Perspective: Festival Season ~ Why I Hope I'm Invisible

This is just a quick post. Things have been a bit irregular on here as late. I seem to have been swallowed up by festival preparation and illness, struggling to find the motivation to read the books on my 'to review' list, and let's not even talk about the novel...

The truth is, even though I love the relaxed pace of my job, this manic preparation is also invigorating. I get the same pre-show buzz as I have when I've worked with Random Acts Theatre. There is the thrill of anticipation; we have been working for months to get Plymouth International Book Festival and Exeter Poetry Festival off the ground, and now we finally get to see the rewards of our labours.

Credit

The smoother these events run, the more invisible we, as organisers, will seem. The audience won't be able to tell how many hours it took to write copy for, design, and proof the programmes, to converse with authors and venues, and to maintain a healthy web presence.

But none of this will matter. If our audience is wrapped up in their experience of the events- meeting the authors, watching their children participate, and making new friends- then I'll be happy. I'll be able to sit back smugly and feel proud of the teams I've been a part of.

Even though things may be quiet on here for a while, you'll be able to keep up to date with how the festivals are going with my 'Live From the Festival' posts at Plymouth International Book Festival and Exeter Poetry Festival.

If you have a spare moment, it would be great to see you at some of the events.
PIBF runs from 15-23 September.
EPF runs from 4-7 October.

I'll see you on the other side...