The Writers of Wales Database

PARKER, MIKE

Tel: (01654) 702470
Mobile: 07751 576273
Email mike.parker9@btinternet.com

Travel writer, columnist, fiction writer, broadcaster and stand–up comedian. Mike had his own series of travel guides to UK cities (RAW Guides, Harrap) and has written numerous other travel books, principally about the Celtic countries. This includes the best-selling Rough Guide to Wales (Penguin, 1994) as part of the internationally renowned series. Mike is an experienced stand-up comedian, performance poet and compere at gigs and festival throughout Wales, Scotland and England. He has performed various one-man shows and has written and presented travelogue series for HTV Wales: two outings of Coast to Coast (aired in 2003-4) and four series of Great Welsh Roads (2005-6-7-8), which has Mike touring Wales with his dog in his camper van. Mike has also run many writing workshops. He lives in mid-Wales.

To read an interview of Mike by BBC Wales, please click here.

Selected Publications:
Irish Scene (GMP, 1996)
Scottish Scene (GMP, 1998)
New Century, New Writing (MPG, 2000)
Coast to Coast (Carreg Gwalch, 2004)
Neighbours from Hell?: English attitudes to the Welsh (Y Lolfa, 2007)
Map Addict (Collins, 2009)
The Wild Rover: A Map Addict's Journey Along Britain's Footpaths (Collins, 2011)
Real Powys (Seren, 2011)

Contributed to:
Rough Guide to Wales (co-writer) (Penguin 1994/ 97/ 2000/03/06/09)

The Wild Rover: A Map Addict's Journey Along Britain's Footpaths (Collins, 2011))

 Mike discovers how these paths have become part of our cultural landscape and why, at the tender age of 44, he suddenly finds himself at a crossroads. Provocative, funny and personal, this book celebrates Britain’s unique and extraordinary network of footpaths. The story ranges far and wide, to all corners of the country and beyond, and is filled with the many characters that Mike engages with along the way.

To purchase this title from gwales.com, click on its front cover.

Eligible Writers on Tour subjects offered:

1. Travel writing workshops
2. Comedy writing workshops
3. Poetry, especially performance work

AGE RANGE: Adults and 14+ in schools