Michael Fitzsimons has published two previous books of poetry. His first collection Now You Know was recommended in RNZ's annual poetry highlights. His second collection, Michael, I thought you were dead, dealt with a cancer diagnosis and was described by Joy Cowley as 'a feast for the soul'. Michael is a professional writer and member of the three-person South Wellington Poetry Society. He was co-founder of the Wellington communications and publishing company, FitzBeck Creative. He lives with his wife, Rose, in Seatoun on a hill overlooking the harbour. They have three children spread from Wellington to Warsaw to upstate New York.