Emma Johnson has been shortlisted for the post of Southwest Young Poet Laureate for 2026/2027

Family memories, growing up, getting old, the Troubles, quirky personalities, Covid, cancer, 9/11, Mr Trump, friendship, loss, love, the pangolin, a toad and even the humble potato find a place in this grandfather–granddaughter collaboration of prose and poetry. Sixty-five years between them but a special bond brought about by a shared passion for writing.

Emma’s award-winning successes have given her the confidence and desire to continue her writing. Despite her other school commitments, rarely a day goes by without her putting words on a page. She is currently working on a fantasy novel.