Author Archives: Karen Downs-Barton

The Planets Aligning

I was honoured and moved by the words about Minx by Joelle Taylor when I read them on the books fly cover. ‘Minx is a splinter of a book, something that interrupts the body. It’s a beautiful violence, each page a shock of poetry that renders an underclass family vivid. Rich, delicate, and brutal. MinxContinue reading “The Planets Aligning”

Minx with Blackbird Feathers

I’m posting my weekly update about Minx and her travels a little early as I’ll be on some travels myself midweek. I wanted to share Pascale Petit’s generous words about her with you.  ‘Every poem in Minx is an enthralling read. Karen Downs-Barton’s gifts are a combination of compelling subjects from a brutal childhood and exquisite formalContinue reading “Minx with Blackbird Feathers”

Minx Cover Reveal

I’m excited to finally be able to reveal the cover for my new collection, Minx. She’s due to be released into the wide world on March 20th but here is a sneak preview of the cover. I’m sending huge thanks to Jackie Kay ( @jackiekaypoet) and Lemn Sissay ( @sissaylemn ) for their wonderful words.Continue reading “Minx Cover Reveal”

Recording Minx – the Audiobook

I’m super excited to announce that on Friday I was at Penguin Random House with my lovely editor, Sarah Howe, to record an audiobook version of my collection. It was a wonderful day starting with a visit to Battersea Power Station for lunch – Wagamama – a new lipstick – MAC – followed by recordingContinue reading “Recording Minx – the Audiobook”

From Poems to Pamphlet

22 January 2025 – 12 February 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (UK), £40.00, Online. LAST THREE PLACES I’m delighted to announce that I will be running a series of four workshops for Creative Future focusing on ways to move beyond a group of poems to a successful pamphlet. The course is designed to exploreContinue reading “From Poems to Pamphlet”

Twixmas

Today, the zone betwixt Christmas and New Year, was a day of preparations for the launch of Minx by Chatto and Windus. Yes, I know she won’t skip into bookshops until March 20th but time is a dandelion clock in her hand and I know she’ll purse her lips and blow. To keep the seedsContinue reading “Twixmas”

Ivan Juritz Prize long list

I’ve just found out that I have been long listed for the Ivan Juritz prize. I’m absolutely delighted and honoured. The competition seeks to reward work in three categories – text, sound, and visual arts – that seeks to ‘make it new’ in the modernist tradition. For this reason I’m feeling really honoured to haveContinue reading “Ivan Juritz Prize long list”

Digital Launch: Book and Pamphlet Competition winners

A virtual event to celebrate Karen Downs-Barton, Luke Samuel-Yates, Jon Miller and Zoë Walkington. Join us as we celebrate these excellent new books from the four winners of the 2022 International Book & Pamphlet Competition. Tune into our special digital launch event for readings and discussion with Karen Downs Barton, Luke Samuel Yates, Jon Miller andContinue reading “Digital Launch: Book and Pamphlet Competition winners”

Didicoy, Poetry Reading at Cheltenham Poetry Festival

I’m delighted to be reading a selection of poems from my book, Didicoy, at the Cheltenham Poetry Festival event on Monday, July 31st alongside the fantastic Rachael Clyne. The event will be live-streamed at 7.30 and tickets are available via TicketSource (link also in image). Didicoy has been announced as the Poetry Book Society recommendationContinue reading “Didicoy, Poetry Reading at Cheltenham Poetry Festival”