Just 10 days until my little Minx steps past the early ransoms, crocuses and last of the snowdrops, pushes open the doors of bookshops and finds new homes with poetry lovers. I’ve enjoyed hearing where her imminent arrival is being spoken about. I have been sent a copy of a books roundup by Tina Gaisford-Waller recommending Minx in her travel history, art and culture section. I’m spending lots of time walking in the wilds to keep my authorial feet on the ground and working on a project that I’ll be sharing once Minx has reached her own destination. In the meantime, I’m sending my thanks to Tina @tinaravenwaller, @HuntingRavenBks, for the mention and Elise for sending me a copy of the article.
Karen Downs-Barton is an award winning poet. Minx, her first collection, is published by Chatto and Windus, Penguin Random House in March 2025. Her pamphlet, Didicoy, won the 2022 International Book and Pamphlet Competition and was the Poetry Book Society recommended pamphlet 2023. Her writing incorporates experimental form and multilingualism alongside lyric pieces exploring an Angloromani heritage, times in state child care, and in diverse occupations including a magician's assistant. Karen has appeared on BBC Radio 4's The Verb, Ledbury Literature Festival, and is currently touring, promoting Minx. Karen gained a Doctorate in Creative Writing from King's College, London and is a regular workshop facilitator for Creative Future UK. Follow her on social media at: @downsbarton Instagram, @karendownsbarton.bsky.social
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Karen Downs-Barton 