2017
DECEMBER 12 - 2017
Awarded 2nd prize in The Takahē Monica Taylor Poetry Prize 2017, judged by Elizabeth Smither in New Zealand.
The Takahē Monica Taylor Poetry Prize 2017 is offered by Takahē magazine.
Founded in Christchurch in 1989, Takahē magazine publishes short stories, poetry and art, as well as essays, interviews, and book reviews.
DECEMBER 12 - 2017
Daily Walk appears in Vol 6, Issue 2, ‘The Brutal Issue’ of Here Comes Everyone in the UK.
Here Comes Everyone is a Coventry-based, quarterly literary magazine of poetry, fiction, articles and artwork.
Vol 6, Issue 2, can be purchased here
DECEMBER 10 - 2017
Sundays Were a Desert to You appears in the Winter Issue of the Northampton Poetry Review.
The Northampton Poetry Review is an online & print journal based in Northamptonshire in the UK.
NOVEMBER 18 - 2017
Airbnb Weekend appears in fourW twenty-eight launched at Wagga Wagga City Library by Ivy Alvarez. Another launch will follow at Gleebooks in Sydney by Michele Seminara on Saturday November 25.
‘We celebrate the wonderful contributions of poetry and prose by local, national, and international writers in this the twenty-eighth year of continuous publication of fourW.’ – David Gilbey
‘A treasure trove of new writing from Australian and international contributors. The fourW twenty-eight anthology features poetry and prose from award-winning authors as well as emerging writers. A feast of literary delights take the reader to new destinations with the turn of each page.’ – Michele Seminara
One of the oldest and most established anthologies in Australia, fourW is edited by David Gilbey and published by the Booranga Writers Centre at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales.
NOVEMBER 12 - 2017
A Funeral, and Falling in Love appear in After the Cyclone: The New Zealand Poetry Society Anthology 2017, launched at Auckland City Library on November 12, and edited by Christchurch writer Gail Ingram.
The Anthology is available to purchase from The New Zealand Poetry Society.
NOVEMBER 2 - 2017
You Have Become a Graphic Novel in My Dreams appears in Offset 17, published by Victoria University in Melbourne and launched on November 2 at MetroWest.
‘Victoria University’s Creative Arts Journal Offset is in its seventeenth year, celebrating and engaging with creative artists in Melbourne and around the world to publish prose, poetry, and artwork.’ – Ian Syson
OCTOBER 24 - 2017
For Jane will appear in Issue 5, the Autumn issue of The Fenland Reed, launched at the Poetry in Aldeburgh festival on November 4 in the UK.
The Fenland Reed is an East Anglian literary magazine. It is published biannually, and includes poetry and fiction. The editors are Jonathan Totman (Fenland Poet Laureate 2015) and Mary Livingstone (Fenland Poet Laureate 2016).
Issue 5 can be purchased here
OCTOBER 19 - 2017
Thank you Sinéad appears in Meniscus Volume 5: Issue 2, edited by Jen Webb and Gail Pittaway.
‘Meniscus is an online literary journal published by the Australasian Association of Writing Programs (AAWP). Its aim is to provide a showcase for the best in contemporary international writing.’
The editors and advisory board are based in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and welcome submissions from writers anywhere in the world.
‘Meniscus publishes high quality, innovative poetry, short fiction, and creative essays in English, or in other languages with a good parallel translation.’
Volume 5: Issue 2 can be read HERE
SEPTEMBER 27 - 2017
Shortlisted for The Overton Poetry Prize 2017 at Loughborough University in the UK.
The Overton Poetry Prize for a sequence of poems was established in memory of Professor Bill Overton, a world-respected English scholar and a former head of department at Loughborough University. Each year the winner is published by Loughborough University in chapbook form.
This year’s prize is judged by Helen Calcutt. The winner will be announced in October.
SEPTEMBER 23 - 2017
Night Reverie appears in Irises: The University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor’s International Poetry Prize Anthology 2017.
