Ann Drysdale

Prize-winning poet and former journalist Ann Drysdale is one of the UK’s most well-loved writers. Her highly acclaimed poetry collections include The Turn of the Cucumber, Gay Science, Backwork, Quainteness and Other Offences and Between Dryden and Duffy. Born near Manchester and raised in London, Drysdale’s experiences have shaped her vulnerable and often unspoken subject matter. Her work is bursting with wry wit and her trademark sense of humour that has inspired the likes of Nuns, Skating and Friday to resonate with her readership. Drysdale is a breath of fresh air, and her work speaks for itself.

Throughout her career, Drysdale has earned several accolades for her growing poetry collection. She has held the Dylan Thomas Prize for poetry and performance and received second prize at the National Poetry Competition for her tongue in cheek poem New Fruit. Raymond Tallis described her memoir, Three-three, two-two, five six, as “a masterpiece” and a quirky must-have guidebook to the City of Newport. With several years under her belt at the Yorkshire Evening Post, Drysdale was the holder of the longest-running by line column for years.

Alongside her remarkable writing career, Drysdale has taught at a range of levels from primary school to university. With several titles to her name, including Real Newport, she continues to be inspired by her home life in South Wales. As she continues to defy expectations and write from the heart, Drysdale will be celebrated for generations to come.