How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside: An Alternative Guide to Writing and Enjoying Poetry

by Brian Bilston

Why do we write poetry? Who should write it? And where do you even start?

Well, Brian Bilston, one of the UK’s most hilarious and best-loved poets, is here to take us through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

With his characteristic wit and charm, Bilston accompanies us through the jungle of imagination to the source of inspiration, takes us under the bonnet of a sonnet and over the fear of literary devices. He gives us a whirlwind tour through the history of verse, and shows us why human poetry will always triumph over any attempts by AI.

Showcasing over a hundred brand new poems, and including practical critiques of some of his greatest hits, every page is an immensely pleasurable deep-dive into the life-affirming craft of poetry and a passionate argument for why we should all pick up a pen.

How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside is for anyone who loves words and all the things they can do.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2026

About the author

Brian Bilston is a poet whose work has been shared widely on social media over the last few years. He has been described as the 'unofficial Poet Laureate of Twitter'.

Reviews

[Mindaugas Mozūras · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to it as one who rarely stays
With poems long, and holds them at a distance,
And thought perhaps this book might shift my gaze,
Or make some case for verse despite resistance.

It offers poetry sideways, not as law,
But as a thing misheard, half-made, askew;
Its humor kept me smiling more than awed,
Yet still it made the whole idea feel new.

Some air came through the subject, and it seemed
Less sealed by reverence, less a scholar’s rite;
It brought verse down from pedestals I’d dreamed,
To something human-sized, and oddly light.

Not one I loved, but one I’m glad I knew -
Competent, odd, and sometimes almost new.

[Harry Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for a proof of this book. Even for someone who is quite fussy and generally not too bothered about poetry this was a fantastic and much needed joyful read. This really shines a light on what is so great about poetry specifically and writing generally. This will give you a new and refreshed appreciation for all things poetic and literary, with the added bonus of many many many amusing lines, stanzas, verse, and some of the right words in the best order.

[Theo Smaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Bilston's self-deprecating yet wise voice makes reading this guide to poetry as entertaining as it is genuinely insightful. Bilston understands poetry in all its forms and nuances, and explains it in a way that is understandable to a beginner, and yet still enjoyable for someone already versed in the subject.

The inclusion of poems throughout was a smart choice to illustrate his points, and allow for a lot of fun meta-textual moments. On top of this, they're just really good. This might be the most I've ever laughed at a book, as I found myself genuinely giggling time and time again which is not particularly common for me whilst reading. I am really fond of his narrative voice, which seeps with self-awareness and irony, but is so confident and assuring at the same time.

This is a great book that you should read at your earliest convenience.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn all about poetry the Brian Bilston way in this amusing guide to a more entertaining understanding of the ins & outs of the written word. Bilston’s affable style will bring an extra zing to your day with his tips and recommendations on how to successfully navigate the various forms of poems. Sprinkled throughout is a selection of tremendous poems that perfectly match his words of light-hearted wisdom.

I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the author's humorous take on creating poetry. It is more inspirational than informative though. The poems inside however make the book absolutely brilliant.