Biography
Mark Connors is an award winning writer from Leeds, UK. His poetry as appeared in many anthologies, alongside acclaimed poets such as Simon Armitage, Andrew Motion, Antony Dunn and Kate Fox. He’s also had over 80 poems published in a variety of magazines and literary journals both in the UK and overseas, including Envoi, Prole, Dream Catcher and a number of Indigo Dreams imprints. Mark’s debut poetry pamphlet, Life is a Long Song was published by OWF Press in 2015 and is now in its second edition. His first full length collection, 'Nothing is meant to be Broken' was be published in 2017 by Stairwell Books. Mark's debut novel, Stickleback, also now in its second edition, was published by Armley Press in 2016. The second edition features a recommendation on the front cover from the acclaimed poet and novelist, Helen Mort. Mark’s award winning short fiction has won him prizes and commendations at North London Literature Festival, Dartmoor Literature Festival and Otley Word Feast. Mark also won the prestigious open mic competition at Ilkley Literature Festival both in 2014 and 2015. Mark features regularly as a guest compere at literature festivals and also runs WORD CLUB, his own acclaimed poetry night, at The Chemic Tavern in Leeds. Mark recently worked with the Bronte Society and good friend, Joanna Sedgiwck to run, host and help organise the Poetry at the Parsonage Festival, which featured over one hundred poets performing over a weekend in July 2016. Mark is also a director and a managing editor of Half Moon Books at www.owfpress.com.
Samples
Home Is Not Sad (To Philip Larkin) Home is not sad. It stays as it should stay, redolent of early morning scurries from those who left, to go to work or play; keeps the cat dry and safe, smells of curries lovingly made the night before, displays excerpts of lived lives on its hallowed walls, a joyous exhibition with no pain on show; a worn welcome mat in the hall, a place to return to: again, again. Your clutter and hoard. The full fridge. That smell. Published by Prole Books, 2014
All poems are copyright of the originating author. Permission must be obtained before using or performing others' poems.
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