Blog – Page 13 – Leon The Pig Farmer

The 200 club

So, book sales are flying!! We are almost at the 200 point. Thank you so much to everyone that has bought a copy and others showing an interest! The positive vibes and feedback is immense, I am astounded. The book is now live at Lulu.com https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/simon-horner-and-phil-wagstaff/talking-myself-out-of-trouble/paperback/product-yr9pj4.html?fbclid=IwAR1VVEpMdp_IAwH1XcLjXcGbxBCY4otBNjBSqn2RUkjXlmm5uX7ab69sLdM&page=1&pageSize=4 …

I’ll be ordering a new batch soon once the text copy for internet sales lands. So glad that “Talking myself out of trouble” is reaching out to so many folk. And may this continue once the weird worldy web gets hold of it. And book launches are still to come! Buzzin.

In other news I’ve got some fresh gigs waiting to announce and a couple of crackin zoom events to confirm… So it’s all hands on deck in the pig pen.

I’ve just received a copy of my mask anthology by live from worktown which has a piece by myself in.. worth a look at http://www.worktownwords.uk

So.. I’m back from a week away.. going to get busy.. I have notes galore for new material and I’m getting a new camper.. looking forward to positive steps out of lockdown!!..

Anyone still need a book or a mouthy compere with verse shout me up.. and last shout out is to the Keighley bearded theory crowd who it was good to catch up with in a Yorkshire dales field at the weekend!!

The camera never lies

Buzzin week in the pig pen… Lots going on.. plenty of book sales which is ace. It’s great that the message is spreading… And the book goes on line soon..

Official launch of talking myself out of trouble is coming along nicely at the gillery on bank holiday 29/30th may. https://fb.me/e/4mAns7Ymp

Just had a brilliant zoom Olly’s future around collaboration for their suicide prevention. Great work going on. Keep an eye out for stuff there. https://ollysfuture.org.uk/

Rebels and rule breakers Facebook interaction is going well.. I’ll have a stream chat going out with them on Monday 14th June.. it’s timed well as it’s the start of men’s mental health week.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2720270008236407/?ref=share

Did a great mini performance at “long story short” a new story telling / spoken word event coming to Manchester… Keep a look out.. was a great vibe.. here’s the insta link. https://instagram.com/longstoryshortmcr?igshid=1cffbzx2w06zq

I’ve also been filming with wet lemon productions. Photos and interview pre book live launch.. located in Mossley they have studios. Filming, photography, audio and much more.. creating a great local vibe.. I’ve attached an image!.. more to follow. https://m.facebook.com/WetLemonProductions/

So this is me… still … Talking myself out of trouble.. have a great weekend!!.

And breath

What a mad ten days it’s been since the books landed.. we have shifted In excess of 150 and that is through word of mouth, some social media pestering and a bit of forthright asking!!.. so thanks again to everyone who has jumped on the journey.

In other news the soft launch event is picking up nicely. All performance folk who will be joining me will be on the event by end of today. Most have been announced. And of coming book a table please and it is free!!…Here’s the event link.
https://fb.me/e/4mAns7Ymp

Also on events here’s the website and info to the bigger event in July when more pals of multi genres will be pitching up in Mossley to share their wares!!… 9-11 July.. keep it free!! https://offthebeatntracks.live/

I’m just back from town after doing an interview at media city with a couple of media students who are creating some work around links between mental health recovery and creativity. So hopefully I’ll get a copy of that soon. A bit of chat around book and my journey and a few pieces performed at the end.

There’s a new story telling event coming to Manchester soon too. Long story short… I’ve been invited to a zoom session this Thursday and when covid restrictions allow they are taking it to a venue. So there’s something else to look out for. Here’s the connection.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/long-story-short-mcr-may-virtual-event-tickets-149541082403

Still busy talking to charity groups and spreading my story along with creative paths. But the book has absorbed time over last two weeks.. the calender is bulging in places but that’s a good sign I guess.. rebel chats, poetry podcasts, 2 day work shop at phantasmagoria.. yes that is a place!!!!. Local paper interviews and then book launch.. what a month!!!

