“Magic,” says Noel Monahan explaining what he’s looking for from a poem as Windows Publications open their 2012 poetry competition to cele­brate 20 years. “In one word, magic. Because it has to jump off the page. So many people just use the stale metaphor, or hackneyed words. We are looking for something that’s totally new. It is very easy to decide on a good poem. They just stand out.” Does that come from au­thenticity? “Absolutely, someone who has the creative gift is saying something new. It is the same as painting, because poetry is writing in images and getting the music right.” “And it’s harder now to get published in a quality publica­tion,” agrees Heather. When possible Heather Brett edits and publishes the work of top winners and highly commended students. Their last anthology was entitled ‘Towards a Wilderness’ which ‘Books Ireland’ hailed as a “de­lightful collection” brimming with “marvellous and heart warming work; infectious fun or deep thought sincerity”. Heather and Noel are proud that Windows has survived the transition from the days of the typewriter through to the age of internet. “We have been 20 years doing it now and want to cel­ebrate that we have managed to survive in the ephemeral world of literature in these days in Ireland. The Windows Publications 20th National Poetry Compe­tition (for both students and adults) opens on Monday October 17 and closes on Friday, December 16. The winners will be noti­fied by April 2012 and must ap­pear at the awards ceremony on Sunday, May 13th in Cavan Crystal Hotel.

‘‘Heather Brett and Noel Monahan are well ahead of Europe.’’
Rita Kelly speaking about Windows Publications at Caomhnú Literary Festival, 2007.

Submissions sought for Authors & Artists Introduction Series No. 10

This publication is aimed at introducing new creative voices and visual artists to a wider arts audience by giving the public a decent example of new work. With several coinciding readings and exhibitions, Windows provides a platform to showcase this emerging talent. Authors who have not yet a first collection of either poetry or short stories published, or a debut novel, and who would like to be considered for this anthology are invited to submit poetry, short stories, prose or artwork. Send up to 12 poems, two short stories or pieces of prose (max. 3,000 wds each) or up to 10 images of artwork to: heatherbrett22@hotmail.com by December 16th 2011. This book is due to be published in May 2012 during the celebratory Windows 20 Weekend with several launches planned throughout Ireland.