Journal of a poet’s journey to launching their first collection

|| BACKSTORY

It’s set! I’m committed! I’m finally going to make the 12-year-old me proud and do this. I can hear him cheering inside me. “Yay, you finally did it!” But not just yet. This is the beginning.

Here’s the thing. I’m working on my first collection of poetry. I know I have been doing this for years, but now I have given my self a date. It will be out on June 15, 2021. Oops, that didn’t happen. Unngh! Don’t worry 12-year-old me. I will make this happen. I will figure it out.

I am documenting the process as I learn and try new things out as a way of leaving a trail. Hopefully this will all be useful for other poets and writers.

|| CALENDAR 

All dates in 2021. Subject to change depending on how the stanzas of time choose to rhyme:

• March 30 | Title reveal for the collection via Facebook, Instagram, press release, initial press pack and mailing list
• April 20 | Cover reveal via virtual event; Facebook live, Instagram live, press release and mailing list
• Jun 15 | Book launch – In my dreams apparently

|| JOURNAL

March 30, 2022

I know this has nothing to do with the collection, but the comment below by my friend Batsi just reminded me to post this update. She and I started talking last year about setting up an initiative for Zimbabwean poets. We spoke to lots of other poets and people interested in poetry and the arts and we found a lot of support for the idea. And now the journey has begun. We are doing this. It’s called Zimbabwe Poets Society. Its first baby, the Ipikai Poetry Journal, launched at the beginning of the month. Thank you to EVERYONE who has supported or pledged support for this. We’re so amped to be able to begin this journey.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go with others.”
– Zambian proverb.

October 3, 2021

Erm, Iz, where is the collection?  Stop asking me that question. I keep engaging in avoidance behavior. I keep moving the date. Arrrrrgghh. It will happen. Regrouping. Restrategizing. Yesterday, I took part in a poetry reading organized by Almost Island. You see what I’m doing? Changing the subject. I keep doing that. Do you know that I initially meant to launch this book in November last year. It’s been a whole year!!! Give us the damn book Iz.

July 9, 2021

So the poetry in this collection I am working on looks at relationships and technology. How does technology affect and shape relationships today? How does it strengthen them or rip them apart? I am experimenting with ways of sharing the poetry in the collection and marketing it. Check out this poem video I made.

July 9, 2021

It’s July already. How time flies when you’re doing other things that are not related to the work you said you would be doing. Did we miss another deadline? Ugh. I am viciously delaying this project. Not me; my mind is.

February 23, 2021

Overwhelm! Help! I did an IG live this morning talking about this.

February 18, 2021

I’m done with the new cover design.

February 13, 2021

One of the things I need to work on is my social media presence. I am planning for this to be one of the main ways I promote the book. There is a little challenge with Instagram. I wrote about it here.

February 12, 2021

I went live on Instagram for the FIRST TIME – this morning – to announce the launch in June. I had a grand total of ONE live viewer. Haha. It was the scariest thing though, when they came on. I was like oh sheeee, it’s happening! It’s real. Someone is actually listening to me, watching me.

It was also a reminder of how much work I need to put in if my book is to get any attention when the launch happens in June. You know, I’ve run a lot of Instagram accounts for different initiatives before, but the hardest one to grow has been my Iz Mazano account. When you look at effort vs output, it’s been a real slog. I started that account in 2015 and it only hit 100 likes last year – and the last 10 or so likes – I did a paid promotion for :-D. Go ahead laugh when you see me. I laugh about this too – all the time. MORE>>

February 10, 2021

The next thing I am working is a book launch team. I started thinking about this in December last year and procrastinated so much on taking any action. Today I did it, sent two emails to two people who I’m hoping will be key members of the team. Fingers crossed.

February 6, 2021

What am I doing editing the cover that an actual, awesomely talented graphic designer. I just felt inspired to change it up. Sorry Chichi.

February 4, 2021

I have a tentative theme color for the collection. #F22301. I have pushed the launch date to June 15th. Erm. Let’s just put it to logistical challenges.

November 17, 2020

The talented Chiratidzo Chiweshe has agreed to work on the cover! So we’re rolling. In February, even if I don’t have a book, I know for sure I’ll have a kick ass cover ;-). I worked with Chichi for many years in Zimbabwe and I’m a great admirer of her design skills.

October 12, 2020

I’ve set the date for the launch to February 1, 2021.