Kia Ora Koutou,
Issue 9 celebrates such a diverse range of voices, both new and contemporary.
New Zealand Headliners Raewyn Alexander, and Dean Hapeta, bring such Mana to the issue!
Raewyn is a performance poet and editor of 'Magazine'. Dean Hapeta, is a musician, producer and poet.
Paul Hardacre and B R Dionysius, editors of Papertiger Media headline our International Poets, Papertiger Media publishes the highly acclaimed Paper Tiger, world poetry CD annually and 'Hutt', an eclectic haven away from the hustle bustle of the WWW.
Returning Voices,
Ben Kemp, David Barnes & Chris Marriner, reinforces how Blackmail Press is a whanau of poets, always welcomed home and always celebrated upon return!
New Zealand "New Poets",
Justin Jones, Matt Harris, Myke Laagland and Steve Olivecrona bring fresh new works.
I would like to make a special mention of Dayvid Tauranga, his works are powerful for such a young man. I was immediately taken by his works.
We here at Blackmail Press are encouraged to bring talented up and coming poets from New Zealand. This is really what we are about. To share such new talents over the last 2 years with our readers has been our greatest triumph. I highly recommend his works.
International Poets,
Once again we have whanau from over the seas who embrace us, it is wonderful to publish new and contemporary poets from UK, USA and from all over. Josef Lesser, Wayne Scheggia, James Quinton, Linda L Bielowski, Griffin Iving, Nick Zegarac, Aurora Antonovic bring exciting new works from USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
My Special friend David Barnes, returns with masterly works, he is a contemporary Australian Poet who has mentored me for many years, he is both a brother and friend of Blackmail Press.
The power of e-publishing, is it brings new life to works online. We can edit, rework and grow poems online, anytime. I hope this is something all contributors take advantage of.
Recently Kapka Kassabova read at Poetry Live in Ponsonby, she related to us the finality of published work, it is unchangeable. e-publishing allows the poet the retain the life of the work and allow it to grow...this is why we believe so much in what we are doing.
It is poetry on the page, yet very much alive. Electronic media is here to stay and will only become a greater medium in the future for poets and poetry to remain alive.
We sincerely hope you enjoy Issue 9, look out for Issue 10 - Blackmail Press: Greatest Hits! Submissions are open for issue 11.
In closing I would like to remind all writers to celebrate the life of Janet Frame. Read your favorite novel again and celebrate the life of one of New Zealands greatest writers of the 20th century. I highly recommend the powerful Intensive Care.
Take good care all... Arohanui
Doug Poole
Managing Editor
Blackmail Press
nzpoetsonline poetry ezine
