[Ed Shacklee]

I was going to title this thread ‘Jayne Osborn Is Only Joking’, but it’s probably a better idea to leave the humor to Jayne, who wrote a very funny book called Only Joking, which I stumbled upon a few days ago. If you like to pepper your stew with books of deft light verse, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s tastefully tasteless in parts, tasty in others, and just very funny throughout. Did I mention there’s a lot of very tastefully tasteless S-E-X? On the front lawn and in crossword puzzles, even; and a lot of old jokes made new. Also the excellent ‘Writer’s Block’, which some of you may remember from when it was workshopped here a few months ago. You’ll feel better looking into the abyss or gazing at your navel after taking a break and reading this book. I did, anyway.

I’m not sure why I never heard of it before, since we have an announcements section and all, but I give it two thumbs up. I’m just hoping she’ll give us her serious side as a bookend to Only Joking some day.

A real hoot, Jayne, you modest creature, you. Congrats!

Ed

Only Joking, by Jayne Osborn
HAB Publications (2011)

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperbac...oking/17800271

[Cally Conan-Davies]

Honest is the inner-name of Jaunty Jesty Sexy Jayne!

To paraphrase Blake, "Light and dark are woven fine, a clothing for the soul divine". Dig into her light and her serious seams appear. The best "light" verse is always like this.

Thanks so much for throwing light on Jayne's achievements, Agent!

We are so lucky to have you, famous poet lady! And I am truly honoured to call you friend.

Cally

[David Mason]

The book has just been ordered!
Dave

[Duncan Gillies MacLaurin]

Nice one, Ed! And nice one, Jayne!

Duncan

[Jayne Osborn]

What can I say? Thanks, Ed, my hero!

I'll admit to being a bit coy about announcing my foray into self-publishing, but I'm glad my grubby little secret is out now!
The ladies of the Women's Institute, where I do most of my readings, kept asking me if I had a book with my funny poems in, as they said they'd have forgotten the jokes by the time they got home. Then my other hero, and good friend, George Simmers, helped me to make the book a reality. Enormous thanks go to George.

I'm giving the proceeds to the Cynthia Spencer Day Hospice in Northampton, where I also read regularly to the staff and patients. They're a wonderful bunch of people.

Thanks, dear Cally and Dave, for getting the ball rolling. I hope Only Joking makes you chuckle.

Don't be misled by Agent Ed.
There's not much tasteless sex in there.
Dear friend, my book will not offend
but if it does... Oh well, sorry, but it's for a good cause so I don't care!

Cheers, (and thanks, Duncan; we cross-posted.)
Jayne

[Ed Shacklee]

"Don't be misled by Agent Ed." Words to live by.

[Susan d.S.]

Thanks for this heads up, Ed, and congratulations Jayne--you are too modest. Will order apace! And best wishes for the new year! Susan

[Janice D. Soderling]

Indeed Jayne, you are too modest. I have the proof of the pudding having et it.

[Bill Carpenter]

This is great news, Jayne. I look forward to the book. Do you get to sing "And Did Those Feet" before every reading? Happy New Year, Bill

[Jayne Osborn]

Hi Bill, and Happy New Year to you, too.

Oh yes - I'm on my feet with the rest of the WI ladies to sing 'Jerusalem' at the start of their meetings; I wait while they do their 'business' and then do my bit.

(There are now quite a few 'break-away' groups in my area, i.e. militant ladies who've left the Women's Institute because they feel the financial demands from head office are too great. So, several former WI groups are now called 'So-and-so Ladies' Group' or 'Friendship Group'. I get to hear some of the gossip!)

Does the WI exist in the States? I'm sure you must have something like it, if not.
And I hope you enjoy Only Joking, Bill. Thanks for your support.