Janis Freegard's Blog, page 6

Reading the Signs – Launching 24 October

I started writing this book while I held the Ema Saiko Poetry Fellowship at NZ Pacific Studio in 2014. Now it’s becoming a real thing, thanks to The Cuba Press. The poetry sequence in the book deals with loss and recovery, climate change and gender fluidity. Images (including this remarkable cover) are by the inimitable Neil Johnstone, who will also be playing music with Steve Burridge on the day. The launch date coincides with the last day of Neil’s ‘Chalk Dogs Have No Names’ exhibition – great opportunity for art, music, poetry and a drink in convivial company. 1pm 24 October 2020 at Potocki Paterson in Dixon St. I’d love to see you there. Bring your friends!

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Pegasus Books Poetry

So – the Pegasus Books poetry readings are back on in Wellington and this Friday 9th October, I have the great pleasure to be reading with Dinah Hawken, Helen Heath and Sam Duckor-Jones. Hurrah!

6:30pm Friday 9 October 2020
Pegasus Books, Left Bank, Cuba St, Wellington, NZ

Hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/pegasusbooksnz

‘Wish No. 29’ by Abra Sandi King

Here’s the latest Meow Gurrls’ offering for you to enjoy: ‘Wish No. 29’ by Abra Sandi King.

Happy Easter from sunny Vogeltown :)

The Joy of Queer Lit Salon

So, the New Zealand Arts Festival is upon us and this year, I’m appearing in the Joy of Queer Lit Salon. Here are the deets – all welcome. Maybe see you there!

When: Saturday 7 March 2020 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Where:Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Wellington

What: Chris Tse hosts the Joy of Queer lit salon with authors Victor Rodger, Janis Freegard, Emily Writes, Jackson Nieuwland and Alison Glenny. Delving into the history and canon of queer texts our authors reveal the books that set their hearts a flutter and which writers paved their literary way.

(Andrea Lawlor was going to be there too, but unfortunately has had to cancel for personal reasons).

Part of the New Zealand Festival of the Arts

Ticket Information:

General Admission: $19.00
Buy Tickets
Additional fees may apply




There are loads of fantastic events at the Festival. It’s going to be great!

 

Albatross at ConArt

If you haven’t seen it already, it’s worth checking out Masterton’s cool little gallery space in containers, ConArt. It features exhibitions, performance space, working studios and a space for local artists to sell their artworks. Well worth a look if you’re over that way (but check opening times first – they’re open Weds to Sat 10am – 4:30pm). You can find them next to Aratoi.

There are also poems on the containers and I was delighted when I heard that my poem ‘Albatross’ (from The Glass Rooster’) has been included. You can listen to ‘Albatross’ here on RNZ. It’s based on a real-life female pair, not uncommon in the seabird world.

Thanks to Masterton woman, Chris Daniell, you can now enjoy outdoor poems all over Masterton. Go, Chris!

Meowing at Social Media

Meow Gurrrl Mary Macpherson launched her excellent new collection ‘Social Media’ (published by The Cuba Press) recently. Here she is reading from it at Unity Books. Pix here.

 

Mary Macpherson’s Book Launch

This is tomorrow! Weds 23rd October 2019 6pm. Poet and photographer Mary Macpherson is launching her book of poetry, ‘Social Media’ at Wellington’s Unity Books. See you there!

Meowing on the Side

Here I am reciting Meow Gurrrls poetry again, this time side on

Readings

Lots of poetry coming up next week! First up there’s this on Monday (that I will be reading at if my cold has disappeared by then)

NZSA Poetry Reading + Open Mic (warm-up event)

Join the New Zealand Society of Authors, Wellington branch, as we celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day 2019. We’re inviting poets from our branch to read their poetry, and will also feature an open mic on the night.

Entry details: Koha. Everyone welcome!

Date/times: Monday, 19 August, 6pm – 8pm (Socialising from 5.30pm)

Location: Vic Books, Pipitea campus, Rutherford House (27 Lambton Quay, Wellington, near the railway station)

Contact: wellington@nzauthors.org.nz

Further info: Facebook/wellington.writers.9 | authors.org.nz/about/branches/wellington-branch

[image error]Then there are lots of fabulous events all around the country on National Poetry Day which you can find out about here: http://www.nzbookawards.nz/national-poetry-day/calendar-of-events/#wellingtonregion

And next Sunday, I will be reading at the Open Book on Ponsonby Road in Auckland. This is from the Open Book website:

Readings from the Geometry | Open Book National Poetry Contest

Sunday, August 25, 2019
3:00 PM 4:30 PM

Celebrate National Poetry Day with Geometry and The Open Book.

Come along to hear the winner and the judges’ selection from submissions to our poetry competition. Plus snacks and maybe a glass of wine if you are lucky.

With readings of work by:

Janis Freegard (the winner!)

and (the Judges’ list):

* Dadon Rowell

* Hannah Lees

* Jordan Hamel

* Paula Harris

* Rebecca Hawkes

Sunday August 25, 3pm

Winner published in Geometry Issue Six. Judges’ selection published here.