Sarah James/Leavesley
@sarahleavesley.bsky.social
Prize-winning poet, fiction writer, journalist and photographer. Author of 9 poetry titles, 2 novellas & a poetry-play. More at http://sarah-james.co.uk. Also, editor at V. Press, award-winning poetry & flash fiction. (Profile pic by Gary Carr.)
Pinned
Poetry winners 2024-
First: Sarah James, ‘Let sleeping peaches lie’
Second: Rachel Curzon, ‘Winter in Dinan’
Third: Nicola Warwick, ‘What of the end, Pandora’
Poet-in-Residence commendation: HLR, ‘I take all of my lovers to Highgate Cemetery’
Chair commendation: Nicola Warwick, ‘Briar Rose’
First: Sarah James, ‘Let sleeping peaches lie’
Second: Rachel Curzon, ‘Winter in Dinan’
Third: Nicola Warwick, ‘What of the end, Pandora’
Poet-in-Residence commendation: HLR, ‘I take all of my lovers to Highgate Cemetery’
Chair commendation: Nicola Warwick, ‘Briar Rose’
Delighted to share this news about my Flaming June inspired poem! Big thanks to the judges & @preraphaelitesociety.bsky.social & congratulations to all the winners. 🎉🎉🎉 My poem continues the Pre-Raphaelite theme of my collection Darling Blue, out with @indigodreamspub.bsky.social later this year.
“Merlin's eyes marble. His arm droops
as his scarf and tunic tighten, their dark green
taking on a deeper blue than he’s ever seen;”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
as his scarf and tunic tighten, their dark green
taking on a deeper blue than he’s ever seen;”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
November 23, 2025 at 9:01 AM
“Merlin's eyes marble. His arm droops
as his scarf and tunic tighten, their dark green
taking on a deeper blue than he’s ever seen;”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
as his scarf and tunic tighten, their dark green
taking on a deeper blue than he’s ever seen;”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library TODAY Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
November 22, 2025 at 8:29 AM
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library TODAY Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
November 21, 2025 at 7:12 PM
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Super excited my poem 'Hand to mouth' and story 'The Knife Sharpener of Alzira' have been shortlisted for the 'Walking In The Dark' comp by @walklistencreate.org judged by @marcellenewbold.bsky.social and Damaris West for poetry, @chantallyons.bsky.social and Matthew Beaumont for prose
Whoop 🥳
Whoop 🥳
November 20, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Super excited my poem 'Hand to mouth' and story 'The Knife Sharpener of Alzira' have been shortlisted for the 'Walking In The Dark' comp by @walklistencreate.org judged by @marcellenewbold.bsky.social and Damaris West for poetry, @chantallyons.bsky.social and Matthew Beaumont for prose
Whoop 🥳
Whoop 🥳
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Congratulations and good luck to other short-listed authors: @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social @erinbondo.com @elizafevwrites.bsky.social @eleanorholmes.bsky.social @sarahleavesley.bsky.social l @rosaleenlynch.bsky.social @lauratheis.bsky.social Krista Carson, Isabella Mead Husain, Emily Wilkinson
November 20, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Congratulations and good luck to other short-listed authors: @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social @erinbondo.com @elizafevwrites.bsky.social @eleanorholmes.bsky.social @sarahleavesley.bsky.social l @rosaleenlynch.bsky.social @lauratheis.bsky.social Krista Carson, Isabella Mead Husain, Emily Wilkinson
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Thrilled to be SHORTLISTED for @walklistencreate.org's WALKING IN THE DARK competition supporting the great 'Women Walking, the City, at Night' cause. My thanks to judges @marcellenewbold.bsky.social & Damaris West. Shortlist below. My poem Devon Gothic in the thread #poetrycommunity #poetsonbluesky
November 20, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Thrilled to be SHORTLISTED for @walklistencreate.org's WALKING IN THE DARK competition supporting the great 'Women Walking, the City, at Night' cause. My thanks to judges @marcellenewbold.bsky.social & Damaris West. Shortlist below. My poem Devon Gothic in the thread #poetrycommunity #poetsonbluesky
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Long list of our #Walking #InTheDark competition announced - terrific poems and stories beautifully penned - read them here wlc.zone/ark
November 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Long list of our #Walking #InTheDark competition announced - terrific poems and stories beautifully penned - read them here wlc.zone/ark
Liked or disliked, that is the question: writing vulnerabilities, nature as a perspective-giver & creating personal paths through
https://open.substack.com/pub/moresarah/p/liked-or-disliked-that-is-the-question?r=7ajma&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://open.substack.com/pub/moresarah/p/liked-or-disliked-that-is-the-question?r=7ajma&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
November 16, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Liked or disliked, that is the question: writing vulnerabilities, nature as a perspective-giver & creating personal paths through
https://open.substack.com/pub/moresarah/p/liked-or-disliked-that-is-the-question?r=7ajma&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://open.substack.com/pub/moresarah/p/liked-or-disliked-that-is-the-question?r=7ajma&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Absolutely delighted to hear that The art of cutting and stitching has been shortlisted for the Ink Sweat & Tears 'Pick of the Month' for October 2025. I find voting things slightly awkward. But do check out the shortlist and enjoy all the poems, then vote if you feel so inclined.
