I’ve set up a new storefront, via Big Cartel, from which signed copies of my books can be ordered and, as a special introductory offer, it’s 15% off any purchase for the whole of November – so, if you’re looking for something new and different to read, or are just looking for an unusual, quirky gift to buy for someone at Christmas, then look no further: simply click on the link below!
https://thomasmccoll.bigcartel.com/
My latest collection of poetry, Grenade Genie, was released just over a month ago, slap-bang in the middle of lockdown, but despite all gigs and feature slots that were booked right through to the summer being cancelled, I’ve tried my best to get the book out there, one way or another.
In any event, my book, which continues to be available from my publisher, Fly on the Wall Press, as a printed copy, at £8.99, here, has now become available in digital format, at £3.99, here – and has, just this week, become available via Amazon, here. Copies can also now be obtained direct from me, so if you wanted a signed copy, please feel free to get in touch.
BBC Radio Kent – The Leo Ulph show, 20th May 2020 (me reading ‘The Greatest Poem’)
Soho Radio – Celine’s Salon (interview with Celine Hispiche, 30 minutes into the show)
Puzzle Hall Poets – interviewed by Steve Nash
Everybody’s Reviewing – interviewed by Matt Nunn
Spoken Label Podcast – interviewed by Andy N
Poetry Scum – Scumiversary Online Extravaganza, 25th May 2020 (me reading ‘Lightning Strikes’)
Features
Arts Richmond – ‘No Longer Quite So Sure’, the first poem in my book, featured as ‘Poem for Today’, 29th May 2020
Blue Nib Magazine – my reading of ‘Literal Library’, the last poem in the book, featured in Blue Nib’s Ink Pods podcast.
And that’s it for now. There are a few more interviews and reviews due, and the Leamington Poetry Festival, at which I was going to feature with a 1 hour show on 4th July, has now been postponed to the weekend of 13-15th November 2020.
Four years after my last collection was published, I finally have a new collection, Grenade Genie, coming out with Fly on the Wall Press on 17th April.
The book is an 80 page collection that’s split into four sections – Cursed, Coerced, Combative and Corrupted – with poems on subjects as diverse as Grenfell, the Iranian revolution, the refugee crisis, the curse of genius, the revenge of the environment, security passes, the NHS, gorgons on Oxford Street, and not being able to remember anyone’s name!
Pre-orders are now being taken by the publisher, via this link: https://www.flyonthewallpoetry.co.uk/product-page/grenade-genie-by-thomas-mccoll
There will be a London launch and, though nothing has been confirmed yet, that should be some time in May.
I will be touring the book, with the following dates already confirmed:
My first full collection of poetry and flash fiction, published by Listen Softly London Press, is out now and available direct from the publisher here & from Amazon here.
Entitled Being With Me Will Help You Learn, the book contains 56 pieces originally published in magazines such as Envoi, Iota, the Alarmist, Rising, Push, Paper & Ink, Belleville Park Pages and Ink, Sweat and Tears.
Below is a poem featured in the collection:
PERVERT
I’ve only been living here for five weeks and already I’ve got a pervert climbing into my garden at night and hanging women’s underwear on my washing line. I’ve no idea who’s doing this, but all the villagers think the underwear is mine, and seem to see it as some kind of sign, a convenient excuse to make me the subject of intimidation and abuse. Once again, the postman has delivered his phlegm through the letter box. I’ve been left a black body bag by the waste disposal men. The council has granted my neighbours the exceptional right to play their music loud at night. In the street, as they pass, men make threats underneath their breath, and children flee, while women look at me with contempt and disgust. Kids shout “Pervert! Pervert!” as they push used condoms through my letter box. The word “PERVERT”, in red paint, has been daubed across my front door. At night, I can see the silhouette of the hooded pervert, accompanied now by a large gang, all of them helping to place women’s underwear on my washing line, and now it’s me who’s beginning to see it as some kind of sign…
