Blog
Katrina interviewed by Literature Works
Katrina is interviewed by Literature Works here. In the interview, Katrina talks about her BBC commissioned poem and film for National Poetry Day, why she feels that poetry can lead to change and about the poetry scene in Cornwall. Finally, she discusses what she is currently working on, including a new collection and a new pamphlet. Read the interview here. Katrina was interviewed by Literature Works to coincide with her BBC commission for National Poetry Day. Literature Works is the regional literature development organisation for the South West.
Countrywoman a BBC commissioned poem for national poetry day
Countrywoman It’s over, I know that. But the grasses against my legs are my lover’s hands, the wind, his voice, urging me on. Part of me wanted to be found with him, for it all to break open. And there’s my boy, Callum. I’ve always upset things, can’t help myself. I run the dogs along Tredinney like how they push on, ignoring the hedges they’ll never scramble over, have no sense of shame, just follow their noses. I did that once – an affair with another farmer. I can see what a good person is. We’d walk our dogs here up to Bartinney, his Collie, my Jack Russells. I can almost see his farm from here, his Jeep, his Massey. I ran away from my family – twenty generations of farming. I ran away and towards. I’ve no regrets. Change is good. I look out on the land, decide which path to take down. I know my way. I’m a countrywoman. Trevesiges ov vy. Katrina Naomi The poem ‘Countrywoman’ was commissioned by BBC local radio, working in partnership with national poetry day. It is written in
Katrina’s BBC commissioned poem for national poetry day – the film
Katrina’s BBC commissioned poem for national poetry day is called ‘Countrywoman’. Watch a BBC film of Katrina reading her poem. ‘Countrywoman’ was commissioned by BBC local radio and filmed by BBC South West. You can read the poem too.
Reading at the Leach Pottery on 2 November
Katrina will be reading at the Leach Pottery in St Ives on 2 November. She has been the Leach Pottery’s first poet-in-residence and will be reading some of the poems she wrote at the pottery. She will also be reading some of her new poetry written while on an Arts Council England-sponsored trip to Japan. Katrina’s readings will be at 7 pm and 8 pm, and these will be at the Leach Pottery’s Feast & Flames night on 2 November 2018. The evening starts at 6 pm and finishes at 10. In addition to Katrina’s reading, there will be raku firing and decorating, food and drink. The event is free. For some background to Katrina’s residency, click here. The Leach Pottery’s Matthew Tyas wrote about the experience of having Katrina writing and working at the pottery, which you can read here. Katrina’s other events for 2018 and 2019 7 November – Poetry workshop with Penzance Women’s Aid. By invitation only. 12 November – Japanese Poetry Workshop for Indian Kings Poets. Fully booked. 2019 14 January – Reading at Loose Muse Winchester, The Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester, Hants SO23 8SB. 7.30-9.30. £6 on the door. 2 February – Bristol – A Japanese-themed day
Katrina interviewed by Paul Brookes
Katrina is interviewed here by Paul Brookes In the interview, Katrina talks about how she started writing, which poets inspired her and which put her off. She discusses who she is currently reading, and sets out what a typical working day can look like. She also talks about several contemporary poets whose work she finds exciting. Click here to find out who they are. Katrina also offers advice to anyone wanting to be a writer – the advice might surprise you. And finally, she talks about mentions some of her current writing projects.
BBC local poet for national poetry day
Katrina is the BBC local poet for the South-West for National Poetry Day, the 4 October. The BBC commissioned her to write a poem for National Poetry Day on the theme of change. Katrina’s poem is based on a BBC Radio Cornwall listener’s story. Katrina has been filmed reading her poem by the BBC. This is due to be broadcast on BBC One Spotlight on 4 October. Also on 4 October, Katrina will be interviewed on Debbie McCrory’s BBC Radio Cornwall programme around 4.30 pm and her poem will also feature on BBC Radio Devon on National Poetry Day. The Edge of the World bookshop in Penzance will feature Katrina’s poem on a poster in their window on 4 October for National Poetry Day. If you are on social media, look out for #nationalpoetryday #poetryforachange and #bbclocalpoets on twitter, facebook and instagram. Katrina is one of 12 poets chosen to create a dozen new poems for National Poetry Day. For more on National Poetry Day, BBC local poets and Poetry for a Change, or to find out who your BBC local poet is, click here. Katrina’s latest collection is The Way the Crocodile Taught Me, published by Seren in 2016.