November 16, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Absolutely delighted to hear that The art of cutting and stitching has been shortlisted for the Ink Sweat & Tears 'Pick of the Month' for October 2025. I find voting things slightly awkward. But do check out the shortlist and enjoy all the poems, then vote if you feel so inclined.
“I could fall in love with her youth and beauty,
have fallen into the daydream of her gaze –
her eyes are warm wood which could be
kindled to flame, but not a votive candle.”
Sarah James, Darling Blue
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
have fallen into the daydream of her gaze –
her eyes are warm wood which could be
kindled to flame, but not a votive candle.”
Sarah James, Darling Blue
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
November 16, 2025 at 8:34 AM
“I could fall in love with her youth and beauty,
have fallen into the daydream of her gaze –
her eyes are warm wood which could be
kindled to flame, but not a votive candle.”
Sarah James, Darling Blue
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
have fallen into the daydream of her gaze –
her eyes are warm wood which could be
kindled to flame, but not a votive candle.”
Sarah James, Darling Blue
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
Darling Blue launch with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets
Join us for the exciting launch of Darling Blue with special guest poets from the Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza!
www.eventbrite.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:27 AM
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
Darling Blue launch with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets
Join us for the exciting launch of Darling Blue with special guest poets from the Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza!
www.eventbrite.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:26 PM
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Looking forward, as always, to teaching for The Poetry Business on January 5th:
buytickets.at/thepoetrybus...
buytickets.at/thepoetrybus...
Buy tickets – Online Workshop: “Akemashite Omedetou! New Year Haiku & more” with Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana – Zoom
Online Workshop: “Akemashite Omedetou! New Year Haiku & more” with Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana – Zoom, Mon 5 Jan 2026 - Akemashite Omedetou!
New Year Haiku & more
This Japan-themed workshop will ge...
buytickets.at
November 5, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Looking forward, as always, to teaching for The Poetry Business on January 5th:
buytickets.at/thepoetrybus...
buytickets.at/thepoetrybus...
“I don’t know who I am at this moment, nor the man
at my side. Suspended here like an exclamation mark
that doesn’t have to fall towards a full stop, I curve into
the wild escape[...]”
Sarah James
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
at my side. Suspended here like an exclamation mark
that doesn’t have to fall towards a full stop, I curve into
the wild escape[...]”
Sarah James
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
November 9, 2025 at 8:50 AM
“I don’t know who I am at this moment, nor the man
at my side. Suspended here like an exclamation mark
that doesn’t have to fall towards a full stop, I curve into
the wild escape[...]”
Sarah James
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
at my side. Suspended here like an exclamation mark
that doesn’t have to fall towards a full stop, I curve into
the wild escape[...]”
Sarah James
https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james / https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
My NIF ‘An Inheritance’ was published by V.Press in 2020. There’s just a few copies left (available from V.Press or my website). You might want to check out all their other publications too!
10 Years of Publications – Revealing the real boss, meet N…& lots of thanks!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM
My NIF ‘An Inheritance’ was published by V.Press in 2020. There’s just a few copies left (available from V.Press or my website). You might want to check out all their other publications too!
A big plus of having a new book/anthology published: doing book swaps & enjoying fellow contributors’ poems!
