected by Isamu Hashimoto

Publications credits: Mainichi  Shimbun, Japan  (July 2012)





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Thursday, July 05, 2012

Haiku from Alan Summers's recently launched pamphlet The In-between Season (With Words Pamphlet Series)










colourwash
the first autumn rain seeps
through cartridge paper




         







The In-Between Season
With Words Pamphlet Series (2012)
www.withwords.org.uk


             Toshugu shrine pines
              I try to stay as still–
              mist and dew

              東照宮の 松静か 霧と露


Japanese trans. Hidenori Hiruta, Akita, Japan


My haiku pamphlet was launched at the Royal Crescent Hotel as part of the Quest Gallery talk and event, as a result of the highly successful Haiku at Quest Gallery workshops:

http://activateperformingarts.org.uk/classes/2012/5/30/haiku-course-quest-gallery-bath

http://area17.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/through-glass-darkly-haiku-at-quest.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/exhibition-of-the-week-michael-kenny-spirit-and-matter-quest-gallery-bath-7734217.html

Alan Summers is a Japan Times award-winning writer; a recipient of the Ritsumeikan University Peace Museum Award for haiku; Foundation Member, Australian Haiku Society; and General Secretary of the British Haiku Society (1998-2000).

Alan is a haikai literature editor for two online magazines, and the founder and lead tutor of With Words.


“astonishingly moving haiku”

   Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan (2005)



Other haiku poetry collections by Alan Summers:

sundog haiku journal: an australian year
(sunfast press 1997 reprinted 1998): archived at the California State Library - Main Catalog Call Number : HAIKU S852su 1997

Moonlighting
Intimations Pamphlet Series, British Haiku Society (1996)



colourwash
Publications credits: Haiku International #33 (Japan 1998)

Toshugu shrine pines
Publications credits: World Haiku Review Japan Article - Vending machines and cicadas (March 2003); Hermitage (2005); Travelogue on World Haiku Festival 2002 Part 1 (Akita International Haiku Network, Japan 2010)




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