Libby Grace Chandler, London Independent Story Prize 2024 Anthology Finalist, 'After the Storm' and 'Combustion Reaction Zone'

London Independent Story Prize 2024 Anthology Poetry Finalist 'After the Storm' and 'Combustion Reaction Zone', Libby Grace Chandler

Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

During the week, I work in commissioning for my local authority, enthused by the ever-changing landscape of Adult Social Care. I enjoy various hobbies, music and writing being the main constants. Nature often inspires my movements, whether it’s walking, taking photos, adventuring in another country, or constructing a poem.

When and how did you get into writing?

When I was a child, my mum used to read to me all the time; we would stay up at night flicking through pages, which I believe nurtured and encouraged my creativity. I have always injected a great deal of thought and care into my writing, and positive feedback reinforced this passion. Poetry started to become a significant part of my life in my middle/late adolescence. In my free time, I write both poetry and prose.

Sometimes, I feel like my true self lives in the pieces I write. We’re very fortunate to be able to write – to be able to unravel the confusion and make sense of everything a little bit more.

My poems have been published in Secret Chords: A Poetry Anthology of the Best of the Folklore Prize and Train River Poetry: Summer 2021.

How often do you write? Do you have a writing routine?

Routines are not my forte and I tend to be inconsistent. I can go through phases when writing is all-consuming and other times when it is less frequent. But my ideas are never ending, so I have hundreds of notes and unfinished pieces waiting for my attention, which reminds me…

How does it feel to have your work recognised?

As I’m someone who scrutinises my own work to no end, when my poems are selected in a competition, I am always delightfully surprised. And it comes as some sort of relief, I suppose. To write and share and for this to resonate with others, brings meaning to my life. Recognition acts as a reminder that I am good enough and there is no clear, identifiable perfection. 

What's the best and most challenging thing about writing poetry? 

Writing offers a place to hide, a place to channel, and a place to create. It’s quite the feeling, putting your whole self into a piece, stepping back and feeling happy with the outcome.

My challenge is, if it isn’t flowing, then it isn’t going… Anywhere. At that point, I’ll start writing or jot down my idea and leave it alone. Sometimes, a break is needed to break through. Writing prose, I find the struggles are less, and it’s easier to persist and continue writing something, even if it isn’t my best. Poetry is delicate and requires a level of intimacy that shouldn’t be forced.

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

After the Storm was meant to convey chaotic simplicity, not only in written word but in the structural body of the poem. There is a sense of being estranged from oneself after tackling an emotionally turbulent upbringing. I wanted to capture the emotional shift from those moments of brute winds and harsh rain to afterwards – after the storm.

Combustion Reaction Zone uses strong imagery to emphasise anger and the sadness perpetuating it beneath. We often see fire used as a metaphor for rage, but I really wanted to make use of the blue flame, the part of anger we forget exists.

Both poems are similar in that they consider causality. I took care with both, redrafting until I felt the message was not only clear, but also tender and determined.

Can you please give us a few tips about writing poetry?

Focus on your version of what good looks like, and someone somewhere will think it looks good too. You don’t need to be the best to do what you’re passionate about. You don’t need to earn your place to create meaningful art.

I read somewhere once that every word counts in poetry. I agree. One word can define or destroy a whole poem (of course, subject to opinion). However, I’ve written some poems I’m proud of over the years, without as much scrutiny and discipline. It depends on your perspective. I do find myself questioning more now and making sure to redraft before impulsively hitting that submit button!

The best advice I can give is to simply do whatever fulfils you – the writing journey is a unique experience.

Lastly, do you recommend the writers submit to LISP?

Yes! It’s wonderful that LISP provides a space for new and underrepresented writers. As someone who writes as a hobby without any guidance, it is incredibly reassuring to have my work acknowledged and appreciated. Sending a big thank you to LISP!