Britain's new poet laureate

"Poetry's all about imagination, about looking at the ordinary and transforming it; it almost has a Midas touch."

-- Carol Ann Duffy, Britain's newly named royal poet, first woman to hold the post in its 341-year history

The Guardian newspaper

It will be interesting to see how Carol, a poet acclaimed by critics and the public alike, handles her responsibilities to the monarchy in her new post. The inventive poet is known for using humor and satire in writing about everything from housewives to Elvis.

A news story over the weekend in the Los Angeles Times says she was torn about taking the position, which requires her to muse about royal events during her 10-year tenure. The deciding factor? Her 13-year-old daughter, Ella, who reportedly told her, "Yes, Mummy, there's never been a woman."

The writer, who has also written plays, poems and books for children, says she will use her stipend of about $8,600 USD to fund a prize for young poets.

To read Carol's official biography, including a critique of her work, go to the British Council Arts Group. For a closer look, I would recommend reading a lively profile of Carol written by British writer Jeanette Winterson. And, if you're interested in more, go to TheNew York Times for a comprehensive round-up of her work and for a link to a BBC radio interview of her.