Monday, December 04, 2017

Helen Cadbury appreciation

When I first moved to York I went to a few local poetry events and was always made to feel welcome by hosts and participants alike. Helen Cadbury in particular was very welcoming and we would sometimes meet for tea at the Theatre Royal in between her no doubt productive meetings with theatre and poetry folk. As the years went by we had less time to catch up but did attend each other's book launches and Helen was kind enough to write a review for the back of my novel. She achieved well deserved success with her series of contemporary crime novels set in York. The Sean Denton Series

I was very sorry to hear of Helen's death earlier this year and she is a real loss to the cultural life of York. As Christmas approaches I am thinking of her family.

Valley Press is launching her poetry collection Forever, Now tomorrow night in York. Unfortunately the event is sold out but I will be thinking of Helen, her talent, and her warm welcome for everyone.

Helen was featured on this blog in 2011 with her poem From the Norse.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Summer and autumn round-up

This should really be a spring round-up as well: I've been out of action for much of the year with an injury, and had to cancel guest reader slots at several events, which was a shame. A post about Helen Cadbury is coming soon.

I did manage to get to The Speakers' Corner to take up a guest reader slot that supported David Costello. A very enjoyable night with great hosting by Andy Humphrey.

In October I will be guest reader at More Poetry in London. I haven't read in London for ages and am very much looking forward to this.

Ken Champion is one of the hosts of More Poetry. I've written a review on the back of his latest novel, Thrust, which is very perceptive about the architectural changes taking place in London. The three main characters are well-drawn and Ken's observations of city life are authentic and original as usual.

I was delighted to see that Homecoming was given a lovely review by Tanya Parker Nightingale in Dream Catcher Magazine. Many thanks. If you are one of my past or present creative writing students reading this post do check out Dream Catcher, which welcomes submissions of poetry and short stories, as well as artwork, interviews, and reviews.

The Inside-Out House is still receiving good reviews, which is exciting. I am currently completing my new Young Adult novel, Project Miriam.

My books are available in a few public and university libraries around the world. I was especially pleased to see a summary of my 2007 pamphlet 'Safe Passage' in a university library in Baylor, Texas.  Always expect the unexpected!


Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Poem on the Algebra of Owls website

I'm very pleased to say that one of my poems from 'Homecoming' is up on the excellent Yorkshire-based poetry e-zine Algebra of Owls.

Also, 'Homecoming' is available in the Guardian Bookshop. I have read more than a few of their recommended books over the years and I'm delighted to be in such good company.


York Literature Festival HUB 2018 event, Tuesday, 20th March

I'm looking forward to my first event for absolutely ages - at the York Literature Festival HUB. Many thanks to YLF and Valley...