A summer of writing, pride and magic

Hello!

I hope you are having a nice summer, or whichever season it is with you. This has been a unique few months for me - very, very hot and sunny, with some incredible experiences, and moments of real magic. I have grown in confidence, and know myself better. 

 I enjoyed some big writing moments, from being published in Lighthouse and reading at the launch, to being featured on the Eat the Storms podcast, to taking part in Writing Dance and getting braver and freer when it comes to moving my body.

 There is so much more that I am proud of - read on to learn more!

Grants and commissions

My DYCP grant from Arts Council England is allowing me to spend some quality time on my poetry and performance skills. I have had my first sessions with each of my mentors, Caroline Bird and Rommi Smith. They have been really helpful, and I am excited to see what I can achieve in the coming months.

 I am enjoying working on my piece for Dibby Theatre's First Dibs project. Our Monday night study sessions have come to an end, and we are busy preparing our work for the showcase, The Assembly, which will take place in November, at HOME. Do consider coming along!

Writing Dance

Last year, I was selected for the Writing Dance project with Yorkshire Dance and The Writing Squad. Back in December 2020, we did some Zoom sessions, exploring writing and movement. My article on this experience, "Teamwork, freedom, and surprising myself", was published by Yorkshire Dance.

 After working virtually, it was really special to be able to meet in person for a week in July, at the Yorkshire Dance studios. Travelling to Leeds every day was a big change, and an adventure. 

 In time, I felt really at home at Yorkshire Dance - one memorable lunchtime, there was a thunderstorm outside, and I felt so cosy and safe in the studio. 

 I met lovely people, and was able to work in several different pairs and groups, to create a series of really diverse mini-projects. I enjoyed exploring new ways of moving, and I'm looking forward to further developing some of what I wrote.

 Overall, the Writing Dance week was, for me, a successful return to in-person collaboration, and I left feeling hopeful and empowered.

Proud publications and podcasting!

I've been part of a number of publications - and a podcast! - this summer, and I love that there has been a running theme of Pride and queer celebration.

 Exploring my identity, comforting readers who may be struggling, and fighting for justice and acceptance - it is so important, and is what I want to be doing as a writer.

 My essay "Becoming myself in the city" was commissioned and published by Aurelia Magazine, as part of their Future Hope series with Manchester International Festival. 

 In the essay, I look back over my time in Manchester, my coming out, and how walking in the city has helped me to take back control and work out what I want in life. I hope you enjoy it.

 A dream came true when my poem "The second time I am diagnosed with PCOS" was published in Issue 22 of Lighthouse, a magazine that had been on my radar for many years.

 I performed at the launch, which was a really nice evening. I am really keen to raise awareness around PCOS - especially as a queer voice.

 It was lovely to have my short story "Siren" published in York Literary Review 2021, and to attend the launch night. "Siren" is a coming-of-age story inspired by some of my own experiences, and my love of the Indigo Girls.

 My poem "Footseeds", about accepting both my height and my queerness, was published in the Pride issue of The Adriatic, with a perfect illustration by Kelsee Porter.

 My poem "This Pride" was published in the gorgeous A Pride of Lines zine from Coin-Operated Press. In the poem, I think back on my first two Manchester Prides (2018 and 2019), and the huge difference between them.

 I was delighted to have three poems - "Fishtails", "Like Christmas", and "Encore" - and a fiction piece - "A starfish is rejected" - published in Giving Room Mag, in their Queer Nostalgia issue. 

 I also have three poems in the first issue of with confetti. I hope you enjoy "Argo", "I've learnt I love women", and "Relief". 

 It is an honour to be here at the beginning of this new queer platform, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they create next.

 My poem "Tomato season" was published in July's Visual Verse. I responded to the below image by Maria Victoria Rodriguez. and also thought about growth, and how personal and individual it is.

 I also have a poem in August's Visual Verse. "The sherbet day" was inspired by separation, distance and memory, as well as by this image by Veronica Lissandrini.

 I have enjoyed curating Foxglove Journal, and sharing my poem "Carnota", about one of my favourite places. 

 I visited when I was living in Galicia, and it was so beautiful there. I hope to return one day.

 Last, but very much not least, it was great to be invited to be a featured poet in the Eat the Storms podcast, and especially the Pride Party issue. 

 I enjoyed sharing my work, hearing friends read, and discovering some queer writers who were new to me. It was a warm, gentle evening.

 Coming up: I have a poem about desire and loneliness in the next issue of Under the Radar, which I can't wait to share. Watch this space!

Workshops and events

As well as the Lighthouse launch, I attended Sale Out Loud and shared some of my new poems with the lovely, supportive crowd there.

