I am delighted to announce that If It Wasn't For That Dog has won the Words for the Wounded Annual Writing Prize for 2018 (also known as the Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award) in the non-fiction category.
The judges describe the book thus:
Order your copy of the book here:
http://michaelforester.co.uk/books/if-it-wasnt-for-that-dog
Arrival at Siem Reap - open air travel into the city!
Signing books for delegates at the UCPE Conference, Bangkok
Time out at the night, Bangkok market
Presenting 'A Journey to the Land of Risk' at Harrell Horne School, Bacoor Cavite
The Night Fountains at Uptown Mall, Bonifacio, Manila
An unforgettable welcome at University of Makati
Meanwhile at home, the Snow has arrived
Bonifacio is rising. Five years go this was grassland
The dragon arises: musical interpretations of Dragonsong
Outside Manila, the impact of growth is yet to be felt
With Carlos Francisco, grandson of the Philippines National artist, Carlos Francisco
Signing Flutes: At Del Gallego, Camerines Sur
On Breakfast TV with Leo Martinez, Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines
Making time for writing at Ifuago
Speaking at Santa Maria National High School, Alfonso Lista
Making peace, not war at Banawe
Riding the Jeepney, Manila style!
All speaking engagements complete, taking some time out at Puerto Galera
When you coming home, dad?
Forester in Asia 2018: Some Images
A superb interpretation of Harmony the Dragon, in the 'Dragonsong: The Musical' competition, Univeristy of Makiti, Manila
With the casts of the 'Dragonsong: The Musical' competition entries
Signing books for readers at the Grant Theatre, University of Makiti, Manila
On my way to the museum of Philippines National Artist, Carlos Francisco - by motorbike and sidecar!
With the cast at the 'Dragonsong: The Musical' competition
An outstanding portrayal of Harmony the Dragon from 'Dragonsong: The Musical 'entries
Dragonsong: The Musical
Dragonsong: The Musical
The Welcoming Committee at University of Makati
Musical illuminated fountain at Uptown Mall Manila
Taking questions from the stage
The audience at Harrell Horne School, Bacoor Cavite, just south of Manila
Co-presenting with noted Filipino film director, Baby Nebrida
Awaiting checkin at Bangkok
Signing Books at the UCPE Convention, Bangkok
Speaking on 'The Machine Stops' - an exploration of obsession with technology, at Siem Reap, Cambodia
At Sunrise School, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Straight off an 11 flight - and it really shows!
With Daniel Dasig at the UCPE convention Cambodia
Anyone know how to drive a tuk-tuk?
Parkland School: In Memoriam
Forester in Asia 2018
Michael Forester's Second South East Asian Tour is underway! For full details see my blog by clicking on the menu item above.
Michael Forester is returning to the Philippines
During my visit to the Philippines in March 2017, I underwent one of the most profound encounters of my life, in what I can describe only as a meeting with the spirit of national hero Jose Rizal, who passed over in 1896 (see the first attached photo against the pink background). This took place at Villa Escudero Museum and was witnessed by Professor Janet Pascual who was with me. In the midst of that encounter, and still in tears, I wrote the attached poem, Deja que un ser amigo (let a friend shed tears). The poem moves me to the same tears each time I re-visit it.
As part of my forthcoming speaking and book signing tour of South East Asia, I shall be visiting the Philippines again for three weeks, 26th February - 19th March 2018.
I am hugely looking forward to meeting old friends and new, touching hearts and being touched by many. Will Jose Rizal grace me with another touch? Will another? Either way, here is the poem:
Deja que un ser amigo
For Jose Rizal
Nole me Tangere, brother mine;
not while my words kneel weeping where you fell.
Shield me in you shadow, mi hermano
and I will place my hands around your own.
I see the pen you hold, Jose
My wrists are shackled to your stake.
I feel the bullets bite
and I am drowning with you in vermillion pools.
En buen hora, mi hermano.