Edited by Monica Carroll and Paul Munden, the anthology contains the winning and longlisted poems from the annual $15,000 prize.
The winner was announced at the Poetry on the Move Festival by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Deep Saini, on Thursday.
SEPTEMBER 20 - 2017
Longlisted for The Overton Poetry Prize 2017 at Loughborough University in the UK.
The Overton Poetry Prize for a sequence of poems was established in memory of Professor Bill Overton, a world-respected English scholar and a former head of department at Loughborough University. Each year the winner is published by Loughborough University in chapbook form.
This year’s prize is judged by Helen Calcutt. The winner will be announced in October.
SEPTEMBER 13 - 2017
Accepted for publication in fourW, the annual anthology published by the Booranga Writers Centre at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia.
Edited by David Gilbey, fourW twenty-eight will be launched in November at Gleebooks in Sydney, and at Wagga Wagga City Library in New South Wales.
SEPTEMBER 4 - 2017
Accepted for publication in BONSAI: Best small stories from Aotearoa New Zealand, edited by Michelle Elvy, Frankie McMillan and James Norcliffe.
‘BONSAI: Best small stories from Aotearoa New Zealand is a comprehensive book of compressed fiction. The first of its kind in New Zealand, the book will be a wide-ranging collection in three parts: one section will feature the best of previously published work; one section will feature considerations and essays by noted practitioners on the short narrative form and its development/growth in New Zealand; one section will feature entirely new work, to showcase the fast-changing landscape of New Zealand small fictions.’
BONSAI will be launched by Canterbury University Press in August 2018.
SEPTEMBER 4 - 2017
Accepted for publication in Offset arts Journal published by Victoria University in Melbourne and edited by former Overland editor Ian Syson.
‘Victoria University’s Creative Arts Journal Offset is in its seventeenth year, celebrating and engaging with creative artists in Melbourne and around the world to publish prose, poetry, and artwork.’
Offset 17 will be launched in Melbourne on November 2.
SEPTEMBER 1 - 2017
Body, Remember has been launched in London by Eyewear Publishing as part of the Lorgnette Pamphlet Series.
Body, Remember takes its title from a poem by the Greek poet C.P. Cavafy, who, in sensuous imagery, illuminates the persistence and power of the body-memory of desire. Conversely, in this pamphlet, Lee addresses the body’s capacity to hide, to deceive, and draw a veil of silence, to create a blank space within when faced with trauma.
‘These poems are quiet, controlled and sparse, with an accurate ear for rhythm. Body, Remember is a satisfyingly cohesive collection, each poem adding something to the previous and the next. I found them intense, strong and immensely powerful.’ – Diane Brown (Landfall Review Online, Otago University Press)
‘In Body, Remember, Wes Lee catalogues a ‘domino of broken things’ with deft poignancy and dark humour. She draws our attention to the fact, that even as we read and breathe, our bodies are in a state of breaking.’ – Michael Stewart
‘Wes Lee's beautiful, sobering collection gives a skeleton upon which to hang the intangible. It speaks to transience, to trauma, to the inevitability of time passing.’ – S. J. Bradley
‘Amazing poems... very powerful.’ – Rosanna Hildyard
‘Eyewear Publishing is an independent press based in London. Strongly poetry focused, we bring readers a varied list, kept coherent by our dedication to presenting writing of the highest quality from the UK and overseas, from new and established figures. Through our annual Melita Hume Poetry Prize, and Pamphlet Series, we discover, support and develop exciting new talent.’ – Todd Swift
Body, Remember is available in bookstores in the UK, and can be ordered online from the Poetry Book Society, Amazon, Fishpond, and direct from Eyewear Publishing in London.
AUGUST 22 - 2017
My Tough Little James Cagney Stance has been selected for publication in the Poetry New Zealand Yearbook 2018.
Edited by Dr. Jack Ross, Poetry NZ is an international print journal based in New Zealand.
