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Hello! My name is Ruth...
Welcome to my new author website! My name is Ruth Mary Flanagan and I am proud to be an award-winning poet and a debut author with a passion for lyrical storytelling.
I won my first writing prize at 14 and rediscovered my love for poetry in 2017.
My poem The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush was shortlisted for the Hammond House International Literary Prize, leading to further accolades, including Judge’s Choice in 2020 and a poetry prize in 2021 for Spellbound.
I'm lucky to have had my work featured in anthologies of award winning poetry such as Precious, Leaving, Stardust, Changes, Survival and Masks.
Most recently, I adapted The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush into a beautifully-illustrated children’s book; Published by Brown Dog Books in May 2025. Illustrated by the wonderful Sarah Lovell.
Inspired by the classic poetry I loved as a child, my writing blends evocative imagery with seamless rhyme, creating work that resonates across generations.
I live in Dorset with my husband and cat and I have two grown-up daughters.
At the heart of The Last Song of the Mistle Thrush are these wonderful birds. I am proud to support the RSPB and Songbird Survival. Click the links to find out more or head to my Resources Page.
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