LAUNCH: Tiggy Johnson’s debut poetry collection
This week we ask Tiggy Johnson a few questions ahead of the launch of ‘First taste’ and Going Away Party this Sunday!
What’s happening?
The launch of Tiggy Johnson’s debut poetry collection, ‘First taste’ is her last Melbourne appearance before moving interstate.
When’s it happening?
Sunday 28th November 2010 at 3pm
Where’s it happening?
Caffe Sospeso
428 Burwood Road
Hawthorn, Vic
Where’s the closest train, tram or bus?
Glenferrie Train Station
Where can we get more information?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170056003012024
Tell us a little about you
I’m an editor of Page Seventeen. I’m also a parent, a student, a teacher, a quilter and a writer. My short stories, poetry and articles have appeared in various Australian magazines including Cordite, Island, Blue Dog and Verandah and I was awarded second prize in the Herald-Sun/Collins Short Story Competition 2004. And I blog at www.tiggyjohnson.blogspot.com .
What will people experience when they come to the reading?
‘First Taste’ is brimming with domestic luminosity. These poems explore the terrain of love and desire, parent and child, ecstasy and death and reveal the depth of Johnson’s voice. Her poems teach us not only to accept, but to feel blessed by the complexity of humanity, the terrible mysteries of life. You will not forget ‘The facts’ nor that ‘first taste of butterscotch sauce’. Johnson renders her secrets in language vivid and strong. - Graham Nunn
How long have you been working on this event? And what’s been involved?
The poems in ‘First taste’ were written between 2006 and 2010, inclusive.
Where did you draw your inspiration from?
From my general surrounds, including society, my children, my role as a parent and from other Melbourne poets who I admire.
In 10 words or less why should people get moving and check it out?
This is Tiggy’s last official Melbourne appearance before she moves interstate.
What was your biggest challenge along the way?
In going from writing fiction to writing poetry, which is mostly inspired by my own personal experience, the biggest challenge was believing I had something to say that others would want to hear, but after performing some of the poems in this collection just once or twice, it became apparent that indeed, that was the case.
Where will we see you next?
Brisbane.
