Writing this from within London’s clammy heatwave, glugging iced-coffee, but just wanted to update the site with a few links. I’ve had a few lucky breaks lately, and am thrilled to be nominated for the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem for ‘Pollen’, which was published in Bad Lilies. The poem is here, and I also did a short interview. I was also totally shocked to discover Frank Skinner had made a podcast about my poems! He’s such an insightful reader, it’s a real honour – you can listen to it here.
And then this week I was made an honorary Doctor of Letters by Bolton University (I’ve always described myself as a ‘lady of letters’ so this is a pleasing upgrade). We had such a lovely reception, with champagne, nibbles and requests on the baby grand piano (thankyou, Martin), and my mum had a great time.
And Delphi is out next week too. So a few events… I’m in conversation with the fabulous Cathy Rentzenbrink this Sunday morning at 12am at Latitude Festival if any of you happen to be there… say hi if you are!
I also have an event at my beautiful local bookshop Review next Wednesday (27th July) at 7pm, where I will be chatting to Cecilia Knapp (also nominated for the Forward) – all proceeds go to CALM. Tickets are £5, redeemable against a copy of the book, and hoping to see some South Londoners there.
And for those who aren’t doing in-person, I’m very pleased to have a digital launch on the actual day of publication – Thursday 28th July – with FANE, where I am chatting to Sophie Haydock (author of The Flames) – tickets are available here. Right, off to spray my face with water now…
clarepollard 