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”
Tag Archives: @poetrybusiness
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”
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”
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”
Minx and Magma
A whole year after my little Minx was launched upon an unsuspecting world it was a joy to find a review of her in Magma magazine. The lovely Aoife Lyall (@aoife_lyall) gave a very thoughtful review alongside Rosamund Taylor’s Filly and Teresa Lola’s Ceremony for the Nameless. It was lovely to be alongside two poetsContinue reading “Minx and Magma”
Minx – Birthday Girl!
It seems incredible that a year ago today my debut collection, Minx, was launched upon an unsuspecting world. April 8th is International Romani Day, an auspicious start for a collection celebrating the cultural history and diversity of the Roma. The venue was the London Review Bookshop where I first saw my pamphlet, Didicoy, in aContinue reading “Minx – Birthday Girl!”
Deptford Literature Festival
Mother Tongue, Poetry, Family and Inheritance, Saturday 28 March. Just one week until this fabulous event. I’ll be sharing the stage with three wonderful poets, Sarah Howe, and Erica Hesketh, hosted by writer and critic April Yee. We’ll be reading from our latest collections, exploring themes of matrilineage and family, reflecting on how they nourishContinue reading “Deptford Literature Festival”
John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize Shortlist 2026
Minx by Karen Downs-Barton is shortlisted for the John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize 2026
Karen Downs-Barton 