Neil Crawford Biography

I began writing poetry at school(many years ago) - we had a teacher who encouraged us.I continued into my college years.I did nothing with them(there was no 'Poemhunter' in those days) .

When I left work I started a creative writing course under Gladys Mary Cole(a well respected poet, biographer and novelist) here in Liverpool.I contributed to the 'Piazza Poets' anthology and took part in readings to promote the collection.

I am a regular member of the 'Inklings Group'in the city.

I had been on the verge of throwing out my poems but decided to rewrite them instead after I discovered Bukowski.My early work was 'stripped down' and made less verbose - 'leaner and meaner' you might say.

Recently poetry had taken a back seat as I am completing my second novel but one or two have been written in the past few weeks.

I have also contributed pieces to the Poetry Forward
collections.

Major influences include the Merseybeat Poets(Adrian Henri, Brian Patten, Roger McGough) .
Others include Auden, D.H.Lawrence as well as the 'Thomases'(Dylan, R.S.and Edward) .

I welcome any constructive criticism of any piece I may put on this excellent website.

Thank you.