Japanese form
Haiku is not a kind of tag wrestling, as all creative writers know. It isn’t Sumo. It’s a poetic form which originated in Japan. I won’t say any more than that for fear of being set upon by Haiku experts, but…
Jeff Phelps
Deltimania
Always liked postcards... well, I know nobody sends them these days, but they're still nice to get.
The Poetry of Shropshire
Coming next week (November 2013) is a new anthology of The Poetry of Shropshire. It will be available from bookshops and other outlets at £7.99 or direct from Offa's Press . I've had the pleasure of co-editing it with Simon Fletcher, manager at Offa's Press.
Wellington Literary Festival
I’ll be at Wellington Literary Festival on the evening of Tuesday 8th October talking about my books, poetry and writing. This is a great free festival in Shropshire. Please do support it.
Rubery Book Award
This year again I’m one of the judges for The International Rubery Book Award along with Clare Morrall and Ann Evans. It’s a growing competition for independently published and self-published books with prizes of £1000, £200 and £75.
Spring in the air
Looks like a pleasant spring with plenty to keep me busy. I’ll be at City Voices, City Bar, Wolverhampton on Tuesday 12th February 2013 reading from the short story
Residential writing courses
Not everyone likes the idea of spending a week with complete strangers learning how to be a better poet or playwright or novelist – but I’ve always enjoyed it. The surroundings are inspiring – and the food is usually good. So when…
Seven Minute Stories
Delighted to be at the Copthorne Hotel in Birmingham on Tuesday 20th November as part of the showcase of six commissioned writers, who had been working
Readers’ Group stories
In spring I was commissioned by West Midlands Readers’ Network to visit a readers’ group, talk to them about what they did and where they operated, and to write a short story based on what they’d told me. In June…
Offa’s Press at Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
At the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton on Friday 16th November, a performance by the poets of Offa’s Press.
Poetry & walking near Ironbridge
Poetry inspired by places. What a brilliant idea started up by Halfmoon workshops. On Saturday 5th May I’ll be leading a walk/workshop in the hills and woods around Coalbrookdale as part of the Halfmoon programme.
Wenlock Poetry Festival 2011
This year I’m at Wenlock Poetry Festival which runs from 29th April to 1st May and features Jo Shapcott, Andrew Motion, John Hegley, Jackie Kay, Roger Garfitt and Carol Ann Duffy. So I’m in good company!