One of Write Out Loud's featured poets, who also runs Pulsar in the West Country, has a new book out. Called "In the Mix" it's a collection of his poems from 1990 to 2006. Find out more about David by having a look at his profile and a free sample of his work at http://www.writeoutloud.net/poets/davidpike

"In the Mix" is an A5 size perfect-bound book with a full colour cover and sixty pages, copyright © David Pike, ISBN 978-0-9520431-8-8, © Ligden Publishers 2007, UK price £5.99, (£4.99 if ordered direct from Ligden Publishers, 34 Lineacre, Grange Park, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 6DA). Cheques payable to: Ligden Publishers. The author will sign copies, on request. The majority of the poems have been published in small magazines and newspapers and many have been aired via the BBC. Foreword by American poet, Rose Solari. Visit: www.rosesolari.com

"I have spoken to David Pike on a number of occasions and have always been impressed with his passion for the written word, be it in story form, poetry or prose.  His hard work in organising the regular Pulsar poetry gatherings demonstrates again his enthusiasm for bringing poetry to life in every sense of the word.   His new book of poems "In the Mix" further serves to prove this, and I am sure will be enjoyed by readers and writers alike." Mark Seaman, Senior Producer and Presenter, BBC Radio Wiltshire and BBC Radio Swindon.

"Few people have the talent to take ordinary, everyday words and transform them into something extraordinary. David Pike’s natural feel for language is stunning. The breadth of this collection is exhilarating, touching on serious themes such as ageing, intellect, childhood and social observation and then throwing in the downright hilarious. A superb work." Gill Harris, Deputy Chief Sub Editor, Swindon Advertiser.

"David Pike is an acute observer of the unconscious drollery of much of human behaviour in the quotidian, but also a gentle revealer of the small ways in which nature can make us suddenly step back and see the big picture of the true value of our existence. These are enviable qualities indeed." Geoff Ward, Book Editor, Western Daily Press and Bristol Evening Post.

"David Pike has a controlled, deceptively relaxed style, an appropriate foil for his wry, affectionate view of a world that seems, in these poems at least, at one moment joyfully absurd and at the next haunting and cruel. As one might expect from a poet comfortable with reading his work to audiences, Pike’s work is accessible. However, it would be a mistake to assume his poetry operates on one level only. I found myself drawn back to it repeatedly as the images and sound refused to fade. Recommended!" Bob Mee, Editor, Iota & Ragged Raven Press, Warwickshire.