In the Middle of May

The High Window has published J.S.'s review of Kathleen McPhilemy's fourth poetry collection, Back Country. J.S. describes it as "a confident, thoughtfully constructed collection", "a subtle and well-crafted exploration of place and the loss of it"

Acumen Reviews Underword

The literary journal Acumen has generously reviewed J.S.Watts' recent poetry collection Underword in its May 2023 edition (issue 106).

You'll have to hop over to the Acumen website to buy a copy of #106 in order to read its poetry, prose and reviews in full, but here's a flavour of its review of Underword :

"Watts' poems are dextrous and engaging, bearing the reader along with the narrative skills she has honed in her other life as a novelist."

"In the title poem 'Underword' we have the first reference in the book to Orpheus, whose mythical story is the guiding influence behind the collection."

"poems in Watts' collection have light and colour at their centre"

You can buy your own copy of Underword from this website and from Amazon, amongst other outlets.

Where in Ware?

J.S. is looking forward to reading at Ware Poets on Friday, 12th May. You can find further details on the Ware poets website and on the Events Page of this website. There will be poems from the recent Underword collection, amongst other things.

Being a Bit Judgy

Today is 1st May and the opening day for entries for the 2023 international Bedford short story and poetry competitions.

J.S. is extremely honoured to be judging the 2023 Cygnature Story Prize. For further details, please go to the competition website.