 I attended a fascinating Writing Squad workshop by Lenni Sanders, where I was introduced to flarf poetry, and we worked on a group poem about tadpoles, which was really fun.

 I attended Poetry Business workshops with River Wolton - who combined poetry with meditation, Suzannah Evans - who had us thinking about the future, and Andrew McMillan and Warda Yassin, who had us focusing on everyday objects and memory.

 I'm looking forward to an autumn of more Writing Squad and Poetry Business workshops. I am also hoping to run more workshops myself, so if you would be interested in attending, or in hosting me at a group or organisation, please do get in touch!

Baking, theatre, and languages

The Village Bakers had our first social back in-person, in Manchester Gay Village. It was wonderful to see many of my friends again, as well as some new faces. 

 I loved writing about the social - and many other exciting baking shenanigans - in our Summer Newsletter. It also includes my poem "Donuts at Southport".

 I also had a great time touring Oldham Coliseum Theatre as part of the Pathways creative group. It is a beautiful building, and I hope to stay involved in projects there.

 A languages update: I am enjoying refreshing my Mandarin Chinese on Duolingo. At the moment, I am working on subjects such as shopping, food, and hobbies. I am looking at hopefully taking the HSK Level 2 exam soon (I did my Level 1 a few years ago following my visit to Beijing).

 Thank you for sharing my writing journey with me - I hope you have enjoyed this update! 

 Hope you have a nice September.

 Speak soon,

 Liz

Hedgehog Poetry Press - The Tree Poets Competition

 Hello!

 I am delighted to have been chosen as a winner of Hedgehog Poetry Press' Tree Poets Competition!I will be one of three poets to have their work showcased in the pamphlet Tree Poets: Flames of Ice. 

 I am very happy that I will be sharing this space with the lovely Kate Garrett, who I met at a Stirred night and whose writing I deeply admire. The third poet, Kay Channon, I have chatted to on Twitter, and I am really looking forward to getting to know her work.

 My set of poems is from my time living in the south of France, and includes imagery connected to travel, nature, the body and mind, and memory. 

 The Tree Poets: Flames of Ice is due out in spring/summer 2019, and there will be a launch at which I hope to perform - watch this space!

 Liz x

Visual Verse - On earth, looking up

 Hello!

 My short fiction piece "On earth, looking up" has been published at Visual Verse! This month's prompt was the above image by Matt Boyce.

 I hope you enjoy my story about space, fish, and whether it is ever really too late to try something new.

 Liz x

News - November and December 2018

 Hello!

Edinburgh Christmas Market

 So much has happened in the last couple of months - I started my new job and moved into my flat, which has been really exciting. Living in Manchester has allowed me to get to creative events here much more easily, and my life has been very full and fun.

 I was so happy to be chosen by HOME to be a Digital Reporter, taking part in a year-long series of workshops and opportunities. So far we have studied blogging, photography and film, and I undertook my first assignment: to review John Walter's exhibition CAPSID for HOME's website.

 I have also had some poetry published: perhaps ironically, the month I moved back to Manchester, my poem "Leaving Manchester" appeared in Visual Verse! Despite the title, however, the poem describes how I always do end up coming back. It was also a joy to see my poem "Oyster" in beautiful print journal Confingo.

 I was honoured to have two poems, "A cave" and "Finding the fish", in the last-ever issue of Far Off Places, and was invited to attend the launch in Edinburgh. I enjoyed a very special and memorable trip, exploring, performing my work and getting to know some really nice people.

 I also travelled to York, to read at the Northern Poetry Showcase and Roadshow as a winner of the Northern Writers' Awards. Although I only got to spend one evening in the city, it was great to get a taster, and I would really like to return in the future. 

 Another performance highlight was the launch of Young Identity's anthology No Disclaimers, in which I have two poems. The event was incredibly lovely, with a chance to share my work, hear my amazingly talented fellow YI members read their poems, and then chill, chat and celebrate.

 I performed at two Mancunian spoken-word nights for the first time, sharing my poems at Flim Nite (on the theme of one of my favourite films, Pan's Labyrinth) and Speak. They were very different experiences, and I learnt a lot from both. 

 Around Christmas I received the news that I had been long-listed in the Writers' HQ From LGBTQ+ With Love flash fiction competition. It kind of caught me off-guard, and was just a really nice thing to happen.

 I am still curating Word Life, and enjoying the huge range of poems and stories I am sent. November's issue had the theme of "Gifts", and December's was a Young Identity showcase, which made it extra-special for me to edit.

