I began to write poetry in my late 30s, after the birth of my daughter. I like to experiment with form and voice, including traditional forms from Japan. For me, poetry is about connecting with other people, puzzling over language, and finding new ways to think about the world.
I placed second in the 2022 Winchester Poetry Prize, and was shortlisted in the 2025 Free Verse Prize, commended in the 2023 Magma Poetry Competition, the 2023 Stanza Competition and the 2025 Forward Prizes, and longlisted in the 2023 National Poetry Competition. My poems been commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall, Spread the Word and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
In the Lily Room, my debut collection, was published by Nine Arches Press in May 2025. This collection explores early motherhood – its physical, emotional and mental effects. I am doing lots of readings and workshops to support its publication – see my Events page for all the dates.
In 2024 I edited Living in Language: International reflections for the practising poet (Poetry Translation Centre), a landmark collection of essays on the practice and purpose of poetry by leading international poets including Diana Bellessi, Yang Lian and Bejan Matur.
Poem
‘And peace to men on earth’ was published in Ink Sweat & Tears over Christmas – you can read it here.
Podcast
I chatted to The Poems We Made Along the Way about form, translation, motherhood and other things. Listen to the episode here.
Video
In July I read my commissioned poem ‘Flood’ alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Watch here.
Workshops
Workshops have been a crucial part of my development as a poet. I think that talking about poems, and writing in the company of others, can be beneficial for everyone, not just those who want to pursue it professionally. I have worked with clients including the Poetry Business and Poetry School, and I’m always excited to work with a new group. Please contact me to discuss a one-off session or series. Topics I offer currently include: Motherhood writing; Understanding haiku and renga; Responding to art (ekphrasis); and Shaping a collection.
Erica Hesketh 