REVIEWS

REVIEWS AND REACTIONS

YOU ARE HERE – published April 2025

“…the best account I have read of lockdown and its mixed legacies” Jo Bell – The Poetic Licence
‘Heather’s poetry collection illuminates all the nuances of joy, sorrow, bewilderment and hope as near to perfectly as I could ever imagine any work of literature ever could. Just extraordinary!‘ George Bastow
“…starkly beautiful” Emma Purshouse – Writer, performance poet and novelist
“Now light, now wry, always compassionate… impressive bulletins from a time like no other.” Michael W. Thomas – poet and novelist
“Poems of survival, blossoming with hope, garnered together with love.” Roy Mcfarlane – Poet, Playwright and Writer
‘…a very evocative, thoughtful and often funny account of those strange times we all lived through… I am so delighted to be woven in to your writing.’ Penny Hardy – sculptor

Offas Press Virtual Voices, April 2025 (YOU ARE HERE extracts)
‘…some really tough themes here – what a collection – so strong, and then to make us laugh too – excellent.’  Tina Cole, poet
‘I didn’t know I wanted to be taken back to lockdown, but this is a brilliant collection – really powerful.’  Paul Francis, poet

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‘I am really delighted to have my sculpture alongside Heather’s lively and powerful poem, she has a witty and disarming way with words that inspire and provoke thought.
Penny Hardy, sculptor – The Ekphrastic Review, September 2024

‘The activity was fantastic and well received at the library. Heather was very enthusiastic, welcoming and approachable. She wrote for a good cross section of customers on several subjects. Since the event, we have received lots of positive feedback from customers who were here on the day.’
Poetry on Demand, Poetry on Loan, April 2024

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed your poetry reading and singing—it brought so much joy to everyone. Your kindness and talent made a significant impact, and we are truly grateful for the positive experience you provided.” Sanctuary Care, Nov 2023

A great poet and storyteller – captivating (M)  Heather, this is genius. Profound, hilarious, touching, light-hearted, witty. Just phenomenal. (GB)  Great set, Heather; such individual, clever and memorable poems. I love the clarity and vibrancy of your language (MB)  A wonderful range of poetry from the hilarious to the profound. Fantastic to place that pig poem within the soundworld of Jabberwocky! Brilliant work (DB)  Heather Wastie was a revelation – like a Black Country Joyce Grenfell (that’s meant as a compliment) (SPH)
Zoom audience comments – Yes We Cant, Oct 2021 (Poets, Prattlers and Pandemonialists)