Being a young emerging writer is daunting. Whether you’re a poet, a lyricist, a novelist or a short story writer, taking that first step of sharing your work with the world is intimidating. Being an introvert will make that process even more terrifying. During that uncertain period of initial exposure, you need the support of like-minded people. Cue Rosa Jones, a University College Dublin English literature student who has found an encouraging way to foster a community for the introverted literary artists among us. In May 2017, Rosa hosted the first “Big Non-Threatening Poetry Party”. Her hope is to provide a safe space for shy writers to share their work in a non-intimidating environment.
“It came from a sense I had of being extremely passionate about poetry and writing, but not really fitting into the environment of spoken word poetry, while at the same time not feeling confident enough in my writing to submit page poetry to publications. Besides that, I often found it difficult to penetrate the Dublin poetry scene as a new writer”, Jones told The University Times.
“I started thinking about a night that would suit anxious writers or shy writers, or people who were new to the poetry scene or new to Dublin. I was trying to imagine a middle ground where writers could obtain feedback or encouragement but wouldn’t have to take centre stage if they didn’t want to”, she added.
The Big Non-threatening Poetry Party differs from ordinary spoken word events, such as the Noise Upstairs or Litsoc’s Speakeasy nights. Writers of all abilities and levels of confidence can find their place, without performative expectations. The first party was a success and Jones hopes to build on this and organise a party every two months. The second Big Non-Threatening Poetry Party takes place this Friday, August 18th, in A4 Sounds, an up-and-coming arts venue on Dorset St. Its ethos is to make art that matters and nurture Dublin’s young creative talent. This noble principle truly makes the space a fitting venue for the initiative. The festivities begin at 8pm. There is a €3 entry fee on the door and the event is BYOB, but Jones stresses that if you can’t afford this you won’t be turned away. Everyone is encouraged to bring and share their writing, and to be prepared to listen intently during the evening to plenty of spoken word. Writing will be swapped, read and discussed in a constructive way, and there will also be posters and projections on display, created by designers Conor Nolan, Becks Coad, Sian Conway and Samuel Foxton.
“The night requires people to bring their work – poems, prose, lyrics, anything at all, on pages and sit with other writers showing and discussing the work in a constructive, supportive way. Then there’s about an hour of reading, but I always stress that there’s no microphones, no spotlights and you don’t have to stand up”, Jones said.
There is a great sound system at A4 Sounds playing largely pop music, so the energy of the space is very vibrant, with lights and props, making it worthy of a party. Jones envisages themed nights in the future and wants to include visual art so as to highlight the ways in which it can interact with poetry to great effect. Jones’s ethos focuses on collaboration and writers curating an event that they want to be a part of, away from the usual pressures to network and scrutinise one another.