 I also had the chance to interview spoken-word stars Keisha Thompson, Shirley May and Frankie Blaus, and review Keisha's show Man on the Moon, for Now Then Manchester. I am still wrapping my head around Man on the Moon - Keisha moved and inspired me so much.

 2018 was certainly the year I embraced my own passion for spoken-word poetry and found the courage to perform far more often - I shared my work at least seventeen times over the year, at launches, festivals, fundraisers and spoken-word nights.

 Considering I performed maybe twice in 2017, this feels like a huge step forward for me. I am proud of myself, and thankful to those who have supported me - being part of Young Identity and The Writing Squad has certainly contributed towards my confidence.

 Overall, I had a very busy end to the year - but a productive, enjoyable and empowering one. I resolved to write more poetry in the New Year, and so far have managed a little every day. Here's to a creative and hopeful 2019.

 Thank you so much for following my writing adventures.

 Liz x

No Disclaimers - Anthology and launch

 Hello!

 One of the loveliest evenings I have had recently was the launch of No Disclaimers, the new Young Identity anthology, at HOME, Manchester. Being part of this spoken-word group is wonderful - it really is like a family, and has given me such confidence in writing and performing.

 I have two poems, both with long titles - "On cows and skies" and "On trees, invertebrates and meteorological phenomena" - in No Disclaimers. I enjoyed reading the latter at the launch. It was also very special hearing other poems performed in their authors' unique voices, as well as generally catching up with everyone and celebrating our achievements as a group. 

 I had my copy of the anthology signed by the poets who were there, and received some kind and moving messages. I also signed other people's - it was a signing-fest! It really was a night to remember. 

 Here's to more Young Identity fun and inspiration in the New Year.

 Liz x

Far Off Places - Launch night in Edinburgh

 Hello!

Enjoying the views from the big wheel!

I have two poems in the latest - and, sadly, final - issue of Far Off Places, a beautiful journal that I have followed for years. They were also the first magazine to publish one of my translations, and have been so friendly and supportive.

 So, when I was invited to read at their launch night at Lighthouse Bookshop in Edinburgh, I decided to accept - it was a long way from Manchester, but I thought it would make a nice little trip. It was indeed: I read some poems to a really nice and warm audience, then spent hours sitting and chatting with the Far Off Places team and other lovely writers and creatives.

 I also enjoyed exploring Edinburgh: visiting the Christmas market, taking in the views from the big wheel, eating mac 'n' cheese at a vegetarian restaurant, and having a hot chocolate at Black Medicine Coffee, in the building where some of Harry Potter was written.

Mac 'n' cheese!

 The last stop on my tour was the Scottish Poetry Library, where I saw two of the famous book sculptures - they were so intricate and magical - and was able to relax for a bit before catching my train back. 

 I am very grateful to the Far Off Places team and everyone else I met for being so welcoming and for the suggestions of places to visit. I would love to return to Edinburgh some day, and hope to travel to more far off places (get it) to share my writing and meet new people.

 Liz x

Far Off Places - A cave, and Finding the fish

 Hello!

 You may remember that I had a translation published in Far Off Places in 2016. It is a gorgeous journal, available in print and digital formats.

 I was recently happy to discover that I would again be part of it, with my poems, "A cave" and "Finding the fish" published in the upcoming issue. 

 There is also a bittersweet feeling, as this will be the final issue of Far Off Places. I am proud and moved to be part of it. You can purchase the digital edition of Volume V, Issue II online.

 I hope you enjoy my poetry.

 Liz x

Confingo - Oyster

 Hello!

 I am very happy that my poem "Oyster" has been published in Confingo 10, the autumn/winter 2018 issue. It is wonderful to see my work in this elegant Mancunian print journal.

 I hope you enjoy my poem.

 Liz x

Visual Verse - Leaving Manchester

 Hello!

 Visual Verse have been celebrating their fifth birthday with a competition, and I was delighted to be one of the writers chosen to be published first in November's issue. 

 My poem "Leaving Manchester" was a response to the above image by Hannah Coulson, but also inspired by my many trips in and out of the city that has become my home over the last six years. Leaving always feels bittersweet, but I know I will never stay away for too long.

 I hope you enjoy my writing. Feel free to also look at my Visual Verse archive to see all the pieces I have had published on the site since 2015.

 Liz x

News - September and October 2018

 Hello!

 Since my last news post, autumn has arrived in the north of England, and the weather has transformed. It is very cold, but some lovely things have brought me moments of warmth. So much has happened in my writing and creative projects, and I am looking forward to sharing it with you.

