'Horses' released
2006 MA alumnus Mark Piggott will have the novel he wrote on the course, Fire Horses, published on 31 May.
The book, which will be published by the independent Legend Press, tells the story of Joe Noone, a degenerate and enthusiastic explorer of the gutter, and his confused relationships with the friends and women in his life. It depicts England over the last 25 years through the eyes and lens of this disturbed wanderer, revealing the country's back streets, small towns and sleazy metropolitan underbelly.
Laced with dark humour and angry political asides, Fire Horses is both an unflinching lesson in modern history and an epic love story. According to its publisher it "...tells of the pain-inducing traps we can set for ourselves in life, and the ways in which we try and escape them."
Mark's own life story is certainly one of extremes - from living on the streets of London in his youth to writing features for the Telegraph, Guardian and Independent. He has also previously had short stories and poems published in several collections, magazines and anthologies, including Down the Angel (Pulp Books, 2006).
Centre co-director Ian McGuire said: " We are delighted to hear that another of our graduates has been published. Mark has worked long and hard on his novel and thoroughly deserves his success."
A full-page feature will appear in the Guardian on the day of Fire Horses' release, and it is expected to attract a wide range other national and regional media coverage. Mark will also appear at Waterstone's in Liverpool on 14 June at 12.00pm, so please do go along to hear him read from his work.