Posted on 21 December 2015
Poet and University of Wales Alumnus Rhys Milsom, who studied at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), Lampeter has published his debut poetry collection, titled Amnesia.
Rhys graduated with a MA in Creative Writing from UWTSD Lampeter in 2013, and his fiction and poetry has already been widely published in magazines, anthologies and websites.
In its introduction, his debut collection is described as being a glimpse into moments in life that anyone can connect with. The themes of love and loss linger throughout, treading lightly through some poems but also – unapologetically - being the central point of others.
Now living in the Roath area of Cardiff, Rhys grew up in the Rhondda Valley. Alongside his poetry, he is the editor of www.wicid.tv – a website for young people aged 11-25 in Rhondda Cynon Taff, which showcases creative writing, poetry, photography, films, reviews and events. The website is also specifically designed for young people to make their first steps into the creative industries.
Speaking about his time at University Rhys said:
“The MA Creative Writing course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David was where I believe I truly found my writing “voice”. I was tutored by the brilliant and inimitable poet Menna Elfyn, and it was her advice and guidance that inspired ideas for my debut poetry collection, Amnesia.
“I started the MA course solely writing fiction - short stories, mainly - and ended it writing poetry. How did that happen? Menna saw something in the pieces I would write and, together, we would condense them and leave just the bare bones. The words that were left then morphed and staggered their way into poems.
“During my time at UWTSD Lampeter I had around 10 pieces published in a number of magazines, journals and anthologies. The MA really allowed me to delve closer into my work and really focus on my writing, meaning that my writing standard was becoming higher all the time, giving me the confidence to submit to publications.”
Professor Menna Elfyn, renowned Welsh poet and Director of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Creative Writing Programme, wrote the foreword for the collection. Speaking about Rhys’ potential and work she said:
"One could sense early on that Rhys Milsom was going to make a mark - his poetry has emotional charge and unforced clarity. Throughout his time at the university he listened intently to comments on his work and one could sense a serious, exemplary observer of life at work. This is merely the beginning of what one can predict will be a successful career in writing."
MA degree programmes in Creative Writing have been offered at UWTSD Lampeter since 1997 and have attracted students from a range of backgrounds and experiences – from recent graduates to mature students with a wealth of life experience. The MA in Creative Writing is designed for committed writers who wish to expand their range and complete significant pieces of publishable work.
For more information about the Creative Writing programme, please visit UWTSD’s Website.