"Too much text", Steve keeps shouting as he designs the pages of the festival programme and lines of copy keep tumbling into the margin. When I write the programme I try to give clear and enticing information about each event while he worries about design, the clear layout and the postage costs. It can make for marital stress but when I get the call I remember my 'O' level training in precis writing and try to say the same amount in half the words.
The last weeks, days, minutes before the festival programme goes to the printers can be nerve-racking. Every slot on every day has to have an event nestling in it. Often there are two events running concurrently to give the customers choice, as well as the workshops, discussions, poetry readings, walks. The speakers have to be confirmed, the venues and times checked. Then there is the proof reading and the arguments over the commas.
Eventually we have done all we can. The deadline has arrived and Steve is just about to go to the printers... when the phone goes. A writer has discovered that the day he is coming to the festival is his daughter's graduation day.
"Of course you must go," I say magnanimously. There's no alternative. If he missed her graduation for Ways With Words he'd be miserable and probably make us miserable too. He'll come another day. So I am back on the phone tactfully shuffling writers around. Steve is back on his computer redesigning.
The printers are waiting; the machines are ready to churn out 35,000 copies. We think it's all over but like a football game the last kick can change everything.
There is another phone call. It's Jon Snow.
"Kay, I'm sorry I didn't reply to your emails but I'd really love to come to the festival."
"We'd love you to come", I say and I really mean it. He is such a thought-provoking, lively, challenging speaker; I am delighted. Steve is switching on his computer again.
At last he drives off to the printers. If God phones now wanting to speak at Ways With Words I shall have to say, "Sorry God, you are too late". But He doesn't.
I carry out a Fresco chair [like the colourful ones we have in the Outdoor Reading Room at Dartington Hall] into the meadow. I sit under an apple tree with a glass of wine and, what else, but a good book.
USEFUL INFORMATION
If you want to know what the finished programme looks like you can download a copy from the Ways With Words website.
You can also buy tickets on-line from the same website from 27 May.
If you'd like a paper programme, join the Ways With Words mailing list.
Welcome to the blog world Kay and looking forward to reading your musings!
Posted by: dovegreyreader | Thursday, 15 May 2008 at 21:32
We are back in London with our heads buzzing with great WWW talks, sunshine, scones and good company - bliss. Wish we were still with you all. Keep blogging...
Chloe and Videl
Posted by: Chloe | Wednesday, 16 July 2008 at 23:29
Nice Blog. Keep posting more
Regards...
Posted by: Manchester United | Friday, 03 July 2009 at 07:03