Tu sangre cubre el suelo Filipinas.
Hold me while I fall into your grave, oh brother mine.
E voy donde con usted no hay esclavos.
Sooth my soul, Jose.
Take my hand in yours, as now you fly.
I came only to share light.
But you have shone your lamp across my path
and shown me what you bought with blood.
Surely yours was the writer’s journey more than mine.
Find favour in my following, Jose
and in your shadow shall I walk,
writing with the ink you turned to blood.
And when my pen has summon thunder, as did yours,
this will be the epitaph that I shall write:
Here lies one who found his heart in persecution,
who crossed his pen with steel,
then laid him down so silent in an unjust shallow grave.
Have they seen, amado hijo?
Has your light soaked deep into this soil?
Your pen is speaking still, Jose,
pouring out the poet’s cry for liberty.
Your dying hand will not lie still
pealing to the pain that seeded this land’s soul.
© Michael Forester
Manila
3rd March 2017
Announcing Michael Forester's second
speaking and book signing tour of Asia
I am delighted to confirm details of my second Asian tour, 21st February – 19th March 2018. Travelling as a guest of the University Circle of Professional Educators (UCPE), the programme starts with two back-to-back conferences in Siem Reap and Bangkok, where I will be delivering keynote and plenary speeches on ‘Do Androids Dream’ (the impact and management of technology in the educational process) and ‘The Machine Stops’ (an exploration of the common ground between creativity and technology). From Bangkok we will travel on to The Philippines, for a multi-location three week tour delivering the ‘A Journey To The Land of Risk’ presentation that was so well received last year, and the all-new ‘The Story that Changes Your Future’ (an interactive discourse of how we can use the power of story telling and belief to change our lives).
I am hugely looking forward to renewing old friendships and forging new ones in the Philippines together with meeting new friends in Cambodia and Thailand. Once again I am indebted to Professor Janet Pasqual, Chair of the UCPE and her team for making this visit possible. Full tour details available from Tenaj Lauqsap on Facebook.
Celebrating National Poetry Day with Beaminster School
28th September 2017 is the UK's National Poetry Day.
I am delighted to be visiting #Beaminster School ( www.beaminster.dorset.sch.uk ) in Dorset to deliver my presentation 'A Journey To The Land Of Risk.'
I have made similar presentations to schools and universities in The Philippines, but #Beaminster School will be my first delivery of the presentation in the UK.
In 
all, I will be speaking to five audiences at the school and undertaking several readings from my published poetry, short stories and life writing. This will include readings from my bestselling book 'If It Wasn't For That Dog,' my short story collection 'The Goblin Child,' and my academically acclaimed epic fantasy 'Dragonsong.' Details of all these books can be found on the book page of this web site, michaelforester.co.uk/books
My thanks to Beaminster School for what I know will be a tremendous day.
2018: Michael Forester Tour :2018
I am delighted to announce I have accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote speech to the second annual convention of the University Circle of Professional Educators in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 22-23 February 2018.
I will be following this by a return visit to The Philippines in February- March 2018. Full details will follow on this page.
I offer sincere thanks to The University Circle of Professional Educators for this invitation, and to the team at Makati University who will be organising and managing the Philippines tour that will follow.
2017: An Eventful Summer
This summer has turned into a whirlwind of events and signings. Here are a few images of what we have been doing.
Flying High at the Bath and West Show in June
Signing for Waterstones in Guildford in April
Signing for Waterstones in Bristol in June
With the Glastonbury Dragons in April
Taking time out at the Hay on Wye Festival in May
Matt enjoying the sunshine at Paws in the Park in July
Meeting Missy, my youngest known fan, Bath and West
When they can't put your book down...
OK, you're right, it wasn't Summer! This was at Valenzuela Amphitheatre in Manila in February
The stand looking good and drawing the curious at New Milton in July
Five minutes for a coffee with readers at Bath and West in May
The Yeovil Show: An outstanding event for us in July
Dragonsong is where it all started, published April 2016 - wow! Can it really only be 15 months?
