There has been a remarkable explosion the world of poetry in the island in recent years, with many people standing on stage, taking part in slams and open mics and even releasing their own books.

Now, one of the people largely responsible for the growth of the island’s poetry scene has finally found the time to release a book of her own work.

Hazel Teare’s debut publication, ’Life and Other Inconveniences’, will be available to buy from this weekend.

The collection features more than 50 poems, based on a range of themes, ideas, thoughts and feelings, written over a lifetime that Hazel has been spent writing, and immersed in the world of literature.

’This book has been a very long time coming,’ said Hazel.

’I actually thought of the title about 20 years ago, but I have been so involved in helping people with their own projects that I have more or less left my own.

’There are no general theme running through the book, and the title, Life and other inconveniences says it all,’ she added.

’They are a mix of serious, funny and hopefully light-hearted takes on life and the universe. I didn’t want to be too rigid, as I wanted the poems to happen just as they happen, just as instances in your life.’

Hazel was the organiser of the regular poetry open mics, held underneath the now-closed Bath and Bottle pub in Douglas, which led so many people to find their voice and the courage to stand up in front of a crowd.

For many years she was also the right-hand to Pullyman, Michael Cowin, who sadly died shortly before Christmas. She is a long time member of the Isle of Man Poetry Society and was part of the team that set up the Manx Bard committee.

’I have been writing more or less my whole life,’ she said.

’Like most artists and writers, a lot of poets are very cagey about putting ourselves forward because poetry involves putting a lot of yourself in there.

’I know not every writer does, but it almost like you are laying yourself bare, in a way, and you are never quite sure if it is good, and you never know whether or not people will like it.

’I am still extremely unsure about my work, even after all this time.

’I’ve won competition and had poems commended, and I still think "Can I really write?"

’Friends keep pushing me and tell me to blow my own trumpet. You never really get the attention you want if you don’t push yourself and shout about yourself.

’I’ve organised open mic nights, and organised and edited the work of others, and put a lot of effort in helping others get themselves off the ground and I think it is time I helped give myself that push with my own writing.’

’Life And Other Consequences’ is available, priced £7, by emailling Hazel at music_freak@hotmail .com