The Actual Man Booker WINNER 2015

Marlon James, has won the 2015 Man Booker prize with his novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings. Congratulations to his achievement.

The judges accept that some people might struggle to read the book because it's hard work and hard going. But it is a testament to the power of this prize that if you type 'Brief' into google right now, it auto fills with the rest of the book title.

It's an exciting time of year for me because there are so many prizes to follow, and my favourite is always Man Booker because I love original fiction.

I won't be picking up this year's winner. It's not my kind of book, and I think that Man Booker is becoming something different from what it was when I first got excited about it four years ago. What I would consider winning fiction, is no longer what the judges look for. BUT they came to a unanimous decision in two hours, so Marlon James has pulled off something incredible.

Congratulations again, and to all of the shortlist that didn't make it as well!

Taboo

This is the only poem of mine which has ever been published. It's probably the one I like the best. I was going to put a disclaimer on it, mainly to my family. But it's powerful, and I like the rhythm of it so I'm just putting it out there. I hope you like it.

Taboo

Under the glow of abandoned cigarettes,

The curved shadows of our bodies congeal on the wall.

I swallow your moans whole,

Smell the peppery slick of sweat on your neck.

I crave the slap

That sucks at our chests; and the taste of safety on you.