Alexander Wharton, from Torfaen, currently works a Senior Building Surveyor when he isn’t busy writing or performing poetry for both Adults and Children. He has received regular publications in The Caterpillar, Wales Haiku Journal, Hedgerow and I am not a silent Poet. The panel described his poems as ‘humorous, whimsical and witty’ and stated that he is a confident writer for children with strong concepts and use of imagery. He has been a regular compere of Cardiff Arts free festival, a quarterly evening of artistic and literary performance. He regularly visits schools to perform his poetry and facilitates writing workshops with the students. Alexander has completed numerous online Creative writing Short courses from Open University and Future Learn and hopes to study an MA in Creative Writing in the near future.
Alex has been selected to receive the highest award:
- A 4 night Nant Writers Retreat worth £400: a stay at the newly-renovated cottage based at the historical Grade II* listed Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre. This self-contained, fully equipped cottage provides a comfortable and quiet haven where writers can concentrate on their work in progress.
- A cash prize of £250 sponsored by Quarto Translations.
- Selected works to be published on the Literature Wales and Firefly Press websites.
In addition to the above, Firefly Press have also announced that the Award has led the publication of its first ever poetry book for children – Daydreams and Jellybeans by Alex Wharton which is due out in 2021.
“I am deeply grateful accepting this award, I feel it recognizes my passion and dedication for writing Children’s Poetry. It has already opened up a terrific opportunity for me as the wonderful people at ‘Firefly press’ will be publishing my full collection of poems ‘Daydreams and Jellybeans’ early next year. Poems are to be shared, they find the people who need them – and the award has unraveled a wider platform for my words, It’s exciting and I am very thankful.”
Alex Wharton
Website: alexwhartonpoet.co.uk
Twitter: @alexwhartonpoet