Eastbourne poet is Chichester's virtual poetry guest

Organiser Barry Smith said: “By clicking on the open mic poems page of the website, you will be able to find an overview of Robin’s poetry with a selection of poems specially chosen by herself.

“We are also pleased to be able to include a great selection of new poems from South Downs writers, which all adds up to an exciting collection for people to browse. They are bound to find something there to enjoy!”

Robin is a multiple prize-winner in poetry competitions having won the Poetry Society’s Hamish Canham Prize, the New Writer Poetry Prize, the Poetry Society Stanza Competition and being placed or commended in other competitions including the prestigious Bridport and Plough Prizes, as well as being listed in the National Poetry Competition in 2020.

Robin said: “These days I’m fortunate enough to be pretty much purely a writer. I was what was called an early adopter in all things internet, leaving a traditional marketing career to take an MA in digital media in 2000, then running a business helping other businesses with their online marketing.

“Like many poets, I started writing when at school, but then the day job got in the way.

“When I took it up again in my forties, I started reading contemporary poetry and realised I needed to work a bit harder if I wanted to be published!

“Since then I’ve been lucky enough to have poems in many magazines, and to win some competitions, including the Cinnamon Press pamphlet competition in 2018.

“I’m a member of the Society of Authors, the Poetry Society, Hastings Stanza and the Needlewriters collective in Lewes. I’m currently studying for an MA in poetry and poetics at the University of York.”

Barry added: “Robin’s poetry is lively, highly original and often contains quirky or humorous twists. Her first pamphlet, The Great Vowel Shift, was published by Telltale Press, the poets’ publishing collective she co-founded in 2014 with Peter Kenny.

“All the Relevant Gods was published by Cinnamon Press in 2018 after it won the pamphlet competition.

“In 2017, she published a limited edition, hand-made mini pamphlet Foot Wear. Robin’s most recent pamphlet Why? was a winner in the Live Canon Pamphlet Competition in 2019.

“On her blog at robinhoughtonpoetry.co.uk Robin shares her take on the poet’s life, including the ups and downs of magazine submissions. She also freely shares a list of UK poetry magazines’ submissions windows which she updates quarterly. As a spin-off from this she has produced A Guide to Getting Published in UK Poetry Magazines in 2018, recently expanded and updated for 2020.”

Barry added: “Local poets wishing to contribute to future online open mic sessions should request to join our mailing list at [email protected].

“To read all about Robin and enjoy her poems, click on the website www.chichesterpoetry.simplesite.com and go to the page headed open mic poems, available from Thursday, February 25 for a month.”

New Kate Mosse novel as historical fiction sales soar

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s huge pride after Pinocchio disappointment

South of England Agricultural Society confirms 2021 show dates

The Quiet Churches and simple Sussex beauty

Brighton Fringe revises dates for 2021 festival