So far this year...

I've been less active in the creative networking scene.

I've attended much fewer events than previous years,

and the reason behind this isn't because I'm aloof,

rather it's because I've been building:

building my faith by going on pilgrammage,

building my body by being more active,

building my career by acquiring jobs,

building my craft by isolating.

The last point is especially relevant

if you seek to create a substantial piece of work:

say a novel, a poetry collection,

a major performance, an exhibition etc.

These projects require a tremendous amount of time and dedication,

and they can only be completed if you commit to them entirely as your focus.

Often, you'll have to sacrifice things in order to press on with your mission,

and for me, this has been attending less events this year than in the past.

The virtues of isolating yourself in this way include total immersion within your craft.

And when you are immersed, you create your best work.

I say this from experience, too.

Especially during the first draft mode,

you can borrow this sentiment and approach.

Be proud of your creativity

because it's rare for people to be able

to articulate that side of themselves,

so never let it go.

That doesn't mean you need to be a practicing artist all the time,

rather it's a sign for you to use that spark judiciously

especially when an idea worth sharing floats in your periphery.

Creative Update

I'm building my fictional universe for my first major fantasy novel,

one that I've been passively crafting for several years,

and seriously building throughout 2026.

It's an incredibly rewarding process to ideate and experiment.

One of the things that always entices me

is the ability to immerse yourself into a world of your own making.

It's a freedom that cannot quite be explained or experienced outside of the craft.

I've also been preparing for my headline set at The Heath Bookshop in Birmingham,

and I believe I have a set list locked in, with a dozen or so poems I already have memorised,

from when I first practiced, rehearsed, and shared them, and it's a greatest hits collection as such, if you will.

Upcoming Opportunties

PLATFORM is a unique online space that will showcase new voices in poetry, hosted by Faber and launching in spring 2027.

It offers a way to celebrate outstanding English-language contemporary poetry from poets who have yet to publish a full-length collection. PLATFORM embraces digital possibilities. It encourages distinctive, dynamic and innovative work that will be shared on the platform for free with audiences around the world.

SUBMISSION WINDOW: OCT 1ST-OCT 31ST

National Poetry Competition 2026

Run by The Poetry Society since 1978, The National Poetry Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious prizes for an unpublished poem of up to 40 lines, open to all poets worldwide aged 18 or over.

DEADLINE: 31ST OCTOBER

Catch Me Next

Speak soon,

Bilal Psyche Akram