Liverpool writer Hayley Lynn Gordon is on the lookout for artists to illustrate seven of her poems for her forthcoming book ‘Lemonade Grenade’ that will be launched in July this year.
This is Gordon’s first book, consisting of fifty-four poems exploring themes around motherhood, domestic violence, resilience and grief.
Luain Press are looking for seven original black and white artworks to be commissioned for Gordon’s poems that will then be featured in the collection.
Gordon started writing whilst going through a challenging time during the pandemic and after performing at a poetry event in 2021, her writing career quickly started to take off.
“A lot of my writing is mental health related but then as time’s gone on you know there’s other challenges in life I’ve gone through, and topics have kind of developed more through the life journey.”
Gordon has been a regular performer around Merseyside in recent years and runs her own monthly night ‘Giz A Word,’ alongside co-creator Rachel Wilton.
The event platforms writers at all stages of their careers as well as offering an opportunity to connect with other creatives.
Gordon was spotted by Irish poet Lee Sheridan who runs Luain Press when he was visiting the North West from Dublin and was keen to get her published.
He said: “She brings an energy that I haven’t seen in any of the other books that we’ve published so I’m really excited.
“It’s real punk poetry and that’s what I’m trying to do with Luain Press, trying to find poets that might be overlooked by your traditional publisher.”
Gordon is outspoken about violence against women and girls and uses her work to address some of these issues, “I know so many women who’ve been through so many things including myself and I’ve got two young daughters so while I still have a voice, I’m going to use it.”
Lemonade Grenade will be available to buy on Amazon and selected independent books stores after its launch this summer.
Competition closing date is the 1st of April 2026, for further information on how to enter go to: www.luainpress.com
You can also visit @twistedtales.hlg19 and @gizaword.collective on Instagram for updates on Giz a Word poetry events and where to see Hayley Lynn Gordon live.
