News
Recently I’ve published a number of short stories in some great publications, perfect for Christmas presents or holiday reading.
One story, “The Fibbing Bird” is in The Sleepers Almanac, No 7. To buy it go to: 
www.sleeperspublishing.com
If you’re interested in reading a story that deals with the changing nature of many families and what happens when two old friends get together, then “Never Married” was recently published in Four W, No 22 available from the Booranga Writers’ Centre.
Another story “The Elusive Tenant” can be read in Escape an anthology of short stories, from that great supporter of the short story, Spineless Wonders Publishing. They publish short fiction and are working hard to encourage debate and discussion of the form. To read my interview and check out what other writers are saying about the short story go to: http://shortaustralianstories.com.au/spineless-wonders-asks-andy-kissane
I was thrilled to recently win the inaugural Coriole National Wine Poet competition. More details to follow in 2012, but the news is that Coriole will be publishing 6 short poems on the back of their 2006 Cabernet-Barbera Poets Series wine. Poetry and wine have always gone together and I’m looking forward to drinking some great wine and reading some fantastic poetry in the coming year.
A sequence of my poems Conversing with Ghosts was recently shortlisted for the 2011 Newcastle Poetry Prize and will be published in the anthology due out September 30, when the winners are announced in Newcastle.
Out to Lunch, Andy Kissane’s third book of poetry was shortlisted for the 2011 Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry, one of the NSW Premier’s Prizes for Literature. Congratulations to Jennifer Maiden who won the prize with her book, Pirate Rain.
A journal of new writing Seizure has just been launched and will be available in bookstores from June. The first issue investigates Food in fiction, poetry, nonfiction and recipes, with beautiful design and superb photography. I have two poems in this issue, which is definitely worth getting your hands on. My congratulations to the editor, Alice Grundy and her team for an impressive beginning and a scrumptious launch. (Although the miracle tablets that make sour foods taste sweet didn’t seem to work on me. Must develop a more refined palate.) To check it out, or to order a copy of Seizure go to: www.seizureonline.com
Mascara Literary Review has published two recent poems of mine in its ninth issue. The issue is dedicated to Sydney poet and critic, Kerry Leves, who passed away recently. Kerry was a fine poet and one of our best reviewers and I will miss seeing his smiling face at readings and festivals. Mascara is available at: www.mascarareview.com
I was lucky enough to win the inaugural Publisher’s Cup Cricket Poetry Prize with my poem, The Catch. You can watch a video of the actor Harry Briggs reading the poem on youtube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vg3e7Se7Nk
The 2011 Cricket Poetry Prize has just opened and closes on August 31. So if you’re a poet coming in to bowl from the Nursery End get your poems in. For more information:www.cricketartprize.org
Recent Readings
The Word Tree, Saturday July 2nd. 3-5pm. Burrinja Arts Centre, corner of Glenfern Drive and Matson Drive, Upwey. $5/$3, plus open section.
Poetry and Conversation, Sunday July 3rd. 3-5.15 pm. Morrow Theatrette, (Geelong Heritage Centre) Geelong Regional Library.
La Mama Poetica, Monday July 4, 8 pm at La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton.
The photograph was taken by Michael Reynolds at a reading at Passionate Tongues, Brunswick on Monday, March 14, 2011