 Firstly, in terms of performance and spoken word, I was commissioned to create a special piece of writing for Manchester Literature Festival's Take Ten event, at Manchester Central Library. This was an incredible opportunity, and I really enjoyed writing and performing "On stories and snow".

 I also performed a set at (In)sane, a really nice, chilled event to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, and I enjoyed reading at the ever-lovely feminist poetry night Stirred.

 In terms of the written word, GASP, the anthology of the New North Poets, was released. Four of my poems featured: "Blood ghazal", "León", "Pilot" and "Missing Leo", and our mentor, Clare Pollard, wrote a lovely introduction, praising the "conjuring of place" in my work.

 The year of mentoring following my Northern Writers' Awards win was so important to me as a writer, and this anthology was a way of celebrating our progress as New North Poets. I am very proud of it.

 I have also had poems published by other brilliant publications: "Things that can fly" appeared in Culture Matters, "Things that make me happy" in Scrittura Magazine, "Dogteeth" in Severine, "Dragon" in The Poetry Village and "An L-shaped room" in Here Comes Everyone.

 My prose also had a chance to shine, with my short story "Australia" published in The Lampeter Review, and my flash fiction piece "The time of harps" in Visual Verse.

 I enjoyed another year as a Digital Reporter for Manchester Literature Festival, reviewing two very powerful events. Firstly, I listened to Michael Morpurgo's words on the environment and conservation at Manchester Cathedral.

 I then visited the Whitworth Art Gallery to hear Rommi Smith and Dave Evans responding to the exhibition "Bodies of Colour" through the media of spoken word and piano, respectively. Issues tackled included sexism, homophobia and racism, but there was also a strong sense of hope.

 As usual, I curated the Word Life section of Now Then Manchester, and really enjoyed putting together two very different issues - September's had the more serious theme of "Messages", while October's was more fun, with poems surrounding "Animals".

 That being said, a quite solemn poem of mine, "Requiem", about whales, featured in October's issue. I hope you enjoy both months' sets of writing.

 I took part in a fun Writing Squad workshop with Stevie Ronnie on making books and presenting written work in new ways, and have enjoyed my continued participation in spoken word group Young Identity.

 I have also been chosen as a Digital Reporter at HOME, Manchester, which is very exciting! I look forward to a year of masterclasses and opportunities.

 Thanks for following my creative journey, and watch this space to see where it goes next.

 Liz x

Tales From the Forest - Noelle

 Hello!

Image by Lar Ó Duinn

 I'm pleased to announce that Tales From the Forest have published my fiction piece "Noelle" in Issue Nine, which has the theme of "Limits". 

 I hope you enjoy reading this story, which tells of of a young skater constantly forced to push her limits, the respite she finds in nature, and the darkness that pressure and stress can lead to.

 Liz x

Here Comes Everyone - An L-shaped room

 Hello!

 I am very happy that my poem "An L-shaped room" has been published by Here Comes Everyone, as part of a series on the theme of "Rituals".

 I hope you enjoy my writing.

 Liz x

The Poetry Village - Dragon

 Hello!

Image by David Coldwell

 I am delighted to see my poem "Dragon" published at The Poetry Village, accompanied by a beautiful piece of art by Editor David Coldwell. 

 This is the second of my Chinese Zodiac poems to be published this week, after "Dogteeth" appeared in Severine. I hope you are enjoying this series - you can also read "Sheepgoat" and "Rooster" online.

 Liz x

Severine - Dogteeth

 Hello!

 I am very happy to have a poem, "Dogteeth", in Issue Six of Severine, which has the theme of "Wild". 

 Issue Four of Severine was one of my first publications, back in 2016, so it is lovely to see my work between the pages of this elegant journal once again.

 I hope you enjoy my writing.

 Liz x

Scrittura Magazine - Things that make me happy

 Hello!

 My poem "Things that make me happy" has been published in Issue 13 of Scrittura Magazine - something that has made me very happy indeed! It is partly inspired by my time living in Avignon, which you can read more about on my travel blog.

 Scrittura is beautifully designed, and it is wonderful to see my work there.

 I hope you enjoy my poem.

 Liz x

Visual Verse - The time of harps

 Hello!

 I took up September's Visual Verse challenge, which was to respond to the above image by Penny Byrne. My fiction piece "The time of harps", about emptying a room, identities and the past, present and future, has been published on the site.

 I hope you enjoy my writing.

 

 Liz x

Culture Matters - Things that can fly

 Hello!

 My poem "Things that can fly" has been published by Culture Matters. It is inspired by the history of coal mining in my hometown of Wigan and many of the nearby areas, as well as by nature, different generations and the passing of time.

 I hope you enjoy it.

 Liz x