‘Poetry New Zealand Yearbook is this country's oldest, most established poetry magazine. It is interested not only in the work of established poets and experimental writing but also in that of new writers trying to have their work recognised. It also contains reviews and articles concerning poetry in New Zealand and elsewhere.’
The Poetry New Zealand Yearbook 2018 will be launched in March by Massey University Press.
AUGUST 22 - 2017
A Funeral, Where have you gone Valerie Solanas?, and Falling in Love, have been selected to appear in the 2017 New Zealand Poetry Society’s Annual Anthology, edited this year by Christchurch writer Gail Ingram.
A selection of poems chosen by the editor will appear alongside the winning and commended poems from the NZPS annual poetry competition.
The anthology will be launched by the New Zealand Poetry Society at Auckland Central Library on November 12.
AUGUST 21 - 2017
Shortlisted for the 5th iteration of The Fortnight Prize offered by Eyewear Publishing in London and judged by Eyewear’s director Todd Swift.
The prize is offered by Eyewear Publishing each fortnight. Winners and a selection of shortlisted poets will appear in a forthcoming anthology.
The submissions are via submittable and are judged by a rotating pool of Eyewear’s editors.
Eyewear’s new poem prize has been launched to ‘celebrate poetry in a fast-paced digital world.’
AUGUST 18 - 2017
My Baby appears in Fresh Ink: A Collection of Voices in Aotearoa, launched at The Loft, Q Theatre, in Auckland and published by Cloud Ink Press.
‘From the historical to the fantastical, the real to the surreal, this exciting new anthology of New Zealand fiction, poetry, and artwork presents the varied voices and styles of New Zealand writing at its best - exhibiting work from established and award-winning authors as well as some lively 'fresh ink' from previously unpublished literary voices.’
The anthology contains new writing from: Sandra Arnold, Heather Bauchop, Jane Blaikie, Drew Carrick-Anderson, Nikki Crutchley, Jack Gabriel, James George, Michael Giacon, J.A.Grierson, Kerry Harrison, Trisha Hanifin, Siobhan Harvey, Helen Henry, Thalia Henry, Juliet Jackson, Dione Jones, Wes Lee, Lorraine Marson, Helen McNeil, Dave Moore, Shereen Asha Murugayah, Art Nahill, Denise O’Hagen, Maris O’Rourke, Karen Phillips, Kirsty Powell, J.C.L. Purchase, Maxi Quy, Gillian Roach, Emma Robinson, Joanna Rodgers, Rosa-May Rutherford, Henrica Schieving, Sarah Sparx, Nina Tapu, Joan Taylor, Brendon Weir.
Fresh Ink: A Collection of Voices in Aotearoa is available in bookstores throughout New Zealand or direct from Cloud Ink Press.
AUGUST 5 - 2017
Shooting Gallery is reviewed in Takahē Magazine, Issue 90.
‘Shooting Gallery is award-winning Wellington writer Wes Lee’s debut poetry collection. It is stunning. The poems are assured, brave, and many have already been published in a wide array of NZ and international journals...
The body is prime. And although throughout the collection pain and indignity are often a given, there is also a glorying in the physical, the sensual; there is verve, and poems that punch the air celebrating survival...
It is striking that in these poems, no one is judged. The first thing that Wes Lee concerns herself with in Shooting Gallery is the humanity of each person. Here, the last shall be first, and she ensures that, in this marvellous collection, we know why this should be the case.’ – (Takahē: 90)
‘Founded in 1989, Takahē magazine publishes short stories, poetry and art, as well as essays, interviews, and book reviews in related areas. Many of Aotearoa New Zealand’s brightest literary talents made their first public appearance within our pages, and we remain committed to publishing the best work from emerging talents alongside that of established writers and artists.' - Takahē Collective
The full review can be read HERE
AUGUST 1 - 2017
Body, Did You Know appears in New Writing Scotland, Issue 35, edited by Diana Hendry & Susie Maguire.
