Nii Ayikwei Parkes

Author and performance poet Nii Ayikwei Parkes was Booktrust's second online writer in residence.

Nii was children's poet in residence at the Brighton Festival in 2007, has led storytelling sessions at the Southbank Centre and British Museum and his poem 'Wrong Side' has been memorised by hundreds of pupils across the UK. He has written for, and run, several workshops for younger readers.

For older readers, Nii has written three poetry chapbooks. His poem, 'Tin Roof', was selected for the 'Poems on the Underground' initiative in 2007. A former poet in residence at London's Poetry Café, Nii has performed his work on major stages across the world.

As a socio-cultural commentator and advocate for African writing, Nii has led forums internationally, and he runs the African Writers' Evening series at the Poetry Café in Covent Garden.

His debut novel, Tail of the Blue Bird, was published by Jonathan Cape in 2009.

As Booktrust's online writer in residence from mid-September 2009 to February 2010, Nii blogged about his work, wrote an exclusive new poem, sharing his writing tips, helped us to celebrate National Bookstart Day and much more.