Ling Di Long, Mufambi is an international poetry collaboration between Welsh and Zimbabwean poets, exploring cultural exchange through dialogue and translation. Funded by "Beyond Literature Borders," the project produced a multi-lingual chapbook featuring ten poets who engaged in a unique poetic dialogue, culminating in multi-lingual works published by Poetry Wales.
Introduction
Zoë Brigley Thompson is the author of three books of poetry: Hand & Skull (2019), Conquest (2012), and The Secret (2007), all published by Bloodaxe. She also has a collection of nonfiction essays, Notes from a Swing State (Parthian 2019), and edited the academic volume Feminism, Literature, and Rape Narratives (with Sorcha Gunne).
Recommendations
"Zoë Brigley is one of the best poets writing today.” – Maggie Smith, author of Good Bones & You Could Make This Place Beautiful
about this site
In 2004, I began a blog called The Midnight Heart at University of Warwick, which the Times Higher Education Supplement listed as one to watch. This site is a continuation featuring cultural and literary criticism, feminist and environmental thinking, and tips and trick for negotiating publishing for the new or mid-career writer.
Blog
Enter the Maesteg 200 Poetry Contest by October 1st
Maesteg Town Hall I’m delighted to share some exciting news. As I’ll be judging this year’s Maesteg 200 Poetry Competition, I wanted to pass on the official announcement from the Maesteg Double Centenary Committee. This competition marks the beginning of a various activities to celebrate Maesteg’s double centenary in March 2026. Deadline is October 1st 2025. There is [...]
Three Interesting Things about a New Poetry Form: Reclaiming the “Welsh Not”
I introduce a poem developed in a unique format: the Welsh Knot. Inspired by Andean story gourds and Celtic art, the poem explores non-linear storytelling through spatial design. It's very important to me that the creative process emphasizes respect for Indigenous knowledge and cultural integrity while reflecting on Welsh heritage.
Three Interesting Things from NAASWCH’s Welsh-American Conference 2025
The North American Association for the Study of Welsh Culture and History conference highlighted Welsh literature featuring discussions on David Jones, and Welsh-American women poets. I talked about challenges Welsh writers face in gaining recognition outside Wales, emphasizing the importance of broader submissions - good advice for all up-and-coming writers.
Three Interesting Calls for Writing Submissions
Here I share intriguing submission calls for writers, including events like The Liar's League, themed around Jane Austen, and Image, focused on kitchens and spirituality. Additionally, Sequestrum invites work on nature, optimism, and time, emphasizing quality and original content. Deadlines vary through June and July 2025.
Three Interesting Takeaways from the AWWE Conference
This weekend, I attended the AWWE Conference at Gregynog Hall, focusing on "underscapes." Key discussions included the importance of documenting Welsh history, the appeal of autofiction in creative writing, and the legacy of poet Sally Roberts Jones. Notable speakers included M. Wynn Thomas and Tony Brown. I'm writing this to encourage you to attend next year!
Three Things To Do If Your Book Receives a Bad Review
Here I talk about the challenges of receiving reviews, particularly negative ones. While reviews can provide affirmation, they can also be discouraging if overly harsh. Critics should balance honesty and constructive feedback without personal attacks. I encourage writers to evaluate criticism, understand differing perspectives, and reaffirm your creative philosophy.
Three Interesting Poetry Films for Earth Day 2025
Modron, a nature and ecological crisis magazine founded by Kristian Evans and me in 2022, highlighted Earth Day 2025 with a special issue showcasing notable films. Featured works include "The Dunes," a film focused on a runaway's journey, as well as nature-themed video poems and Hanan Issa's poetry film addressing flooding in Wales.
Three Interesting Ideas about Writers and Professional Jealousy
Here I discuss professional jealousy among writers, emphasizing that it can stem from frustrations with unfair systems and personal insecurities. I encourage self-reflection to understand these feelings, advocate for embracing out uniqueness, and highlight the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than competition. I believe that overcoming jealousy leads to greater fulfillment in writing.
Three Effective Tips for Writing Submission Letters
Poetry Wales is accepting submissions until April 4th. This post talks about how to craft a strong submission letter. Gain tips here on how to research a magazine's agenda as well as advice on how to keep the bio brief and provide simple details about the work. Lean more about editors' appreciation for brevity even while they respect every poem.
Zoë Brigley 
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