‘Published by the Association for Scottish Literary Studies at the University of Glasgow, New Writing Scotland is the principal forum for poetry and short fiction in Scotland today. Every year it publishes the very best from both emerging and established writers, and lists many of the leading literary lights of Scotland among its past (and present) contributors.
She Said He Said I Said: New Writing Scotland 35 is the latest collection of excellent contemporary literature, drawn from a wide cross-section of Scottish culture and society, and includes new work from more than fifty authors – some award-winning and internationally renowned, and some just beginning their careers.’
‘The annual finger on the pulse of the literary nation.' —The Herald
SHE SAID HE SAID I SAID: New Writing Scotland 35 is available in bookstores UK wide or online from Amazon, MyBookSource, or direct from the University of Glasgow.
AUGUST 1 - 2017
Longlisted for the University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor’s International Poetry Prize 2017 ($15,000), judged by American poet laureate (2001 – 2003) Billy Collins.
‘The University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor's International Poetry Prize has been offered annually since 2014. The prize celebrates the enduring significance of poetry to cultures everywhere in the world, and its ongoing and often seminal importance to world literatures. It marks the University of Canberra's commitment to creativity and imagination in all that it does, and builds on the work of the International Poetry Studies Institute in identifying poetry as a highly resilient and sophisticated human activity. It also builds on the activities of the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, which conducts wide-ranging research into human creativity and culture.’
The winner will be announced on September 21.
An anthology of the winning and longlisted poems will be published by the University of Canberra in September.
JULY 7 - 2017
Shortlisted for the 4th iteration of The Fortnight Prize offered by Eyewear Publishing in London and judged by Oliver Jones.
The prize is offered by Eyewear Publishing each fortnight. Winners and a selection of shortlisted poets will appear in an anthology edited by Todd Swift and published by Eyewear Publishing.
The submissions are via submittable and are judged by Eyewear’s editors.
Eyewear’s new poem prize has been launched to ‘celebrate poetry in a fast-paced digital world.’
JULY 6 - 2017
You Know I Want appears in Strix, a new UK literary journal based in Leeds.
Edited by Ian Harker and Andrew Lambeth, and launched at the Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds, Strix contains work by Helen Mort, Ian Duhig, Carole Bromley and others.
Strix can be purchased Here
JULY 1 - 2017
Power of Attorney appears in Meniscus Volume 5: Issue 1, edited by Alice Beecham and Paul Hetherington.
‘Meniscus is an online literary journal published by the Australasian Association of Writing Programs (AAWP). Its aim is to provide a showcase for the best in contemporary international writing.’
The editors and advisory board are based in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and welcome submissions from writers anywhere in the world.
‘Meniscus publishes high quality, innovative poetry, short fiction, and creative essays in English, or in other languages with a good parallel translation.’
Volume 5: Issue 1 can be read Here
JUNE 4 - 2017
‘People ask me what’s it like living in New Zealand?’ appears in Issue #6 of Demos journal, the Futures issue.
Demos is the online literary journal from the Australian National University. ‘Demos Journal is a progressive journal that aims to put the demos or “people” back into democracy. We are Canberra based publication that is dedicated to creating a critical and creative space for politics, poetry and ideas around the theme of democracy in a changing climate. We publish in a variety of forms: poetry, long-form articles, essays, short stories, mixed media creative writing, interviews, features, book reviews, memoirs and as well as non-conventional forms.’
‘One thing that unifies many progressive campaigns is that we’re up against an undemocratic, broken political system, where things like corporate influence, short-term election cycles and hegemonic free market ideology make it incredibly difficult for activists to affect change. I guess that’s part of the reason we decided to call the project ‘Demos’ – to create a space where people can begin to imagine a different kind of politics, a politics, to paraphrase Schumacher, as if people mattered.’ – Odette Shenfield
Issue #6: Futures can be read HERE
JUNE 2 - 2017
Remembering Oluwale, featuring The Story Has Overtaken Me, has won the Best Anthology category in The Saboteur Awards in the UK.
