Here are another couple of poems from my lovely poet hubby, Joseph Robert, published in The Mind[less] Muse. Since January both of us have had poetry published rather than fiction, but not to fear – more fiction is in the pipeline for this year.
After all, a writing couple need to share the love.
Poetry, writing, art. Is one any better than the other at expressing a concept? Some things might make a great visual impression, but would seem mundane or even boring if described. The trivial details of the daily grind, for example, that aren’t worth working into a poem might be great fodder for a sketch. With that in mind, here is a tongue-in-cheek vignette that I chose to show, rather than tell:
Five of my poems are published in The Open End Magazine this month – a batch inspired by archaeology, genetics with a few rogue wolves thrown in there for good measure. Since nearly all of my recent magazine publications have been based on archaeology themes (such as in Morphrog and Jellyfish Whispers) this brings me to the question…why am I not still working in my former career as a Field Archaeologist?
Digging deep
Today is the day for all things romantic. For me, that means a break from the usual writing day to indulge in lots of chocolates…see the photo above for proof! But when love is in the air, I’m all about sharing. So here’s a trip down memory lane with a couple of romantic poems from Joseph Robert and I. First to share is my poet hubby, Joseph Robert’s poem, Mate, published in Black Mirror Magazine in Febrary 2014. This one is a deviously delicious treat with a centre sweeter than a passion fruit truffle; yum! Next up is my poem, This is the soppiest I can get, which appeared in The Sound of Poetry Review in March 2013. It’s tangy with a hint of lemon zing and mellowed in creamy white chocolate. Mmm…
Happy Valentine’s day!
Recently, poet Mickey Morgan, was kind enough to read one of my previously published poems, Idle, which you can listen to here.
Idle, was first published in Sarasvati magazine Issue 17 in summer 2011. It’s one of a selection that will be appearing alongside my themed poems in my forthcoming collection, A Model Archaeologist, by Eyewear Publishing.
It’s always interesting to hear your own work read by another person. Continue reading
This month I have had the pleasure of reviewing poet Ken W Simpson’s new collection, Patterns of Perception. Published by Augur Press (January 2015), this collection contains 31 poems in an attractively produced perfect bound volume. Normally the saying, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ should be adhered to, though in this case, the cover art fits the mood of the book entirely; water is a recurring theme throughout, generating a sense of tranquillity as you read the poems.
That is not to say the poems tread lightly in terms of seeking meaning; Ken’s work delves through memories and anecdotes showing the change from a youth of ‘obliquely watching’ life to spiritual refreshment and ultimately empowerment in later years, achieved through a new level of awareness and artistic success.
Ken’s experience as a professional artist creates vivid imagery throughout the collection. We witness the emotions of a person seeking value during an often painful journey and how ultimately the past, in isolation, becomes inherently meaningless unless the individual applies their own personal truth to the process. This is clear in poems such as ‘Compatibility’ on page 3:
This month I am pleased to be joining the editorial board at Ashvamegh literary journal. Although I have previously edited poetry and fiction anthologies by my young writers in the various creative writing workshops I have held over the past three years, assisting with editing and selecting the poetry and fiction of other adult writers is a new experience for me, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the literary team.
Golden opportunity…miniature horse and rider painted by Leilanie Stewart. A writer needs a hobby (horse)!
Three of my poet & writer hubby’s poems are published in Dead Snakes this month, alongside Tim Laffey, Donal Mahoney and Jonathan Butcher.
Joseph Robert and Leilanie Stewart…writing and caffeine
Magazines, especially ezines, are a great way for a poet to connect with their audience. Many people in these cash-strapped times are looking for competitions to enter – see my previous post – though often tend to overlook magazines as a great place to be published. Continue reading
Competitions…how will you make your entry stand out?
[Updated 15 August 2018: At the time this post was written in 2015, the Melita Hume Prize was free to enter. In 2018 there is now a submission charge. Please note that at the time Leilanie Stewart was longlisted for the Melita Hume Prize in 2014, and Joseph Robert longlisted for the Melita Hume Prize in 2015, there were no submission fees to enter.]
As I have said before in previous posts, competitions are a great starting point for a novice writer or another chance to build your CV/resume if you are already established. I’m always in favour of entering free competitions. The only cost will be your time in terms of selecting your best work, editing and submitting it. Are competitions worth it? Last year when I entered the Melita Hume prize, although I didn’t win, I was longlisted which meant another opportunity arose; the chance to be published in a pamphlet series run by the same publisher. If you enter competitions, you will get exposure for your work even if you haven’t won cash prizes…and IMHO that is a bigger winner. After all, the ultimate goal for any writer is to be read, is it not? With all this in mind, here is my latest list of FREE contests for teenagers and adults. Best of luck to you!
Leilanie Stewart 