As a break from thinking about when / if it’s going to rain, wild fires, and the other delights of this strange and baking summer I’m looking towards the more temperate region of October and the Dobunni Festival in Stroud. Tickets are now available and there is a stellar line-up of poets taking part, PascaleContinue reading “Poetry Festival – Dobunni Rises”
Tag Archives: @chattobooks
Crafty Crows Reading
With just two days to go until I’m headlining for Crafty Crows, the Gloucester Poetry Society, I thought it was time to put out another quick plug for the event. The event is online – oh yes, there’s no need to leave the comfort of your very own home – and there’s an open micContinue reading “Crafty Crows Reading”
Dirt Poetry Competition Winners!
I’m delighted to be among the winners of the inaugural Dirt Poetry Competition. The competition judges have paired me with the lovely poet Kara Barlow to create poems in response to a yet to be revealed prompt. The other couples are Morag Anderson working with Nasim Luczaj, and Linda France working with Roma Luo.I’d likeContinue reading “Dirt Poetry Competition Winners!”
Dirt Poetry Competition Shortlist
I’m thrilled to have made the shortlist for this innovative competition alongside a roll call of fabulous poets. Congratulations to my fellow shortlistees – Helen Bowell, Jessica Mookherjee, Kara Barlow, Linda France, Morag Anderson, Nasim Luczaj, Rachel Curzon, Rona Luo, and Yvonne Reddick. What a fabulous fillip for the weekend
Minx at Crafty Crows
Just a month to go to my appearance at Crafty Crows. I’ll be reading my favourite poems from Minx, Didicoy, and debuting some exciting new work… because I can! Wednesday, 5th August 2026, 7 pm to 9 pm.Hosted by Emma Clowsley There is an open mic with a generous 3 minutes for readers so doContinue reading “Minx at Crafty Crows”
Royal Society of Literature 2026 Fellows and Honorary Fellows
Congratulations to my MA supervisor Tim Liardet, my agent Elise Dillsworth, stablemate Leo Boix, and the lovely Sophie Herxheimer on their fellowship and honorary fellowship of the RSL. Here’s the RSL social media announcement…The 2026 Fellows: Arifa Akbar @arifa.akbar, Jake Arnott @jakearnottauthor, Joanna Biggs @joanouvelle, Dinah Birch, Leo Boix @boixleo, James Campbell, Lauren Child @laurenchildthatsme, Patricia Duncker, Melissa Harrison @m_z_harrison, SophieContinue reading “Royal Society of Literature 2026 Fellows and Honorary Fellows”
London Grip Reviews MINX
I have just read the poet Jess Mookherjee’s beautiful and sensitive review of Minx for London grip. As a poet, and especially one writing about such personal material, it’s always a pleasure when I hear that Minx has resonated with a reader and Jess just got to the heart of what makes the collection tick.Continue reading “London Grip Reviews MINX”
Dublin and Waterford
This time last week I was facilitating a workshop and later reading with Kerry Hardie and Eoin Devereux at Speak Your Truth‘s Poetry Lounge at Waterford Gallery of Art. We were ably hosted by Ger Duffy, Collette Colfer and Cathy Conlon. It was a broiling day, a pigeon’s nest outside the open window (complete withContinue reading “Dublin and Waterford”
Speak Your Truth
Saturday 23rd May, 2.00-4.00pmCalling all poets and poetry lovers based in Ireland! I’m delighted to announce that I will be reading and in conversation at Speak Your Truth at The Poetry Lounge, Waterford Gallery of Art, O’Connell Street, Waterford. The event is free… yes, totally free! Come along to hear Kerrie Hardie, Eoin Devereux andContinue reading “Speak Your Truth”
Karen Downs-Barton Wins the John Pollard International Poetry Prize
I’m beyond delighted to be able to share news that I won the John Pollard International Poetry Prize. I’d like to thank Dr Linda Doyle and Trinity College Dublin, Stephen Vernon and the John Pollard Foundation, the lovely judges Professor Eoin McNamee, Una Mannion, and Seán Hewitt for welcoming me and this bestowing this wonderfulContinue reading “Karen Downs-Barton Wins the John Pollard International Poetry Prize”
Karen Downs-Barton 