Dead Bird Books takes to the road in 2023

 

Having already released a swag of exciting new voices this year, Dead Bird Books are set to launch the new collection by founder, best-selling author and legendary performance poet Dominic Hoey in collaboration with designer Trudi Hewitt. What better way to celebrate than a road trip around the motu, bringing the new books to the people.

Accompanied by poets published by DBB in 2023, Isla Huia and Liam Jacobson, Dominic Hoey will be releasing his latest collection The Dead Are Always Laughing At Us in November 2023. Writes Hoey:

“Accessibility has shaped the way I write and perform. I’ve always resisted the idea that poetry should be a puzzle you need a 50k education to unlock. Early on I knew I wanted this to be the kind of poetry collection anyone could pick up and be drawn into immediately. With that in mind it was really important to add a visual element to the text.” 

 

The poems were mostly written during lock-down as a way to try and stay sane while the world lost its collective mind. The collaboration with a graphic designer means the book has a strongly visual, as well as verbal, aspect. Hewitt writes:

“I saw this project as an opportunity to experiment. To rethink the rules we set for consistency and to challenge typesetting conventions of literature and poetry. Ultimately I wanted to give each of Dominic’s poems their own sense of identity by playing with pace, space, size and tension. An awesome collaboration with a very talented friend.” 

The book is available for pre-sale now on Dead Bird Books website. Kicking off at the end of November, Dominic is bringing a road show of exciting talent to select venues in both North and South Islands. 

Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi, Uenuku) is a te reo Māori teacher, writer and musician. Her first book,Talia, was released by Dead Bird in May 2023.

Liam Jacobson (Kāi Tahu) is a poet, artist, maker (etc.) from Manurewa, South Auckland. They've shared poems in alleys, pubs and galleries across Aotearoa and overseas. Liam's debut poetry collection, Neither, was published by Dead Bird Books in September 2023.

Dominic Hoey is a poet and bestselling author.  Through his 'Learn To Write Good' writing course, Dominic has taught thousands of students how to think dyslexic. He also works with rangatahi with the Atawhai program, helping them with their mental health and self-esteem.

Tickets can be purchased via the Dead Bird Books website: www.deadbirdbooks.com/tickets

If you’d like a copy of the book or want to interview any of the poets email- hello@deadbirdbooks.com

Announcement: Book Launch coming soon - They Crackle in the Rain by Ciaran Fox

 

It's a bit of an understatement to say we're excited about this landmark moment in the story of our wee press. Co-founder and long-time host of Catalyst's open mic, Ciaran Fox is releasing his first collection of poetry - They Crackle in the Rain.

Shortlisted last year for the inaugural John O'Connor First Book of Poetry Award, the collection attracted judge Elizabeth Smither's eye and ear:

'They Crackle in the Rain reminded me of so many loved poets and poetry schools: The Beats, Black Mountain, Snyder, Ferlinghetti, Ginsberg, Éluard, Apollinaire: poets who were risk-takers, extravagant in images and emotion, to whom the flow of a poem was important, celebratory.' 

- Elizabeth Smither, from the judges report, John O‘Connor First Book Award 2022

A collection 20 years in the making – interrupted (and informed) by parenthood, earthquakes, and a day job in mental health promotion as well as holding space for young and emerging poets.

They Crackle in the Rain represents a two decades-long time-lapse through a life both imagined and real in which no experience is left untouched by dream and longing, hope and regret. Misremembered sun-painted afternoons and rain-swept city streets are the background for rivers swallowing hearts, apocryphal internal affairs and a parent lost in the woods of dementia. Death is an ache in the bones and an echo of dance steps while love wins chaotic, temporary victories...

'These are big question poems: whether to drift or commit, solitude versus company, whether to be serious about a talent. Something is always interrupting a conclusion, leading onto the next poem.' Performed or on the page, this is a fine collection.

 - Elizabeth Smither

They Crackle in the Rain will be launched at Christchurch book-lovers haven, Scorpio Books on Wednesday 25th October. Details coming soon.

2023 Ōtautahi Poetry Slam Results

 

Congratulations to everyone who threw down at this year's slam. It was epic in front of a sell-out crowd at Space Academy. After a boil-over final round resulting in a tie, it came down to a slam-off between our eventual champ and runner-up.

The 2023 Ōtautahi Poetry Slam Champion is: Lee Fraser

2nd place: Briana McZant

3rd place: Stacey Olwyn

Catalyst Christmas Cracker - it's a thing. (Call for submissions!)

 Introduced in 2022, we're bringing back the best little awkward Christmas gift ever! Catalyst Christmas Cracker, our very own Xmas Xine is back!

Call for submissions: Deadline is 1st October, 2023. Christmas-themed poetry only and please include a bio (submissions without bios will not be considered).

Submissions address: catalyst_submissions@yahoo.com

Fuego! Announcing the launch of volume 1 of the World Congress of Poets official literary journal

 

Republic of Oma Rāpeti Press with support from Waimakariri District Creative Communities (Creative NZ) fund are proud to present the launch event for Fuego volume 1, the literary journal of the World Congress of Poets.

Celebrating National Poetry Day on Friday 25th August in style, Waimakariri Libraries has one of the most prestigious events in the country as host of the launch of brand new international literary journal, Fuego.

Edited by Doc Drumheller, Fuego features poetry and art from around Aotearoa and the world, with a special North Canterbury flavour to the fire of volume 1, acknowledging the investment by Waimakariri District Creative Communities as well as local boy done good, Doc Drumheller.

The book launch will be held at Rangiora Library on Friday 25th August (NZ National Poetry Day) at 6pm and featuring poetry readings and more.

Fuego volume 1 - book launch

Friday 25th August, 6pm

Rangiora Library, 141 Percival St, Rangiora

Ōtautahi-Christchurch Poetry Slam 2023 - the Grand Final!

 

Congratulations to the top 10 poets who slammed their way through to the Grand Final coming up in less than two weeks.

Come and be an audience judge or sit back and let the poetry fly. Space is limited so be sure to grab a seat or table early. $10 on the door - this helps us fly our champ to the NZ Poetry Slam taking place in Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland, in November.

For poets - the rules are here.