Readers often come back for more. Situris bought three books from me at Bath and West in May. Unfortunately he damaged his copy of Dragonsong, so at the Yeovil Show we worked out a special price for him on a replacement copy
With Lizz at the Yeovil Show
More signing at Yeovil
So many people ask if I really wrote all the books I thought a tee shirt might answer the question in advance. They still ask though!
Coffee and goblins anyone?
Always remembering it does not come from me
Michael Forester Philippines Tour: February to March 2017
Images and details of my recent Philippines tour are now visible at
Thank you to those who made this visit possible, and to all who took the time to attend the lectures and seminars
Images and details of my recent Philippines tour are now visible at
http://michaelforester.co.uk/michael-forester-2017-philippines-tour
Michael Forester Philippines Tour: February to March 2017
Visit to Global Innovative College 21st February 2017
Huge thanks to Global Innovative College for their invitation to visit on 21st February and their associated Facebook announcement:
British Contemporary Author, Mr. MICHAEL FORESTER (Author of the books The Goblin Child & Dragonsong) comes to Global Innovative College for a Special Lecture titled 'Unshackling the Poet Within' on Feb. 21, 2017; 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Global Collaboration Hall in celebration of our English & Arts Month and a prelude to GIC's 15th Founding Anniversary. Everyone is invited to come! Admission is Free! PM to pre-register. — with Anabel Lee Albano Maglalang, Becca Fajardo andLester Ramirez.
Looking forward to meeting you all on 21st February
Namaste
Michael Forester
Michael Forester Philippines Tour: February to March 2017
MICHAEL FORESTER, a poet writer from UK will be at Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte on February 20, 2017
EICD CELEBRATES MICHAEL FORESTER'S VOICE
THROUGH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Poet writer MICHAEL FORESTER from UK will be at University of Makati -College of Arts and Sciences, English and Interdisciplinary Communications Department on the occasion of its English Week on February 27-March 1, 2017.
A huge thank you to organisers, delegates and visitors all of whom are making my visit to The Philippines possible. Thank you for liking my work enough to invite me. I am so looking forward to meeting you all!
Namaste
Michael Forester
Michael Forester Philippines Tour: February to March 2017
MICHAEL FORESTER, a poet writer from UK will be at Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte on February 20, 2017
EICD CELEBRATES MICHAEL FORESTER'S VOICE
THROUGH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Poet writer MICHAEL FORESTER from UK will be at University of Makati -College of Arts and Sciences, English and Interdisciplinary Communications Department on the occasion of its English Week on February 27-March 1, 2017.
A huge thank you to organisers, delegates and visitors all of whom are making my visit to The Philippines possible. Thank you for liking my work enough to invite me. I am so looking forward to meeting you all!
Namaste
Michael Forester
Announcing The Publication of Forest Rain
'I have to touch your soul'
"Please understand me. I will not… cannot, offer you polite conversation. We will not talk of the weather we've been having, or how mother is with her bunions. I do not want to know of the colour of your carpets or the bulge in your bank account or with which new trinket you have sought to quench the unconscious thirst of your quest. I will have no truck with chaff. I'm not that kind of man. Do not walk or work with me because you are bored and have nothing better to do. I plan to be too demanding of you for that. Do not give me half your attention while you give the other half to the Simpsons and yet a further half to the dinner heating in the microwave. I will touch you deep, or not at all.
I have to touch your soul."
Your spiritual journey is unique to you. But it is in mindfulness of the journeys of those who travel with us that we learn more of our own purpose and how we can draw energy and meaning from the challenges and events on our road. This collection of Spiritual Learnings in prose and poetry form a unique meditation that will support you in exploring your own journey, and the life events, both great and small, that will offer themselves to you as you travel forward. These meditations will move you to joy; they will move you to tears. They will help you give yourself permission to experience the depth of learning to be found within, to experience fully what you have come into the world to learn and to teach. In so doing, they will support you in discovering the astonishing and profound messages meant for you alone, for Forest Rain truly is your Heart’s Home.