The Saboteur Awards take place in London every year, voted for by the public, and sponsored by Literature Wales as part of International Dylan Thomas Day.
Published by Valley Press and edited by S.J. Bradley: ‘Remembering Oluwale is an inspiring reflection on David’s story. It includes extracts from recent books about David Oluwale by Caryl Phillips and Kester Aspden, as well as previously published poems by Ian Duhig, Sai Murray, and Zodwa Nyoni. This body of new and earlier writing serves as a clarion call for us to re-make our neighbourhoods as places of inclusion and hospitality.’
‘Remembering Oluwale is a unique and powerful anthology that brings together voices new and more experienced from around the world, expressing a collective will to hold power and authority to account. A significant and relevant collection.’
JUNE 1 - 2017
Shortlisted for The Fortnight Prize offered by Eyewear Publishing in London and judged by Alexandra Payne.
The prize is offered by Eyewear Publishing each fortnight. Winners and a selection of shortlisted poets will appear in an anthology edited by Todd Swift and published by Eyewear Publishing.
The submissions are via submittable and are judged by Eyewear’s editors.
'Eyewear’s new poem prize has been launched to celebrate poetry in a fast-paced digital world.’
The inaugural winner of the prize was the acclaimed Canadian poet Robin Richardson. Her winning poem Without a Roof can be read here
MAY 9 - 2017
Shooting Gallery is reviewed by Murray Edmond in the 70th Anniversary Issue of Landfall.
‘Landfall is New Zealand’s foremost and longest running arts and literary journal. Published by Otago University Press, it showcases new fiction, poetry, essays and cultural commentary.’
Issue 233, the 70th Anniversary Issue is available throughout New Zealand bookstores and direct from Otago University Press.
‘There are times in this tough-minded and tender-hearted book when you are persuaded that your odds are not good. On the other hand there are moments – and moments matter for Wes Lee – when the balance of the universe tips back in your favour.’ – Murray Edmond
MAY 9 - 2017
To Die and Die Again appears in the 70th Anniversary Issue of Landfall, edited by David Eggleton.
‘Landfall is New Zealand’s foremost and longest running arts and literary journal. Published by Otago University Press, it showcases new fiction, poetry, essays and cultural commentary.’
Issue 233, the 70th Anniversary Issue is available throughout New Zealand bookstores and direct from Otago University Press.
MAY 9 - 2017
Voices from the Cave: an anthology of poems about addiction and recovery will launch in Ireland on May 11 at the Shannon Rowing Club, Sarsfield Bridge, Limerick at 7.30pm.
Produced by The Limerick Writer’s Centre in association with the Mid-West Regional Drug and Alcohol Forum, Voices from the Cave is edited by Ron Carey and Dominic Taylor, and published by Revival Press.
‘The Limerick Writers' Centre is a non profit organisation established to nurture and support writers, fostering literary excellence through readings, workshops and publishing activities – serving literature, books and creativity in the North Munster region since 2008.’
‘This is an important book and essential reading for anyone who is interested in the human condition and how easy it is to become marginalised. The poems tell stories about real people, their heartbreaks but also their hope. With an introduction by Fr. Peter McVerry of the Peter McVerry Trust, this anthology engages both the heart and mind.’
APRIL 22 - 2017
Selected to appear in New Writing Scotland, Issue 35.
‘Published annually by the Association for Scottish Literary Studies at the University of Glasgow, New Writing Scotland is the principal forum for poetry and short fiction in Scotland today. Every year it publishes the very best from both emerging and established writers, and lists many of the leading literary lights of Scotland among its past (and present) contributors.’
'New Writing Scotland remains the most accurate barometer of new trends in Scottish writing.' – Simon Hall, The Herald
APRIL 6 - 2017
Remembering Oluwale, featuring The Story Has Overtaken Me, has been shortlisted for the Best Anthology category in The Saboteur Awards in the UK.
The Saboteur Awards take place in London every year, voted for by the public, and sponsored by Literature Wales as part of International Dylan Thomas Day.
