Blog

Shaping your thoughts: writing shape poetry

Posted on July 25, 2023July 25, 2023 by Loredana

Greetings, fellow poets! It has been more than a little while since my last poetry blog post, and my only excuse is that university and various commitments took temporary priority over writing. However, your local poetry blogger is back with a buzz of energy, and this month’s blog piece is going to be about shape poetry.

Writing with a shape in mind can give you something to hang your thoughts on, so can be particularly helpful for beginner poets. Just remember, shape poetry is not just for children or children’s authors!

Beginner’s tips on editing your poetry

Posted on February 8, 2023February 8, 2023 by Loredana

So, you’ve written a poem, and you’re not sure what to do next.

Careful editing is what makes a poem stand out to readers and judges. It is also what helps you grow as a poet and define your poetic voice.

These beginners tips on editing your poetry may come in handy, whether this is your first poem, or your hundredth.

Twelve Days of Christmas Poems

Posted on December 13, 2022December 10, 2022 by Loredana

Christmas poetry is a genre in its own right. There is so much to inspire us, from in the season itself, the festivities, and the people and gifts we enjoy.

This December, I’ve amassed my favourite twelve Christmas poems into one place, to make it easy for you to share the Christmas spirit. I’ve even sub-categorised them for you, because that’s how the mind of a medical student poet works!

8 things I wish I knew as a Year 8 poet

Posted on November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 by Loredana

Here are 8 pieces of advice for budding poets, be they students or adults wishing to make a start on poetry, based on what I’ve learnt since my poetry journey started in Year 8.

Pandora’s Box

Posted on October 8, 2022October 8, 2022 by Loredana

This poem recently won the University of Auckland Population Health Award for the best creative piece and essay about a public health issue. It is also printed in the anthology ‘A Vocabulary of Rangatahi Poets’ produced for National Poetry Day by New Lynn Library and the poem and accompanying essay are published on the New Zealand Medical Student Journal blog.

Rangatahi Poetry Showcase and ‘A Vocabulary of Rangatahi Poets’

Posted on September 14, 2022September 23, 2022 by Loredana

Last month, I participated in this Rangatahi poetry showcase held by Auckland Council and New Lynn Library.

Who waters the tulips on Ward 34?

Posted on June 26, 2022September 24, 2022 by Loredana

My poem, The Tulips On Ward 34, recently won the 2021 NZMSJ Creative Arts Competition. Read about the story behind the poem here.

Writing Odes in the 21st Century

Posted on June 20, 2022August 12, 2022 by Loredana

If you are told to read or write an ode, chances are, you’ll think of an old, stuffy poem that’s probably not even in English. Or, you might think of Beethoven’s famous Ode To Joy, in which the music and the composer are far more famous than the poet who wrote the words, Friedrich Schiller. However, odes are so much more than this, and I would argue that the ode is a versatile poetic form that is perfectly suited to the 21st century poet.

Being published in “The Sacred Feminine”!

Posted on May 12, 2022June 11, 2022 by Loredana

I am excited to announce that one of my poems is being published in “The Sacred Feminine” by Open Skies Press.

My poem is titled “Lawnflower” and uses extended metaphor to share a message of perseverance and overlooked potential.

Blackbird Protostars Season 2

Posted on May 1, 2022June 11, 2022 by Loredana

I’m thrilled to announce that I have been selected for Season 2 of the Blackbird Foundation’s Protostars Microgrants.

Over the next few months, I will be developing and delivering a children’s poetry workshop for primary schools around New Zealand.

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