Contra (Margus Konnula, 1974) was born in Urvaste Parish, located in Southern Estonia’s Võru County. He graduated from Antsla Middle School in 1992. After completing his conscription, Contra worked in Urvaste as a mailman and post office chief. He has been a freelance author and scriptwriter since 1999, and a member of the Estonian Writers’ Union since 1997.
Contra is one of Estonia’s most productive contemporary poets. Since his debut in 1995, he has published at least one poetry collection each year. Altogether, he believes he has penned over five thousand original poems. Contra’s writing is strongly rooted in Estonia’s contemporary folk-singing tradition, with gleeful and witty texts that blend the doggerel style with topical issues using masterful locution. Moreover, Contra’s poetry stands out for the frequent use of his native Võru dialect. He is also a popular guest on television, at public events, and in schools. Sport is his second great passion, particularly marathons.
2020 Republic of Estonia Order of the White Star, Fifth Class 2019 Cross of Recognition, Fifth Class – Bearer of the Order (Latvia) 2015 Good Children’s Book (Everyone’s the Smartest) 2014 Annual Children’s Literature Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia (Everyone’s the Smartest) Karl Eduard Sööt Children’s Poetry Award (Everyone’s the Smartest) 2010 “Järje Hoidja” Award of the Tallinn Central Library (A Boy’s ABCs)
Contra (Margus Konnula, 1974) was born in Urvaste Parish, located in Southern Estonia’s Võru County. He graduated from Antsla Middle School in 1992. After completing his conscription, Contra worked in Urvaste as a mailman and post office chief. He has been a freelance author and scriptwriter since 1999, and a member of the Estonian Writers’ Union since 1997.
