Image courtesy of the Flight of the Bar-tailed Godwit Poetry Exchange Project
Updates from the laptop of Jacqui
Bar-tailed Godwit Poetry Exchange
Bird-y books
Spotlight on Doubt
In Other News
KEEP SCROLLING TO READ MORE
Feature Story
Flight of the Bar-tailed Godwit Poetry Exchange
The Bar-tailed Godwit is famous for having the longest single migratory flight of any bird in the world. In 2022, a five month old Bar-tailed Godwit flew from Alaska to Tasmania in a non-stop flight of 13, 500km, taking 11 days to complete the journey.
To recognise and celebrate the extraordinary feat of the Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 poets from Melbourne and 4 from Leeuwarden in The Netherlands meet to share poetry and conversation in a project developed by the Melbourne City of Literature and hosted by award winning poet, Emilie Collyer.
Each meeting a new poet is invited to journey with the birds by writing a poem to share at the next writer’s room.
We are now well into our poetry exchange and I have found that being part of this project is incredibly rewarding. I am inspired by the depth of conversation and the creative way each poet interprets their section of the migration.
I will keep you updated on the poetry exchange and let you know when you’ll be able to read the chain poem in its entirety.
The Book Review
YOUR MONTHLY RECOMMENDATION
BIRD-Y BOOKS
Here is a list of bird-themed books I’ve enjoyed over the years.
The Peregrine by John Alec Baker - a definitive nature book and a study in both the obsessive nature of birders as well as the astonishing feats of the peregrine falcon
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald - a very moving and beautiful book that is now a film soon to be released
The Birdman’s Wife by Melissa Ashley - a portrait of Elizabeth Gould who has been overshadowed by her more famous husband. This book reclaims Gould’s rightful place in the birding world.
I also read many other books as part of my research into migratory birds and can especially recommend Scott Weidensaul’s
Spotlighting
FOR THE AUTHORS AMONG US
I love the image of the cockatoos above because it represents so well the squawking chorus of doubts that goes on in my head when it comes to my writing.
I’ve been in a writing slump due to a number of recent rejections. When I get bogged down in the publication/competition/acceptance/non-acceptance cycle, I forget I’m supposed to be having fun! Now when I question myself I try and remember it’s not about the publication, it’s about the joy to be found in writing. Taking the pressure of myself helps me find my mojo again.
Now I just have to keep reminding myself of this fact!
I found this article helpful in trying to remember the essential elements of the writing process. HOW TO KILL A STORY BEFORE IT BREATHES →
NEWS
In writing news:
I attended Mary-Lou Stephens launch of her latest novel ‘The Hobart Hotel’. The book sounds full of intrigue and suspense and I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m part of the Writer’s Salon presenting a poem and short story at the Frankston Southside Festival on May 17.
I’m sitting at 27 rejections out of my goal of 100 by the end of 2026!
I may have 2 acceptances though - details will follow when the results are announced
I’ll be attending a lunch with Melbourne City of Literature delegates who are hosting seven international literary programmers. The aim of the lunch is conversation and connection - sounds great!
I’ve included a link to ‘The Hobart Hotel’ if you want to check out the book for yourself.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
― Mary Oliver
Until next time,