'Published by Valley Press and edited by S.J. Bradley: Remembering Oluwale is an inspiring reflection on David’s story. It includes extracts from recent books about David Oluwale by Caryl Phillips and Kester Aspden, as well as previously published poems by Ian Duhig, Sai Murray, and Zodwa Nyoni. This body of new and earlier writing serves as a clarion call for us to re-make our neighbourhoods as places of inclusion and hospitality.’
‘The passion and moral urgency informing these new voices gives one hope for the future of both imaginative writing and our society’s health.’ – Caryl Phillips, Writer, Guggenheim Fellow, and winner of the Martin Luther King Memorial Prize.
APRIL 6 - 2017
Driftfish: A Zoomorphic Anthology of Oceanic Life, featuring You watch TV late at night, has been longlisted for the Best Anthology category in The Saboteur Awards in the UK
The Saboteur Awards take place in London every year, voted for by the public, and sponsored by Literature Wales as part of International Dylan Thomas Day.
Driftfish: A Zoomorphic Anthology of Oceanic Life, is edited by Susan Richardson and James Roberts, and published by Zoomorphic in the UK.
‘A Zoomorphic anthology of poetry, prose and images dedicated to marine wildlife. With an international list of contributors. Featuring stories and poems about a host of marine species.’
MARCH 27 - 2017
Blackmail Press Issue 42 has launched in Auckland featuring a suite of poems.
Founded in 2001 by editor Doug Poole:
‘Blackmail Press’s impetus is to promote New Zealand poetry and to provide an environment for New Zealand poets to share their work, presenting an eclectic range of voices from Aotearoa and abroad.’
MARCH 17 - 2017
Running Naked on the Motorway appears in I, You, He, She, It: Experiments in Viewpoint, published by Grist Books, University of Huddersfield Press, in the UK.
The contributing writers were selected by a panel of renowned authors and editors: Helen Mort (Chatto & Windus), Steve Ely (Smokestack/Blackheath Books), Sam Jordison (The Guardian/ Galley Beggar Press), Ben Myers (Bluemoose Books), and Steve Finbow (Zero Books).
‘The latest Grist Anthology is an innovative blend of some of the most exciting and freshest voices in prose and poetry today. It features five sections written from five distinct narrative viewpoints.’ – Simon Crump
The anthology was launched on March 17 at the Huddersfield Literature Festival.
MARCH 14 - 2017
The Players Are Dead appears in the Poetry New Zealand Yearbook 2017, launched by Massey University Press at Devonport Library on Tuesday, March 14.
Edited by Dr. Jack Ross, and launched by Michele Leggott, Poetry NZ is an international print journal based in New Zealand.
‘Poetry New Zealand Yearbook is this country's oldest, most established poetry magazine. It is interested not only in the work of established poets and experimental writing but also in that of new writers trying to have their work recognised. It also contains reviews and articles concerning poetry in New Zealand and elsewhere.’
The yearbook can be purchased in all good independent bookstores, and ordered online via Massey University Press.
FEBRUARY 2 - 2017
Accepted for publication in the forthcoming anthology Voices from the Cave – an anthology of poems about addiction and recovery.
Produced by The Limerick Writer’s Centre in association with the Mid-West Regional Drug and Alcohol Forum, Voices from the Cave is edited by Ron Carey and Dominic Taylor and will be launched in Ireland in March 2017.
‘The Limerick Writers' Centre is a non profit organisation established to nurture and support writers, fostering literary excellence through readings, workshops and publishing activities – serving literature, books and creativity in the North Munster region since 2008.’
JANUARY 3 - 2017
A suite of poems has been accepted for publication in Blackmail Press Issue 42 in Auckland.
Founded in 2001 by editor Doug Poole:
‘Blackmail Press’s impetus is to promote New Zealand poetry and to provide an environment for New Zealand poets to share their work, presenting an eclectic range of voices from Aotearoa and abroad.’
Issue 42 will appear in March.