Caitlin Maling’s collection about the transformative power of motherhood shortlisted for one of the most lucrative poetry prizes in the country

Spore or Seed by Caitlin Maling has been shortlisted in the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and is in the running to win $30,000.  

Caitlin Maling said she was thrilled to be shortlisted amongst such fine poets (and by such fine poetry judges). Caitlin said, ‘This is such a personal book, so to see it recognised is a deep satisfaction. It’s also been a bucket-list for me to be shortlisted for one of the major east coast premier’s awards, and with Spore or Seed being my fifth book, I wondered if it would happen. I’m really thankful for Fremantle Press sticking with me across my career and for believing in this work enough to put it forward for the award.’

In the spirit of Judith Wright and Gwen Harwood, Spore or Seed is a beautifully written, deeply moving collection of poetry that explores the transformative power of motherhood, the loss of self and the discovery of a new, expanded self.

Georgia Richter says: ‘Caitlin’s poetry is such personal work, and yet she makes space for every reader to find themselves in her poems. I am delighted that Spore or Seed has been recognised as a significant work in the Kenneth Slessor Prize.’

Awarded annually, the prize is for a book of collected poems or for a single poem of substantial length published in book form. It is named after the Australian modernist poet, journalist and World War II war correspondent, Kenneth Slessor OBE.

More information about The Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry  is available via the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards website.