So.. in a nut shell.. my worker bee is busy. But there is no sting these days.. if you haven’t got a book but would like one, please hit me up…

Pig farmer turns to beef

I am over the moon and this little dog is happy and laughing!!

I cannot began to describe the reactions from the book release. I am astounded at the interest it has received. So thank you to all!!…

It’s been great to get out and drop books off at doors and say a long awaited hello To a few folk too.. the big batch posted are on their way too, so expect a delivery soon…

Last night was a first live gig, at the old abbey tap house in Hulme. Sayin event for the full pink moon, what a show they put on.. chuffed and buzzin to get back out live.. and I hardly fluffed my lines!!..

A few gig approaches are now coming in, so as they drop I will post. Also when the dust settles I will be sorting a PayPal link on website. But at the moment it’s buy from me via usual social media for book or owt else..

I’m a one man band so it’s a job at a time.. haha! Books posted and delivered is still top. Next gig so far is soft book launch.. details below.. remember book a table via The Gillery website as it’s still in part covid restrictions!!

https://fb.me/e/13PjCaSKC

Thank you again for those book purchase’s let’s keep the momentum and share it about please.. reviews and feedback posted on my socials too.. they all help..

By for now…

Watching the washing machine

Waiting for your first batch of self published books to land is like waiting for the click and washing machine door light to go off… But FedEx say they are now on their way!!..

People who have bought … Standby…

In other news, I have a nice article in Vibe which I have attached. Other media seem to be interested so hopefully the book will spread far and wide. Saying that copies have been ordered in Japan, Australia and Canada so we are reaching the far corners of the planet.

Local Poet Publishes Book About Mental Health and PTSD Recovery

I’ve also posted a soft book launch event local to me at The Gillery, Mossley. 29/30th May. Each day a musician friend and a couple of brilliant wordsmiths will be joining me. It is free, but book a table via the venue as space will be limited as we are still in mid covid restrictions.

https://fb.me/e/4mAns7Ymp

I have also just stared planning workshops with Phantasmagoria in Ashton.. first two day event is in May and then we are talking about doing other projects with under priveleged members of the community.. exciting stuff…

Anyway I’m going to go sit at my front door. It’s sunny so what could go wrong. I’ve got new material to write up and emails to send to harass people to promote the book..

Have a nice weekend and happy day of St George for those inclined to celebrate!

Soft launch

So.. firstly thank you to everyone who has shown an interest in the book and especially to those who have committed and paid hard earned cash up front.. it means alot and the there is faith in the material and your jumping on the journey.. so big thanks!!!

For those that haven’t.. you still have time…I ordered spares!!! don’t wait until I’m lounging in my scruffs on a couch with Jonathan Ross…. Haha…. contact via email on website, Facebook or any other means I am on..

Next.. and for this not aware… A decent percentage of the book sales will be donated to Emmaus Mossley.. They have a great set up and work tirelessly helping the homeless.. so please check them out… And I’ve also attached some words from their director https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/

“We are extremely grateful that Emmaus Mossley has been chosen to benefit from sales of this book. All of the funds raised will support our charity, helping us provide a home, work, training and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.

“Leon The Pig Farmer has supported our charity for many years, shopping in our Secondhand Superstore, supporting our events and taking the time to get to know the people we support. We have seen first-hand the impact of his spoken word performances and look forward to seeing these poems in print within this book.”

Alison Hill, Director at Emmaus Mossley

So.. that’s it for now… just a book launch in the making at end of May.. details tonfollow… I’m buzzin thank you for reading… you know where I am …

Talking myself out of trouble

So… It’s here, the test press of my first and self published book.. And I am buzzin! So happy and it’s the start of a new chapter, pardon the pun.

It’s took a while from the seed planted last year but I’m glad it took the time. The illustrations by my mate Phil Wagstaff are immense. He’s such a talent with his own back story. He has helped create my vision of word and art interpretations in published form.

My pal Steve Reilly has been so helpful and took the raw form idea and turned it into the vibrant and punchy product that it now is.. His digital wizardry has been priceless.

Others have helped and are mentioned in the book. My next thank you I hope is to You!!.. I would love it if people backed this project and purchased a copy..

