​Exciting news! My time-hopping historical/fiction verse novella Hart & Halfpenny will be published by the wonderful TwistiT Press (home of Twist in Time Magazine) in March 2021.

These poems explore the life and beliefs of King James VI of Scotland & I of England, and the legacy he and his reign left the world (intentionally or not, and for good, bad, or otherwise). From his persecution of witches (which he later regretted) to the ordering of the King James bible to the United Kingdom itself; or his open bisexuality, his unwavering belief in the Divine Right of Kings, the tradition of Bonfire Night in the wake of the Gunpowder Plot, and his impact on Shakespeare's later plays (not least of all Macbeth) - and more besides - have all echoed down the centuries.

And yet in the popular imagination, he is comparatively overlooked for someone who made such an impact. My aim with these poems - as someone who started researching with a strong dislike for the man, but now I am not without sympathy for him - is to bring James and his legacy to life in my own small way.

Fictional poems weave around the historical to tell a contemporary tale of the friendship between two thirtysomethings, Bryony and Ash, in 21st century England - they call back and reflect the historical themes of James and those around him: magic, religion, fear, superstition, ambition, borders and identities, and the various ways we love as they relate to our own time.

Published poems - historical

'The last gift of Lennox' (The Wellington Street Review, Issue Three)

'Mary at the murder of Rizzio' (Mookychick, October 2019)

'Rumours and oracles' (Nightingale & Sparrow, Issue IV 'nevermore')

'Hart', 'Prevention is better than the cure' (Twist in Time Magazine)

'James reconsiders his wishes for witches' (Dear Reader)
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Published poems - contemporary

'Red letter days', 'Gently does it', 'Miserere' (Amethyst Review)

'A few things cunning women do' (Ink Sweat & Tears)

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