Poetry readings

Here’s an article from The Guardian with links for watching some terrific short poetry readings for National Poetry Day – a project of Liz Brownlee, a National Poetry Day ambassador. People whose work has to do with light read poems about light. Thanks to Dianne Cook for this news item.
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/oct/07/a-firefighter-a-physicist-and-a-fire-dancer-read-poems-about-light

Competitions

Winners of the 12th Kathleen Julia Bates Memorial Writing Competition have been announced. In case you missed the announcement, you can find the full results here.

• Somerset National Poetry Prize

Open to Australian secondary students under 19 years of age

Closing Date 11 December

Do you know a young person with a flair for writing poetry? This competition is being held in conjunction with the Somerset Celebration of Literature 2016. Its purpose is to encourage a love of writing poetry amongst secondary school students, to affirm it as a worthwhile literary pursuit and to stimulate excellence in writing. It also has the aim of inspiring and enriching youth literature. Category prizes of $300 plus flights to attend the festival. Full details here.

Poetry pointers

To rhyme or not to rhyme?

Where do you get ideas? How do you write a poem? Do poems have to rhyme? What makes it a poem if it doesn’t rhyme? Who publishes poetry? How do I become a children’s poet? What is your top tip for writers who want to write poetry for children?

These are among the myriad questions asked by writers who want to write poetry. How would you answer them? If you have a poetry pointer to share, email me at traffa-m@bigpond.net.au

Poems wanted

Please keep submissions of poetry coming in for the Poem of the Day. Your submissions are much appreciated and I’m enjoying them immensely. If you’re a poet who is still thinking about whether to submit, please do! Poems are always needed and get posted so long as they are suitable for children (including teenagers). Previously published poems can be submitted provided you still retain copyright. Email traffa-m@bigpond.net.au

Articles, events, information and interviews

ACP is also happy to accept information about children’s poetry activities and events in Australia and overseas, poetry links, competitions, interviews with poets or publishers, poetry book reviews and relevant articles.