Lisa O'Hare is a Saboteur Award shortlisted poet and a 2023 BBC Words First Finalist and she has been writing herself into existence since 2019. After two decades of letting her creativity lie dormant, Lisa has resoundingly reclaimed it in this honest, joyful, silly, earnest and emotional poetry collection.

Rhythmic, relatable, and reflective Lisa's poems sit perfectly at the intersection of the personal and the universal. Exploring existing in the every day, this collection ranges from the reflective to the ridiculous.

Lisa's work has been featured on BBC Upload in the North West, BBC Radio 3 and she is a regular feature performance poet across the UK, including taking a one woman show to multiple fringe festivals including Greater Manchester, Camden, Morecambe and Edinburgh. Her work has taken her to Boardmasters festival and Worthy Pastures (aka Glastonbury in Lockdown) and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall, Manchester.

Former host of one of the UK's stalwart spoken word events in the UK, Verbose MCR, Lisa has created a collection that celebrates her second lease of life as poet. Filled with life lessons and observations, from identity, childhood, getting older, dancing, football, Manchester, the internet, algorithms and some meta poems about poetry.

What people are saying about the book:
‘Proving I Exist is a witty and eclectic collection of poetry. One I found difficult to put down! Lisa is proving herself to be one of the great, and essential voices in modern poetry. A must read.'

Evrah Rose

‘Lisa’s poetry is a rarity because any poem you read is bound by authenticity. From tender observations to wrought silliness, Lisa has mastered the finite art of being both resounding and playful in her writing. She shows up on the page, which isn’t an easy thing to do. So show up and get on with reading it, you won’t regret it!’

Louis Glazzard

'Lisa O’Hare’s collection is a brave and bold journey through the highlights and hurdles of being human. She explores celebratory joys and uncomfortable challenges, all with humour, honesty and care. Treat yourself to some time and space to take in her words - it’s worth every moment!'

Rose Condo

'Through her poetry, Lisa has made it possible to feel empowered within our vulnerability. A broad range of verse with one distinct voice. Disarming, charming and downright joyful. I laughed, cried, smiled and pondered, dancing my way from page to page. This uplifting collection should be enjoyed by all, a true beacon of light and hope in a world that can feel darker than ever.'

Nathan Parker