Andy Forster, Literature Development Officer for Dumfries & Galloway until this spring, and now working for the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere has been nominated for a prestigious prize following the publication of his first collection of poems. Andy's book "Fear of Thunder" has been shortlisted for a Forward Prize for the Best First Collection of poetry. It was published late last year by Flambard Press.
Andy now organises the Wordsworth Trust's programme of poetry readings that brings some of the best poets to Cumbria to read their work. He has also set up a poetry workshop and organises occasional outdoor poetry readings for visitors to Dove Cottage, including reading his own work. Michael McGregor, Director of the Trust said: "We are all delighted to see Andrew's talents as a poet recognised. The trust has a long tradition of encouraging an interest in poetry and nurturing new talents, and it is great to see that Andrew is achieving this level of recognition for his work."
Andy now organises the Wordsworth Trust's programme of poetry readings that brings some of the best poets to Cumbria to read their work. He has also set up a poetry workshop and organises occasional outdoor poetry readings for visitors to Dove Cottage, including reading his own work. Michael McGregor, Director of the Trust said: "We are all delighted to see Andrew's talents as a poet recognised. The trust has a long tradition of encouraging an interest in poetry and nurturing new talents, and it is great to see that Andrew is achieving this level of recognition for his work."
Andy's poems have appeared in literary magazines and anthologies since 1993. He has also written essays and reviews of poetry and was awarded Scottish Arts Council writer's bursaries in 1998 and 2002. In 2001 he was Writer in Residence for North Lanarkshire council museum department, which lead to editing the anthology Imagining Industry. He is currently completing the MA in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. Describing his work in "Fear of Thunder", Andrew said: "The poems in the collection look at what makes us human: The father who can't escape a childhood fear; the airforce pilot who refuses to fly; Elizabeth Bishop taking stock in North Carolina. The wide range of characters speak to us of our common experience."
Many congratulations Andy, from all your supporters in Dumfries & Galloway!
