I began to write poetry in my 30s, after the birth of my daughter. I like to experiment with voice and form, 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.
My poems been commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall, Spread the Word and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 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.
In the Lily Room, my debut collection, was published by Nine Arches Press in May 2025. My new pamphlet To an Unknown Receiver was published by Guillemot Press in June 2026. 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.
Please see the Events page for my upcoming readings and workshops. To book me for an event please use the Contact page.
Interview
I corresponded with Niall Campbell for a piece in Poetry London about our work and ideas, you can read it here.
Poem
My poem ‘Dawn’ was published by Anthropocene magazine for Valentine’s Day 2026. Read it 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 