news blog

Cardiff Writers' Circle - Poetry competition adjudication

Cardiff Writers' Circle have asked me to adjudicate and host their 2024 Poetry Competition. Following a 'hint and tips' session for poetry competitions that I ran for members, closing date for entries is 12 February, with an in person prize giving 11 March. 

I'm excited to read the entries, and looking forward to a fun evening in March. This prize is possible due to the support of Literature Wales.

Cardiff Writers' Circle - Poetry competition adjudication

Cardiff Writers' Circle have asked me to adjudicate and host their 2024 Poetry Competition. Following a 'hint and tips' session for poetry competitions that I ran for members, closing date for entries is 12 February, with an in person prize giving 11 March. 

I'm excited to read the entries, and looking forward to a fun evening in March. This prize is possible due to the support of Literature Wales.

Wedding poem commission complete

I’ve just completed a commission for a poem for a wedding. A gift from the sister of the groom. What a joyous time I’ve had researching pottery and floristry (their passions) and their personalities & bond. A privilege, wonderful !

Year 4 poetry workshop - Rhiwbeina Primary

On Tuesday 31 January I've been invited to give a poetry workshop to each of the three Year 4 classes. They have already been learning about acrostic poetry, rhyme, personification and alliteration, this year and last - so I will need to be on the ball!  

I will be introducing and exploring the haibun form with them - an interesting joining of prose and structured poetry.

Their topic this term is 'My Rhiwbeina' - so we will be writing about a favourite place, using all the senses. 

Geopoetics Wales day out

Geopoetics Wales - Geopoetic Adventures - Snowdonia – open access. 

On Saturday 10th September 2022, 11.00 - 16.00 The Scottish Centre for Geopoetics will host a day out: Geopoetics Wales - Geopoetic Adventures, exploring the local Snowdonian lead mines, with an expert guide, starting from Betws-Y-Coed.

Marika Gates is a geologist working for the Coal Authority, she will be with us throughout the day, Marika is a project manager on the Welsh Metal Mines Programme. She has a degree in geology, a Masters in Environmental Geology and 16 years of environmental consultancy experience; the majority in contaminated land assessment. 

We are delighted to be hosting the first event in Wales, more information is available, and a free place can be reserved, via Eventbrite, or by emailing marcellenewbold@gmail.com.

 

Talking Place: a symposium

WomenTalkPlace is hosting the Talking Place: a symposium, on 2nd, 9th and 10th September, online and at the Centre for Place Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

I’m delighted to be participating online on Friday 2nd September 22,  at the 4-5pm session presenting my paper on urban micro-navigation. I’m excited to find out who the other 2 panel members are for the event, which is followed by a Q&A session. Ticket can be booked here.

blurb for Karen Pierce Gonzalez’s ‘Coyote in the basket of my ribs’

I was delighted get a preview of Karen’s glorious upcoming collection, in order to write a blurb, publication date confirmation coming soon.

‘Pierce Gonzalez’s ‘Coyote in the basket of my ribs’ is an exquisite exploration of restlessness. She expertly transcribes the sadness of the untameable, displaying a deep connection with wildness. Her coyote dream poems are intertwined with a delicate, involving understanding of loss, of dependency on the just out of reach, and the melding of domesticity and other.’

Black Bough Poetry, featured writer

I am the writer of the month, and have a feature page, as part of the wonderful Black Bough Poetry, Silver Branch series. I feel honoured to be part of this selection of poets, from this generous Welsh press, run by the multitalented Matthew MC Smith.

Four new poems, and four poems previously published by Black Bough (in their Deep Time and Christmas/Winter anthologies) are included as well as a short CNF piece.  All pieces are available on soundcloud.

My work will be tweeted and posted throughout the month, on Black Bough’s socials.

blurb for Eli Horan’s ‘The Mask’

Honoured to have the chance to read an advanced copy of Elisabeth Horan‘s  ‘The Mask’. It is a beautiful, immersive experience, available from 1 November, from Broken Spine Arts. 

Excerpt: ‘The rhythmical sense of abandon achieved within these ekphrastic responses, entwined with Frida’s native Spanish, feed a lingering connection between the artist’s and poet’s tenacious spirits.’ – Marcelle Newbold, Managing Editor Rare Swan Press, Editor Nightingale & Sparrow

From Broken Spine Arts: ‘The Mask is the second collection of ekphrastic poetry written by poet Elisabeth Horan in response to the artwork of Frida Khalo. It follows the earlier publication Self-Portrait, published by Cephalo. This dual language collection interweaves the life story of Khalo, her art, and the personal response of Horan to it. The Mask is passionate, intense, and demanding and nothing is safe.’