John Siddique

‘John Siddique's poetry takes the reader on a journey, crossing the border country between love and loss. Interested in exploring opposite worlds and seeming contradictions; sometimes steamy, often moving, his poetry is a brilliant balancing act.’ - Jackie Kay

'John Siddique's writing is playful and poignant. It explores the complexities of a fragmented world - of sex, family, loss and dream-life - with such clear-eyed, unsentimental candour that I go back to certain poems time and again for another immersion. He's not afraid of writing about love, its pain and rewards, its sudden, shocking forces and darkly funny epiphanies - and his poems demonstrate a generosity and humanity so often lacking in more brittle, defensive writers.' - Catherine Smith

'Recital' - A Major Review
Recital is discussed as a national text by Dr Claire Chambers

Classic FM
I was interviewed on Classic FM last week about Poetry, Creativity and Young People - you can hear the piece here

Argotist
There is an new indepth interview in The Argotist about 'Recital' and my writing and artistic life.

Ulysses
My piece on Joyce's Ulysses and its place in my life is now online at the mighty NormBlog

'Recital' Feature
My latest book is discussed over at the SALTblog

Connecting Classrooms
I am currently running a project in Blackburn with very bright young people who want to connect more with their sense of belonging in their town and across the world. The project links classrooms in Blackburn, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and is supported by The British Council and SEMA.

Moving Manchester
I was commissioned by The Centre for Transcultural Writing & Research at Lancaster University to write a series of portraiture poems and take photographic portraits looking at the experience of migration into Manchester from overseas. The poems & photos are now online.

Los Angeles Writer in Residence 2009
I have returned from my post as British Council Poet in Residence 2009 based at California State University, Los Angeles. There are still a number of projects on the go, however, including some translations and the creation of some films based on my book Recital.

Mexican Translation Project
Article in US Spanish Newspaper 'La Opinion' on Translation Project of four Mexican poets.

Guardian Poetry Workshop
I was asked to lead a Guardian workshop a while back - if you'd like a writing prompt please take a look.

Readings & Appearances
Details of upcoming readings & appearances can now be found here

PUBLICATION NEWS 'Recital - An Almanac.' My new book published by SALT in now available as a paperback (isbn 1844717232). For collectors, you can still get you hands on the hardback (isbn 9781844715145) from amazon or by contacting John for a signed copy. There has been a lot of interest in the book from Library Reading Groups and Younger readers at colleges and universities so we have created a reading group guide for Recital, to aid discussion of the book. 'The Prize' has been reprinted by The Rialto with a beautiful colour cover for this edition. My book for children ‘Don’t wear it on your head,’ has been reprinted. Peepal Tree are happy to offer discounts to schools who wish to buy sets of the book, contact Hannah on 01132451703. Blackpool Book 'John Siddque's Blackpool - A Poet's View,' a small book of my poems and photographs for the seaside town. Written during my time as Poet in Residence for the town, the pieces chart the lives and stories of the people and fabric of the resort which the tourists rarely get to see. If you would like a copy please mail the Arts Development Team and let them know of your interest. Three new poems appear in The Literary Review Vol 52 No. 3 - published by Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey. It is a special Indian Poets Issue edited by Sudeep Sen. The Ouroboros Review - Has a great review of Recital, two new poems, and an in depth interview w/ 'lil old me please give them a look.
Recital Tour: Over the next year my reading schedule will focus on presenting poetry from the new book in live settings, we already have a number of dates planned for the autumn, including some festival readings, and we are keen to add more events where we can create beautiful presentations in great surroundings. If you would like to recommend this tour to a promoter or venue please feel free to have them contact us for more information. Details of upcoming events are on the readings page.
Schools I am happy to book sessions in for the new school year and beyond. If you represent a school and would like a visit for a reading or workshop, please get in touch sooner rather than later as things tend to book up fast.
INTERACTIVE Twitter Follow the poet's tweets. If you do that sort of thing Facebook Those of you who use Facebook can now join the ‘John Siddique’ group, where you can interact with others, find the most up to date news of my writings, events and projects as well as video clips, sound recordings and other bits and bobs. 'Simple Economics' E card One of my poems was used to promote national poetry day last year, you can still send it as an e card. Mailing list If you would like to be on the mailing list, drop me a line and I'll include you in future information mail outs. If you prefer to be notified of happenings by ordinary mail, just send a A5 stamped addressed envelope to the usual address.