Ocean Vuong
I’ve read both Vuong’s poetry collection, ‘Night Sky with Exit Wounds’ and his debut novel, ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’. Both of these works are majestic. Vuong’s poetic voice is vivid, striking and captivating. I cannot wait for his next work.
Danez Smith
Danez Smith’s poetry collections, ‘Don’t Call US Dead’ and ‘Homie’ are two of my favourite contemporary poetry books. Smith’s is a voice that is truly original, urgent and candid. If you haven’t already, I urge you to check out their work.
Andrew McMillan
McMillan’s ‘Physical’ was the first poetry book I ever purchased and it has remained one of the most inspiring and influential collections I have ever read. I’m currently reading his second collection, ‘Playtime’ and it’s proving to be just as impressive.
Christina Thatcher
I have the honour of knowing this fine poet and wonderful human, personally. I first saw Thatcher read poems from her debut collection, ‘More Than You Were’ at an open mic night in Cardiff. Her reading blew me away and gave me the confidence to explore my own pain and struggle through poetry. Both this collection and her second one, ‘How To Carry Fire’ are monumental and powerful works that I cannot recommend enough.
Elisabeth Horan
Another remarkable poet and lovely human that I have the pleasure of knowing personally. Horan’s poetic voice is courageous, powerful and refreshingly vulnerable. Her wit, candour and craft are all spectacular.
David Hanlon is a welsh poet living in Cardiff. He is a Best of the Net nominee. You can find his work online in over 40 magazines, including Rust & Moth, Icefloe Press & Mineral Lit Mag. His first chapbook Spectrum of Flight is available for purchase now at Animal Heart Press.