E Y E W E A R, THE BLOG - FREEDOM MEANS BEING UNAFRAID TO WRITE WHAT YOU THINK

The great Welsh poet RS Thomas was born 100 years ago, in March, 2013 - and this weekend, his centenary was celebrated in Bangor .

Good news.  Major Welsh poet Owen Sheers - also a novelist and TV personality - and a UEA alumni - sees the film adaptation of his book Resistance open this weekend across the UK.  For fans of Brighton Rock , this will be another period treat with that pic's star, Andrea Riseborough (great in glasses).  Further, anyone who loves hypotheticals like what if the Nazis took over Wales... well - this is one to see.  I myself can't wait.

Wonderful news - Stefan Mohamed , just-graduated from Kingston University, has won a major literary prize in Wales .   Elyse Fenton of American has won the over-all Dylan Thomas prize.

Poet Philip Gross is becoming something of the dark horse worth placing a bet on.  Having won the UK's top poetry prize back in January, for one book, T he Water Table , he has now won Welsh Book of the Year, for another - this time the captivating I Spy Pinhole Eye (perfect for the themes of this blog) - published by vital up-and-coming small press Cinnamon.  The book has photographs by Simon Denison .  More power to Mr Gross.  He's one of the very best poets Britain has on tap right now.  Order this book and see what the fuss is about.

Happy news. I Spy Pinhole Eye has been shortlisted for Wales Book of the Year - one of only three titles shortlisted. It's a fine book by Philip Gross (recently featured here with a poem) from the feisty and increasingly assured small press Cinnamon.