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The past 18 days I've mainly been writing the first episode of a series called Origin Stories for BBC radio 4. (It's 318 days since my installation as Chancellor.) Then there's been the publication of my new and selected poems called Gold from the Stone and the start of the Gold from the Stone. Oh and the beginning of The Christmas Dinners. So On 17th I spent the day in Liveroool for The Christmas Dinner, A care leaver sang Amazing Grace at the end and had us in tears. Back in London on 19th I finish recording for BBC radio "Lemn Sissay on Bob Marley". click link to listen.

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On Sat 20th I did BBC London and met Reece wetherspoon really enjoyed the interview.On 21st I appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival for the launch of my book Gold from the Stone. I was interviewed by the new head of Scottish Poetry Library: Asif KhanQuiet incredible piece in The Observer came out the same day One of my morning noises was quoted in the article. And the book signing afterwards was a joy. Sold out of the books.On 22nd I was a guest on R3's The Verb with Ian McMillan live at the Edinburgh Book Festival..Booker prize winner James Kellman there too. He recalled how we read together at The Radical Black Bookfair 25 years ago.On 23rd I saw Her Name Was Carmen at Englsih National Opera in London with my friend Bobbi Byrne. The star is Irina Korlesnikova one of "the greatest classical dancers of our time". She wept as she curtain closed. took her bow. I loved it!The next day on 24th I traveled to Manchester and had one of the most momentous days in my adult life. I can't speak about it yet. But I will.After returning to London on 26th I set off for the Greenbelt Festival on 27th. many came.I am loving this book tour. And another great book signing. It feels like my first book. Anabsolute honour.Later in the day I gave a Q and A with author Martin Wroe. A packed house. Tent.The next day 28th I gave a masterclass but most exciting for me was the meeting with Satish Kumar. He wrote No Destination which was adapted for The World Service. I was the voice of the book. We've been wanting to meet each other for a few years now.A good festival means meeting good people. Chatting to Simon Mayo at the breakfast table in the hotel was another highlight. He shared his creative explorations which had me on the edge of my seat.Back in London on 29th was my book launch @roughtradeeastThen booksigning was a blast yet again. I'm meeting old friends and new.Emperor Haile Selassie's grandson Prince Michael Makonnen came . I am honoured.On 30th August I travelled to Bristol to launch the book at Rise Music.after the booksigning I noticed The Stay Gold mug.Bristol was a blast then I set straight off for Rough Trade in Nottinghamand the book signing was beautiful yet again. Honest it really was.The three events at Rough Trade have been a success. Ka Booom!Straight back to London on 1st sept where I was interviewed by Sophie Ikenye for Focus Africa who was recently voted one of the 100 most successful young africans in the world and then a BBC World interview on the world service with Hewete Haileselassie and on 2nd September I interviewed marquees of queensberry for BBC PM programme Friday 2nd Ten pieces at The Royal Albert Hall presented by naomi Wilkinson and myself was was broadcast on BBC radio 2. On 4th I was a guest on BBC TV's Sunday Morning Live with Naga Munchetty. She's on strictly come dancing this year.Some years ago I stopped drinking and started living. Stopping drinking and starting living is the best thing I have done in my adult life. I don't know if you'll understand this but...... I got Lemn back.