The focus is and always will be helping and inspiring others. A portion of the cost goes to Emmaus Mossley, who are part of a national charity organisation who help the homeless. So please check out what they do. https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/

So, this is me “Talking myself out of trouble”… And introducing a book of 30 verse from soldier to spoken word via a mental health recovery journey to the world. Please share!

Mamucium calling

The old Roman name for the castlfield fort.. also became mancunium and well we know where it went next… Anyway.. I’ve booked to have the word along with some artwork inked into my body… Nowt like been impulsive!!

On other fronts I’m still waiting on my test book. Lulu says it’s despatched but not sure if by pigeon or pit pony.. the anticipation is unbearable!!!.. I’ve started taking orders on it.. good response too.. thanks to all so far that have shown an interest! I’m also looking at independent outlets to sell the book.. the Gillery in Mossley and vinyl testing place in Affleck palace are on board so far.. buzzin!

I’ve been to Phantasmagoria in Ashton today and planning a few workshop ideas there to get stuck into around creativity.. also Emmaus are on board and aware a portion of book sales will be going to them.. let’s hope it sells!!!..

My pal Steve Reilly who helped considerably with my book and website has come up with an idea. As he is the founder of Spicey O’Reilly’s chilli sauce.. we have discussed a pig farmer branded version.. a tad giddy about that!!!.. more to come there no doubt…

And lastly I’ve been to a new barbers shop. Same talented sorcerer with scissors Inky Steve but his new venture. The butchers chop shop is ace.. check out the new pic in the salon.

And lastly I’m gigging for “sayin” on Tues 27th April. Old abbey tap House, Manchester..

Going my own way

And not a lonely day to be had!!. Bit of Fleetwood Mac reference for ya!!.. Bits and pieces keeping me busy.. helping pals get their business opening on track.. labour for a lunch!!.. proper cooperative..

More writing and rehearsing.. getting ready for the big reopening. New material flows in these bizzare times. first public spouting planned for “Sayin” in Manchester on 27th April.. not done their events yet so buzzin..

Been out connecting with Paul at Pathlight thrive hive.. planning a few walks and talks with him and anyone else that wants to escape the house around saddleworth. Check his Facebook page for planned treks..

Received news of another published bit of work coming out soon via worktown.. theme was masks… Of which I have worn a few… “Talkinmyself out of trouble” – No new info on my own book as still waiting for the test copy.. like a cat on a hot tin roof I’m dying to get it out there!!!

I’m still a self appointed resident poet on the rebels and rule breakers Facebook page.. I seem to have fallen into a weekly one piece performance.. go check it out.. great work going on there..

I’m now emailing.. messaging.. pestering… And crawling all over organisations, groups, radio, media sites and anyone who can spread the word of my pending book launch and sale.. so on that note please pass on to mates and people you may know.. “Talking myself out of trouble” is coming!!

So on that note.. T shirts are still for sale and summer is coming!!oh.. and here’s a picture of pies I received as payment for work.. it’s all about the back scratching!!!

Breaking radio silence

Information on my pending book launch was included in ‘Oldham Today’ between 10.00-12.00 noon. The programme will be repeated between 5.00-7.00pm and 5.00-7.00am on 6.4.21. on …
The Award Winning Oldham Community Radio Station. 99.7fm.

I’ve contacted a few other media outlets and things look promising for some crackin exposure… I’m still awaiting a test copy of the book. but if it’s right.. I’ll be ordering my first batch…. Info on taking book orders coming soon… anyone fancy mentioning me, the journey and my first book release please drop me a message.. or pass on to someone who might be..

I’ve run out of T shirts!!.. all sold, even spares… So I’m on a re order submission plan.. anyone fancy a LPF t shirt for pending gigs and Fests drop me a message!!!.. £7 for an alternative individual piece of DIY merch.. here’s a pic of one design.. modelled by top mates lee and Ange…..

However I do have more badges and stickers ordered… The merch page will soon be updated with correct pricing… Hats and cups next on my agenda!!

Hope to see some of you in a beer garden soon.. or a gig or two.. let’s get busy… Oh and on the bad advice of good friend .. I’ve joined tik tok.. short verse distribution.. come find me.. LPF