Ready Or Not: Living in the Break Down Lane

By Paul Richmond

Paul Richmond is a fascinating poet - his words are evocative & meaningful. He writes about contemporary issues, about love, about relationships & always with the fine hand of a brilliant observer of the human condition. His readings of his poems are mind-blowing - there's never any doubt in the mind of his audience that he's not only a distinguished poet but also a talented actor who gives life to his words, whether on the printed page or if he's declaiming on stage. I have the good fortune to live in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. That's where Paul gives readings, hosts regular "Open Mics" and also plans & brings to fruition many, many opportunities for other poets & prose writers to share their work. This book, "...Ready or Not - Living in the Break Down Lane" is made for your bookshelf - remember, it's also a fabulous gift for family members & friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Richmond
• Release date: Aug 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452442884

Paul Richmond

Paul Richmond started writing 37 years ago, by keeping a journal. After many years of filling boxes of journals, he became a performer where he wrote or co-wrote the scripts for his solo, duet, and group shows. This led to writings he saw as “stories” or "poems", that he presented at local poetry / spoken word events. Many have been collected to create “No Guarantees – Adjust and Continue.” and "Ready or Not - Living in the Break Down Lane" with two other books that are not here. He runs Human Error Publishing and organizes many local Word Festivals.

Book preview

Paul Richmond writes in a really loose, train-of-consciousness style that is easy to follow, inexplicably hilarious, and reminds me of Ginsberg and Beat poetry. Jonathan von Ranson

Quirky stories & revealing surprises abound here. Short and packed with meaning, these are stories to be savored. One can almost see them as performance pieces. Protest art. Surreal emotional moments. Paradoxical portraits. This author has a strong and unique voice. A rare book, worth seeking out. As the author states, The secrets that are revealed in this book will change everyone's life around you. Unfortunately you have to change your own life. VisionWorks - Dick Mcleester

The first time I saw Paul Richmond, I was a judge for a poetry competition for the Florence Poets Society. There were a lot of great poems that day, also many pretty awful ones. As soon as I saw Paul, I knew something was up with this guy. He had a "look' to him like I was really in for something. One of those funny glowing aura things you see around an intensely creative person. Well I was right. His words were awesome, his delivery a beautiful thing, and he made me think about things while making me laugh heartily at the same time. I immediately bought his book and had him sign it and have been a huge fan ever since. Pick up a copy of everything this guy has ever written, I promise you will not be disappointed!! To see him perform live is an absolutely wonderful experience also. Peter Smolenski
Abstract Artist – Creator of Global online art and poetry events

Ready or Not

Living in the Break Down Lane

By

Paul Richmond

Published by Human Error Publishing - Smashwords Edition

P O Box 838

Greenfield, MA 01302

[e-mail]

Copyright © 2009 by Paul Richmond

All Rights Reserved

First Edition June 2009

Feedback and inquires about readings: [e-mail]

Front cover was created by Pablo

There are other books by Human Error Publishing: No Guarantees - Adjust and Continue 2007

Human Error Publishing asks that no part of this publication be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or information storage or retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher, the reason, the author needs the money.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Hello

Ready or Not

Living in the Break Down Lane

Was written

1) In the back of a stolen car - That was parked in a field - That I lived in for a summer

2) While breaking up - Losing my job - Losing my home - Realizing I had no friends -

In a workshop meant to build self-esteem.

3) By an unknown author for they were all in a weather beaten notebook - Found on a table in a café - They have just been copied here

4) While listening to jazzzzzzzz - Stoned - In bits and pieces - In a delusional time - When I considered myself a writer

Actually there is no need for you to know how and where these were written. That is for another time, when fans ask for the biography. For now I hope you enjoy them. That they inspire you. After reading these you might wonder, ask, why am I not writing? As with all things, these pages contain material which might inspire you to express your point of view. Each of you may argue that your vision is the one to follow and since each of you has a unique prophecy, this will lead to heated discussions.

In order to help with these discussions, I suggest that you and