POETRY SPOTLIGHT: 'this is coal don’t be afraid' by Ali Whitelock

In hard times, it is good to look at different ways to express ourselves, our thoughts and our feelings.This always makes me think of poetry. When things are hard to say, it sometimes helps to find someone else who can say it for you. This is exactly what happened recently during the peak of the fire crisis in Australia. Poet Ali Whitelock found a way to express her own jumbled thoughts and feelings about that… Continue reading

Venetian Voices: Richard Wagner

Christine V. Courtney's Venetian Voices takes you on a stroll over bridges and under cloisters, following Venetian locals and visitors as they pass through centuries. On Saturday 24 June, Wakefield Press is joining with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra to launch Venetian Voices with a unique afternoon of music and poetry. Graham Abbott (ABC Classic FM) will be conducting members of the orchestra in a Venetian-inspired program, interspersed with readings from Christine. Tickets are $50 and include Coriole wine, Venetian antipasti…

The Subway System

'The Subway System' is a poem from Bel Schenk's groundbreaking verse novel Every Time You Close Your Eyes, which is set across two blackouts in New York. The first is the famous blackout of 1977, when this excerpt is set, and which was remembered for widespread looting and arson. The second blackout, in 2003, forms a counterpoint – but you'll have to read the book to find out more! The Subway System People on the platform…

And the winner is...

We had so many wonderful entries for our January newsletter's Summer Rose Giveaway, thank you all for taking the time to send us your beautiful roses. We all agreed, however, that the $250 Wakefield Press voucher should go to Ray Tyndale who sent in this lyrical, floral poem: Maud scant apologies to Tennyson! Come my poppy Fling open your flaming petals Give to me your black heart. Come my pansy Toss back your knowing…

Prize-winning poetry from Jude Aquilina

Talented SA poet, Jude Aquilina, has just won the 2016 Adrien Abbott Prize with her poem Adrift on Lethe which we're sharing with you here today. The Adrien Abbott Proze was launched in 2012, in memory of Adrien – a gifted writer and inspirational teacher of English, who died before her time in May 2012. The theme for 2016 was 'Memory', with a prize of $500. Adrift on Lethe I have forgotten what it is…

New poem from Geoff Goodfellow

One of the coolest things about the Wakefield community is that we get to see the latest that our bright and busy authors are producing – and then we can share it with you! This time we have new work from Geoff Goodfellow, who is in fine form this early (drizzly) spring, with a new poem musing on fashion trends in his beloved Semaphore. Just a little something to get you through your Monday. Enjoy!…

Invisible Mending launch

On April 17 we were excited to host the launch of Mike Ladd's new collection Invisible Mending right here at Wakefield Press. Rachael Mead had the honour of launching Mike's book. We recently hosted an exhibition of Rachael's photography alongside the launch of Cassie Flanagan Willanski's Here Where We Live, and it was a pleasure to have her back. If you weren't able to make it to the launch, don't worry we've got you covered. You can read…

Poetry update

Hey-o! Today's the day of the poets! 1 – You should all come down to Wakefield Press at 4 pm on Saturday 14 February to celebrate one of this state's premier poets, the inimitable Geoff Goodfellow. There'll be wine, a giant poster unveiling (!), and I'm pretty sure Geoff can be convinced to give a reading or two -- Ever read 'The Seventh Doctor'? Yeah, of course you have. (If you haven't, prepare to weep.)…