Minimalist poet, minimalist lifestyle

After receiving a copy of a magazine with two of my poems published in it yeaterday, today I've had more good news - two more editors want to use five more of my poems.

To be honest, it's not too difficult for me to place my work these days; I've been published in the smallpress sector for eighteen years and have got a fair reputation for the quality of my poetry.

However, it's successfully taking the next step that I can't seem to manage; actually earning some sort of living from my writing. Unfortunately, I don't have the contacts or resources.

Over the years I calculate that I've earned no more than £600 in total in bursaries, awards or by leading workshops. I suppose it's just about enough to cover the cost of postage, stationery and travel.

Great Houghton, near Barnsley: I was born at the local hospital, Southmoor Hospital at Hemsworth, near Pontefract.

Thurnscoe, near Rotherham: I went to secondary school here and lived with my parents until I was thirty five. (My brother, now forty one, still lives with our parents.)

Heslington, near York: I went to York University for a year and hated it. I hated my fellow students even more...I had absolutely nothing in common with any of them.

Doncaster: since 1997.