Maggie Butt is a British poet. In January 2010, 'petite', her new collection of pocket-sized poems, was published by Hearing Eye.
Maggie's first full collection of poetry, 'Lipstick', was published in March 2007 by Greenwich Exchange; a launch event was held at Keats House in Hampstead, North London.
Her prize-winning poetry is widely published in magazines and has escaped the page onto the internet, BBC Radio 4, readings, festivals, and schools. Her pamphlet 'Quintana Roo' was published by Acumen Publications in 2003.
Maggie returned to poetry after a career spanning many other forms of writing. After an English degree she became a newspaper reporter, moving to BBC TV as a documentary writer / producer / director.
She now runs the Media Department and Skillset Media Academy at Middlesex University, London, England and teaches on the successful Creative and Media Writing degree. She is also Chair of the National Association of Writers in Education - NAWE. She has a PhD in creative writing from Cardiff University and is a University Teaching Fellow and University Orator.
Her edited collection of essays 'Story - The Heart of the Matter' was published by Greenwich Exchange in October 2007.
Maggie Butt lives in North London. She is married with two student daughters.
Reviews for 'petite':
"Maggie Butt's miniatures are witty, wise, original and compassionate, with a vision which ranges from the mundane to the sublime, and a concern for the language and craft of poetry which is apparent on every page." James Aitchison
"Here are poems that are lyrical, highly-visual, and that dance off the page with delightful immediacy. In exquisitely-framed cameos, Maggie Butt explores relationships and events with an eye to the paradoxes and ironies." Katherine Gallagher
"These small poems are tender, hopeful and unreasonably delightful." Helena Nelson
"Maggie Butt is a poet with a supple intelligence which joins neatly with her sense of music. This makes her take on reality a pleasure to read." Sebastian Barker
Reviews for 'Lipstick':
The London Magazine June / July 2007 "..memorable.. chillingly perceptive" Sean Elliott.
Second Light Newsletter. July 2007 "powerful writing ... sharp insight here as well as moving, lyrical writing." Dilys Wood.
Acumen Literary Journal, September 2007 "Butt will appeal to a wide audience... The content is alert and contemporary."
Orbis - Quarterly International Literary Journal. October 2007 "Gems of imagery and quirky glimpses"... "original formal crafting"..."You'll have a heightened sensitivity to the world around you afterwards."
Envoi, October 2007 "If these poems were wrapped around fish I'd peel them off and save them." "scrupulous...great range...breathtaking...playful..poignant"
"Maggie Butt needs only to be better known to be widely acclaimed. Her fantasy 'On My 85th Birthday' strikes me as the funniest thing of its kind since Jenny Joseph's famous 'Warning'." Robert Nye
"Why is poetry so rarely good-hearted? Maggie Butt's is a shining exception. Her generous work enfolds the hopes of a GI bride, the perfectionism of an anorexic girl and the cardboard of a child's crown. Her poems are sympathetic, skilful - and surprising. " Alison Brackenbury
"A gift for empathy, a talent for fresh expression, a distinctive voice - three qualities that make a poet worth reading. Maggie Butt's work has these qualities, and, most importantly, a vigour of expression and gift for metaphor." William Oxley Reviews for Quintana Roo:
"..these poems reveal the true Artisotelian gift of metaphor - the encapsulation of truth in a single image." Manifold
"beautifully constructed...haunting...touching...intriguing...enjoyable surprises...a dynamic and talented writer." Envoi
