Meet the Author: 5 minutes with poet Martin Figura

The Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival is an annual celebration of words, stories, and the people who bring them to life. This year, one of the spotlight events is with poet Martin Figura, whose work promises to captivate audiences as the opening event at 6.30pm on Friday 11th October 2024 at the Unitarian Meeting House Bury St Edmunds.

We took 5 minutes to get to know a little more about Martin in advance of his event at the festival.

Childhood Heroes and Inspirations

For Martin Figura, the path to becoming a writer was paved by a diverse array of childhood heroes. From the comedic genius of Spike Milligan to the rock anthems of The Who, and the poignant storytelling of John Steinbeck, Figura's influences are eclectic.

It wasn't just the heroes themselves but the experiences they provided that sparked Figura's interest in writing. A pivotal moment came when a school essay received high praise, igniting a passion for storytelling. Moreover, the cinematic adaptations of Alan Sillitoe's works added fuel to his literary fire, showing him the power of words brought to life.

The Remaining Men

At this year's festival, Martin Figura will be discussing his latest collection, The Remaining Men, which was published this March. The book has already garnered significant acclaim, with poet Sean O’Brien praising it as "a bold, ambitious collection, a Condition of England book, written from the inside and from below the salt. Sentimentality would ruin such a book, but Figura seems to have none of it, and the poems’ richness of feeling emerges from fidelity to craft – to phrasemaking, to comic timing, and to a sense of dramatic life."

What to Expect at the Festival

Martin Figura is not just a poet; he is a storyteller who thrives on connecting with his audience. He expresses a deep love for doing readings and meeting people afterward, hoping to hear their stories and see how they connect with his work. This engagement with his readers ensures that his sessions are not just readings but shared experiences.

What's on Martin's Reading List?

Ever the avid reader, Figura's current reading list includes Scott Elder's Part of the Dark alongside Pablo Neruda's Selected Poems. He finds that these two works complement each other wonderfully. Additionally, he is delving into Free Loaves on Fridays, an anthology of writings by individuals who have been in the care system, highlighting his interest in diverse voices and poignant narratives.

Fun Facts About Martin

Beyond his literary accolades, Martin Figura has a few surprising facts up his sleeve. For instance, he won the RAPC Apprentice College's 1976 Accountancy Prize and has found lifelong inspiration in Randy Newman's studio albums. So much so that he has met Newman a few times, and the musician even provided a blurb for one of Figura's books—a testament to the cross-pollination of creative arts in Figura's life.

Join the Celebration

The Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival is not just an event—it's an experience. Don't miss out on the chance to meet Martin Figura and other literary luminaries. Book your tickets now and be part of a celebration of words and stories that promise to inspire and entertain.

Book your ticket now: www.burylitfest.co.uk