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War poetry contest 2024 Voices from the Trenches
Being a writer can sometimes be solitary and quiet. A writer can understand how it feels to fall in love with every single character, battle with dialogues, work with vivid poetic devices, endeavor for perfection, and build an entire universe from scratch. Guess what? You’re not alone. We understand the efforts you put every day into your work. Since we are a team of writers and artists too.
The writing industry is always considered as something obscure and profound by the public in general. It has become so difficult to stand alone and to stick with a writing career in the commercial society we live in today. Compared to other financial and economic-related jobs, things related to writing are the minority.
Writing is a terrific passion, and writers work in a hard industry, one where success is often sought and little received. Writing is not merely something we do, but something we are, and that makes it one of the most challenging of all pursuits in life.
I never got the right support to become a writer at the prime youth of my life. In the place where I come from writing is considered a cute hobby instead of passion - a commitment that writers made to themselves. Writers don’t receive the same respect that other professions do. It’s quite condescending. That sort of mentality is also so harmful to amateur writers’ confidence. From my past experience, I realize that this issue needs to be addressed.
People need to understand that writing is a hard business. It is time- consumingand after dedicating late-night hours, a roller coaster of emotions to finally produce a piece of literary work that might be read around the globe.
So, I come up with this publishing company and yeah I am proud of it.
Today we brought you a war poetry contest held in last month celebrating the very existence of War Poetry. Without any further ado, let's announce the winner. - Ruchi Acharya
Unveiling the Visionary in Voices from the Trenches
MARIAH CONREY - I CAN TELEPORT
Mariah Conrey, a graduate student at The University of South Alabama, balances her academic pursuits with a love for running and crafting homemade ice cream. She loves to laugh almost as much as she loves making others laugh. She uses her gift of writing to make sense of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Her work has appeared in The Inquisitive Eater and The Amazine.
In the tapestry of stirring narratives within Voices from the Trenches, the first runner-up shines brightly, weaving a narrative that lingers in the heart and mind. A beacon of creativity and reflection that enriches this anthology with depth and resonance:
LINA BUIVIDAVICIUTE - HOW I HELD A HUMAN BRAIN IN MY HANDS
Lina Buividavičiūtė was born on May 14, 1986. She is a poet and literary critic. Lina is the author of two poetry books in the Lithuanian language. Her poetry has been published in "Matter," "Masters," "Proverse Poetry Prize" contest anthologies, "Drunk Monkeys," "Beyond Words," "The Dewdrop," "The Limit Experience," "Poets Choice," "HOW," "Beyond Queer Words," "Maudlin House," "Cathexis Northwest Press," "Poetry Online" magazines, and the "Versopolis" poetry platform. Upcoming publications will appear in "New Millennium Writings," "Cathexis Northwest Press," "Quillkeepers Press," "The Stardust Review," and "Beyond Words" magazine.
In the mosaic of compelling voices within Voices from the Trenches, the second runner-up stands out, their narrative weaving threads of introspection and emotion. A testament to the creative vision and storytelling prowess:
SAMUEL OJILE - HOME AS A QUESTION
Kelechukwu Samuel Ojile writes from Nigeria. He leads the Creative Team of the Poets in Nigeria Initiative and is the Head of Operations II for the National Reading Contest by Nneoma Michelle Egeonu. His works have been published in The Origami Review, The Fringe Poetry, Itanile Magazine, Rough Diamond Poetry, and elsewhere. He listens to Asa, Billie Eilish, and Johnny Drille and plays chess at his leisure.
Meet the luminous finalists of Voices from the Trenches, whose narratives resonate with depth and emotion, leaving an indelible mark on readers' hearts. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions to this anthology, where their voices illuminate and inspire.
JAMES B. NICOLA - MASKS
James B. Nicola, a returning contributor, is the author of eight collections of poetry, the latest three being Fires of Heaven: Poems of Faith and Sense, Turns & Twists, and Natural Tendencies. His nonfiction book, Playing the Audience: The Practical Actor’s Guide to Live Performance, won a Choice magazine award.
M.S. BLUES - DIVISION IS ALL I KNOW
M.S. Blues is an 18-year-old multiracial, queer, and versatile writer who has been writing since the age of seven. Her work revolves around the darker pieces of humanity that society tends to neglect. She has been published by many literary magazines and currently serves as an editor to The Amazine, Adolescence Magazine, The Elysian Chronicles, Hyacinthus Zine, and Chromatic Stars Review.
TERRY MILLER - ARMS RACE
Terry Miller, a Nottingham, England-based writer, honed his writing skills as a creative director for some advertising and creative agencies. Lately, a successful game inventor, Terry utilizes his skills to create evocative, funny, and sometimes disturbing poetry. Written in an accessible form, Terry's poetry is deceptively complex, often tackling topical issues and exploring deep emotional themes. His poems have been featured in several international poetry anthologies.
TERRY BRINKMAN -FOUL BLIGHT
Terry Brinkman has been painting for over forty-five years; now he paints with words too. His poems have appeared in Rue Scribe, Tiny Seed, Winamop, Snapdragon Journal, Poets Choice, Adelaide Magazine, and Variant. The Writing Disorder, Ink Pantry, In Parentheses, Ariel Chat, New Ulster, Glove, Pamp-le-mousse, North Dakota Quarterly, Barzakh, Urban Arts, Wingless Dreamer, True Chili, LKMNDS, and Elevation.
ANDY BETZ - FIRE BEGETS FIRE
Andy Betz has tutored and taught for over 40 years, lives as if it’s 1974, and has been married for 31 years. His works can be found everywhere a search engine operates.
KATARINA STRANGARO - PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME HERE
Katarina Strangarov is a Serbian poet currently residing in Austria. Drawing from her personal experiences, her poetry delves into themes of healing, resilience, death, grief, and the human condition. Having found solace and empowerment in poetry from a young age, Katarina hopes her words will resonate with others navigating their healing journeys. Her poetry has been featured in publications by Poet's Choice, Wingless Dreamer, Moonstone Arts Center, and Quillkeepers Press.
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