Fleur Brown, LISP 2025 Poetry Finalist, 'to the bones'

- Could you please tell us about yourself and your daily routine?

I live in Byron Bay Australia, and constantly travel to different cities for work. Poetry is my way of staying in touch with my inner world.

- When and how did you start writing

My first poem was a philosophical slant on a slug’s life, which I wrote age seven. I still have the poem and the artwork. I wrote and performed poems and plays throughout my teenage years before taking a detour into journalism. I built a business around that skill, also publishing a business book, until it began to feel like my writing and my life was in a straight-jacket. Later, navigating a tumultuous divorce, I returned to poetry as a cathartic outlet and to try to bring some creativity and soul back. I describe myself as “going through a poetry phase” but it’s been a three-years, and I have fallen back in love with the craft.

I also have a memoir and a novel in second draft - poetry is my way of ensuring something gets published.

I’ve performed my poems in local cafes and spoken word events and competitions. My collection of published poems can be found on Medium and I’ve also had my work published in the Verserve Stars Anthology and Shared Drafts Project and shortlisted for the Woody Barlow poetry contest.

- How frequently do you write? Do you have a writing routine? And what inspires you to write?

I try to write every day – most frequently when I am walking my dog - which provokes a tug of war as I bash my thoughts into my phone while she tries to get me to walk faster. If this makes her my muse, she’s a reluctant one. My inspiration comes from trying to make sense of my own feelings. I grew up in a religious cult where emotional and creative expression were severely stunted so poetry is a great form of release. I currently have 300 unfinished poems in my drafts folder.

- How does it feel to have your work acknowledged, whether through being a finalist in a

competition or having it published? 

It feels a relief to know that my work resonates with others – sometimes it feels I am writing into the void. I have tried to remain true to my inner voice in my work and to resist the urge to polish poems too much or copy popular styles of writing. It’s nice to know that voice has found a home.

- What's the most rewarding and challenging aspect of writing a story or poetry? 

Writing poetry is like meditation for me. After a brutal or exhausting day, poetry can be my only retreat. I write to understand, and often that time. Poetry is like making bone broth – the longer you leave it the better it is for you. Getting a poem out – and hitting publish – is also a kind of catharsis; you’ve done your best, now it’s up to the world to respond.

- How did you come up with the idea for your LISP-selected story? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it? 

This poem came about when I was dealing with an unrequited love situation that had gone on for too many years. I recognised I was spending so much time analysing the very limited contact or conversations I had with this person. It felt like I was spending weeks going over a conversation that lasted only minutes – and I realised I was starving myself of emotional nutrition.

- Please share a few tips on writing poetry. 

The poems that resonate most with others are often the ones where we feel the most naked – the ones we are most afraid to publish.

- What is the best aspect and the most challenging aspect of competitions? 

The best aspect of competitions is feeling your work has resonated with those who are deeply knowledgeable about poetry and what makes a good poem. On the challenging side, it can be hard to remain patient – the temptation to self-publish just to get a poem out there to get feedback is strong.

- Finally, would you recommend that the writers consider submitting to LISP?

Absolutely, it’s great to be recognised for your work as part of a global community.