I have been a huge admirer of the Australian Poetry Journal and its editor Jacinta Le Plastrier for a long time. APJ is one of the premier Australian poetry publications. Through their journals and Best of anthologies they publish some of the most exciting poets currently writing in Australia. Every time I receive my beautifully designed copies, I devour them from cover to cover, inhaling all those luscious words.
For about as long, I have been sending in my poems to their open calls, hoping that something resonates with the guest editors who change for every issue.
In late 2022, I attended a Writers Victoria poetry workshop, Desirte in Poetry, facilitated by Ellen van Neeren, who has an incredible voice and gift with words. It was an incredible workshops and inspired several poems.
I was delighted when earlier this year, I was asked by EvN to submit something for the issue on Desire they were guest editing for APJ. I've never been asked by an editor to submit to a journal before!
When found out that my poem, Notes to A Magpie Sitting on a Fence Carolling to the Trees, was being published in APJ Issue 13.2 I felt like I had finally arrived as a poet. Being included in APJ was a dream come true!
Having my poem selected by guest editor Ellen van Neerven for Issue 13.2 Desire of the Australian Poetry Journal was the best Christmas present ever! I'm beyond thrilled to have one of my poems selected by such an incredible poet and included in Australia's premier poetry journal!