Forest Rain: Available now in signed copy from the book page of this web site, or on Kindle
Announcing The Publication of Forest Rain
'I have to touch your soul'
"Please understand me. I will not… cannot, offer you polite conversation. We will not talk of the weather we've been having, or how mother is with her bunions. I do not want to know of the colour of your carpets or the bulge in your bank account or with which new trinket you have sought to quench the unconscious thirst of your quest. I will have no truck with chaff. I'm not that kind of man. Do not walk or work with me because you are bored and have nothing better to do. I plan to be too demanding of you for that. Do not give me half your attention while you give the other half to the Simpsons and yet a further half to the dinner heating in the microwave. I will touch you deep, or not at all.
I have to touch your soul."
Your spiritual journey is unique to you. But it is in mindfulness of the journeys of those who travel with us that we learn more of our own purpose and how we can draw energy and meaning from the challenges and events on our road. This collection of Spiritual Learnings in prose and poetry form a unique meditation that will support you in exploring your own journey, and the life events, both great and small, that will offer themselves to you as you travel forward. These meditations will move you to joy; they will move you to tears. They will help you give yourself permission to experience the depth of learning to be found within, to experience fully what you have come into the world to learn and to teach. In so doing, they will support you in discovering the astonishing and profound messages meant for you alone, for Forest Rain truly is your Heart’s Home.
Forest Rain: Available now in signed copy from the book page of this web site, or on Kindle
Announcing Michael Forester's Philippines Tour
I am delighted to announce my forthcoming book signing and speaking tour of the Philippines, 16th February to 7th March 2017.
At the invitation of The University of Makati Circle of Professional Educators and Dr Janet Pascual, I have been requested to deliver keynote speeches to the International Convention on Outcome Based Education on 25th to 26th February 2017. I am also invited to read and address the tutors and students of Makati University as well as a further eight universities in Manilla and around The Philippines during my visit. During week commencing 27th February, University of Makati will also be holding an 'English Week,' with the theme, 'Celebrating Michael Forester’s Voice Through Language and Literature' I would like to express my enormous gratitude to Dr Pascual and colleagues for this honour and marvellous opportunity to share my work.
Michael Forester
The Dragon is on the Radio
During December 2016 Michael Forester is interviewed by Alan Coote on the Let's Talk Business' programme syndicated on radio stations throughout the UK.
You can listen to the programme here: SoundCloud
The Goblin Child:
You Have Been Warned
I am delighted to announce the publication of my new short story collection, The Goblin Child and other stories. Available from Amazon and all book retailers on and off line, I will also supply personally signed and dedicated copies from this site at no extra charge. Please se the book page.
Sometimes nothing but the BBC will do...
I am delighted to announce that I will be interviewed about Dragonsong and my other work on BBC Radio Somerset on 4th May from 11.00 to 11.30 am by Ben McGrail. I would be delighted if you could tune in and join us here: http://bbc.in/2azyJ63
Sometimes nothing but the death of your father will do...
I am delighted to announce the publication of Dragonsong, an epic fantasy in the Arthurian tradition.
Rebekah, daughter of Merlin and noblewoman of Albion has been driven to madness by the murder of her lover Vidar. In her torment she bargains with the Prince of Demons to turn her into a dragon. Once transformed, she seeks to take revenge upon her father, Merlin, whom she is fooled into believing is responsible for Vidar’s death.
Behind the subterfuge stands Oberon, Captain-King of Elves, who cannot foresee the devastation his jealousy and unrequited love for Rebekah will unleash upon the world of Gaia. Its salvation depends... well, just turn to the Dragonsong page on this site to discover more...