2022 Naji Naaman Literary Prize

The Density of Compact Bone has been awarded an Honor Prize in the international Naji Naaman Literary Prizes 2022. These prizes have been running annually since 2002, and are awarded every year to authors of literary works of all genres, aiming to revive and develop human values.

This year’s prize had 3,322 participants, from eighty two countries, writing in several languages and dialects (with new entries of Hausa, Igbo, Quechua and Sambalic). 68 winners were chosen in all, and for complete works (the Honor prize or Prix d’honneur), 20 winners were selected.  Winners are granted the honorary title of life member of Maison Naaman pour la Culture.

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“Philology” at Backstory 13

A new poem of mine, “Philology”, has just been published in Backstory – issue 13.  The poem was written about my great-grandmother Rebecca Samberg, who is the subject of my forthcoming book provisionally titled Bobish (due for publication by Puncher & Wattmann in late 2022). You can read the whole issue here: http://www.backstoryjournal.com.au/category/issues/issue-thirteen/

Or straight to “Philology” here: http://www.backstoryjournal.com.au/2022/05/24/philology/

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Petit Poetica

I’m thrilled to be performing with the amazing musician Nadav Kahn at Poetica Petit Woollahra Gallery at Red Leaf on the 2nd of June, 6-8pm. This is a collaboration with the gallery and Poetica Bondi and will be a wonderful intimate night of poetry, music and interview followed by an open mic at poets in the audience. Here is a link to the gallery: https://www.woollahragallery.com.au/  Registration for the event is here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/poetica-petit-poetry-night-registration-324428021947

 

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Yom HaShoah at Poetry Super Highway

My poem “News from the Old World” has been published in Poetry Super Highways 24th Annual Yom HaShoah Remembrance Day Poetry issue. Yom HaShoah (Yom Hazikaron laShoah ve-laG’vurah) runs from Wed, 27 Apr 2022 – Thu, 28 Apr 2022 this year and commemorates the the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust along with the heroism of survivors and rescuers.  This is a moving issue and can be read in full here: https://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/psh/24th-annual-yom-hashoah-holocaust-remembrance-day-poetry-issue/

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Rochford Street Review

The wonderful Rochford Street Review has published six poems from The Density of Compact Bone along with Denise O’Hagan‘s stunning launch speech which Denise was not able to give due to Covid restrictions.  The book was later launched at the Newcastle Writers Festival by Gillian Swain (who did a fabulous job), but the Sydney event never happened.  Denise’s speech is a work of art in itself and I’m so pleased it is getting a public airing.  You can read the speech here: https://rochfordstreetreview.com/2022/04/19/denise-ohagan-launches-the-density-of-compact-bone-by-magdalena-ball/  

and the poems here:

Magdalena Ball: Six Poems

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Review of The Density of Compact Bone in Dreich

This stunning review of my latest poetry book The Density of Compact Bone, written by Siobhan Black, is featured this month in Dreich Magazine & Press: Made in Scotland from Words.   Dreich is a lovely print publication and I’m delighted that Siobhan wrote so generously about my book: “This, the poets fourth, collection is rich and rewarding, humorous, clever, and very much poetry for our times.”

Details of the mag can be found here: https://hybriddreich.co.uk

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Live Encounters – April 22

I’m delighted to be included in Mark Ulyseas’ beautiful magazine Live Encounters once again.  The issue is visually lovely, free to read online or download, and full of some of the most exquisite poetry.  The contributor’s page is linked as well so if you’re looking to read a particular poet you can just click on their name.  In the words of Justin Lowe’s marvellous guest editorial, “here is an emporium of colour and vibrant intellect that is so vital for the development of the good life and the good global citizen”.  You can check it all out here: Live Encounters April 2022

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Upcoming Newcastle Writers Festival Events

I’m very excited about the upcoming Newcastle Writers Festival. The Festival runs from the 1st of April to the 3rd (with a few sideshows and extras before and after), and I’ve got some amazing things happening through the weekend.

10am on Saturday the 2nd (Mulubinba Room, City Hall), I’ll be hosting a session with Cécile Barral and her daughter Oceane Campbell, who will be speaking about their memoir  The Silence Between Us. 

Saturday, 2pm in the Watt Street Gallery, I will be (finally!) launching my book The Density of Compact Bone. 

On Sunday, 10am, City Hall’s Cummings Room, I’ll be speaking with Kate Mildenhall, Inga Simpson and Jacquie Svenson on their “Stories to Change the World”, exploring the chonky topic of the role fiction can play when it comes to understanding climate change and inspiring action.  There are so many great events on – check out the full program here: https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

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Australian poetry Anthology

My poem “Dragonfly” has been included in the latest Australian Poetry Anthology (Vol 9, 2021-2022) edited by poetry powerhouses Lucy Dougan and Michelle Cahill (it’s an extra joy when people you admire pick your work).  The annual Anthology showcases poems submitted by current subscribers to Australian Poetry, whose website can be found here: https://www.australianpoetry.org

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Sydney Poetry Lounge Live

This Wednesday the 16th of Feb, I will be reading from my new book The Density of Compact Bone with poetry icon Les Wicks at the Sydney Poetry Lounge, The Friend In Hand Hotel, 58 Cowper St, Glebe.  Doors open at 7pm for a 730 start, and there is an open mic – come early to read your work!  RSVP or for more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/989756761899636

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