Po8ree’s Profile

I started writing poetry after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in April 2005. I developed my writing skills through writing web sites, open mic performance and workshops. I wrote romantic poetry for and performed in a show called, ‘A Crow of Murders’ in 2007 at the Contact Theatre in Manchester. Whilst doing that I was completing the poetry for my first book, ‘The Taming of The Fork’, which was published by Authorhouse in 2008. It is both an informative and semi-serious look at coping with the disease. Having got the ‘show bug’ I wrote and directed my own 90minute show called, ‘Emotional Rainbows’ which looked at the different layers and aspects of society. It was performed by a cast of eight. The show was performed as part of the ‘Not Part of .... ‘Manchester Festival January and July 2008.
The main thrust of my writing over the last few years has been children’s picture books. I have written four, with another three in the pipeline. A manuscript with three stories has been sent to publishers for consideration. I am, in-between, all this writing my first drama/thriller -
‘A Winters Dice’- It’s a tale about two English family’s who want to relax in the snows of the Canadian Mountains. There world melted into a battle with nature when a Grizzly smelt last night’s cooking as it wandered through an open door to where his friends daughter played...
I am also adapting my poetry for six short community films based on subjects not normally openly discussed and are designed to stimulate discussion , for example ‘Domestic Violence’. My second poetry book is mid- compilation.
Having Parkinson’s and a speech impediment has not kept my creative writing future on hold.
Comments – from poetry web address - writeoutloud.net
Bashfull Brian and the Waggle Dance
andy n - Thu 15th Jul 2010

top stuff, Phil... got to see you are coming back here with some really nice stuff... this could be the beginning of a lovely kids collection i think (or possibly the collection itself with some good paintings and drawings inbetween the words)

Jayne Halliwell - Wed 14th Jul 2010
Wowee! This is lovely. It's a brilliant poem for children I think and yet still be enjoyable for adults too. Really lovely.

Would society find me, if I was not there?
Cynthia Buell Thomas - Sun 9th May 2010

I think this is really good, Phil. It has a strong social voice, in a well-written, gripping story. It's great to have you posting.

My ‘Rose’ in a Desert Storm
Deborah Jordan - Wed 14th Jul 2010

"I want see the sun in your eyes, the way you had planned" beautiful words Phil, i hope she reads them, debz x

General

Zuzanna Musial - Fri 15th Feb 2008

I enjoyed reading your beautiful writings. All the poems are excellent! I regret we do not have the opportunity to hear the writer to read his/her poems on the stage…

Nefertiti – Tue 18th Mar 2008
I'm so glad that you are channelling the negative stuff from your P.D. into wonderful poetry! Well done!

Education

As far as a related qualification is concerned I have achieved an ‘A’ level in English Lang/Lit. When I turned 44 I completed a Foundation Degree in Community Governance.
I have attended several creative writing, and performance workshops. I have also benefitted from two ‘Writers Retreat’ weekends.

Work Experience

For the last 17 years of my working career I worked for Trafford MBC working closely with its multi-ethnic communities up to Management level. I now do voluntary basis in the north part of the borough. I also a member of and work with Parkinson’s UK.

Favourite poets – Felix Dennis, Carol Ann Duffy, A Conan Doyle

Favourite author – Wilbur Smith