@drruthstacey.bsky.social
@ditheringchaps.bsky.social
@yaffles-nest.bsky.social
@jirobb.bsky.social
#indigopoets
@drruthstacey.bsky.social
@ditheringchaps.bsky.social
@yaffles-nest.bsky.social
@jirobb.bsky.social
#indigopoets
November 8, 2025 at 8:20 AM
A big plus of having a new book/anthology published: doing book swaps & enjoying fellow contributors’ poems!
@drruthstacey.bsky.social
@ditheringchaps.bsky.social
@yaffles-nest.bsky.social
@jirobb.bsky.social
#indigopoets
@drruthstacey.bsky.social
@ditheringchaps.bsky.social
@yaffles-nest.bsky.social
@jirobb.bsky.social
#indigopoets
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
10 Years of Publications – Revealing the real boss, meet N…& lots of thanks!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:50 AM
10 Years of Publications – Revealing the real boss, meet N…& lots of thanks!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
🎉💚🥹 Delighted to be longlisted this morning
Thankyou to the judges @marcellenewbold.bsky.social , Damaris West, @chantallyons.bsky.social & Matthew Beaumont
Congrats to all long listers 🌚 I've just had a lovely morning reading through the pieces ☕📜
@rachelape.bsky.social
🧵1/3
#NatureWriting
Thankyou to the judges @marcellenewbold.bsky.social , Damaris West, @chantallyons.bsky.social & Matthew Beaumont
Congrats to all long listers 🌚 I've just had a lovely morning reading through the pieces ☕📜
@rachelape.bsky.social
🧵1/3
#NatureWriting
November 6, 2025 at 8:48 AM
🎉💚🥹 Delighted to be longlisted this morning
Thankyou to the judges @marcellenewbold.bsky.social , Damaris West, @chantallyons.bsky.social & Matthew Beaumont
Congrats to all long listers 🌚 I've just had a lovely morning reading through the pieces ☕📜
@rachelape.bsky.social
🧵1/3
#NatureWriting
Thankyou to the judges @marcellenewbold.bsky.social , Damaris West, @chantallyons.bsky.social & Matthew Beaumont
Congrats to all long listers 🌚 I've just had a lovely morning reading through the pieces ☕📜
@rachelape.bsky.social
🧵1/3
#NatureWriting
Big news, poetry, film, thanks & fun stuff…
https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=7
https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=7
November 2, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Big news, poetry, film, thanks & fun stuff…
https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=7
https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=7
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
Darling Blue launch with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets
Join us for the exciting launch of Darling Blue with special guest poets from the Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza!
www.eventbrite.com
November 2, 2025 at 8:46 AM
JOIN US for the FREE launch of Darling Blue with Worcestershire Poetry Society Stanza Guest Poets at Droitwich Library on Sat, 22 Nov 2025
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darling-blue-launch-with-worcestershire-poetry-society-stanza-guest-poets-tickets-1832358707219?aff=oddtdtcreator
#poetry fun
“Three days is too long
to go unanswered,
and yet still I hang around
for your call.”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
IDP: https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james
Or https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
With thanks to Dawn and Ronnie at Indigo Dreams
to go unanswered,
and yet still I hang around
for your call.”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
IDP: https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james
Or https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
With thanks to Dawn and Ronnie at Indigo Dreams
November 2, 2025 at 8:30 AM
“Three days is too long
to go unanswered,
and yet still I hang around
for your call.”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
IDP: https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james
Or https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
With thanks to Dawn and Ronnie at Indigo Dreams
to go unanswered,
and yet still I hang around
for your call.”
Sarah James, from Darling Blue (Indigo Dreams)
IDP: https://indigodreamspublishing.com/sarah-james
Or https://www.sarah-james.co.uk/?page_id=17191
#IndigoPoets
With thanks to Dawn and Ronnie at Indigo Dreams
Excited to share Darling Blue & my unboxing video! Would love to see you at my free local launch on 22 November & to get more readings lined up. If anyone’s looking for a guest poet, would like to review Darling Blue or do a book swap, please DM me. Links below.
#poetry #books
#poetry #books
October 29, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Reposted by Sarah James/Leavesley
Celebrating 10 Years of Publications -- 2024!
Poetry, flash and our new book bundles!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
Poetry, flash and our new book bundles!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Celebrating 10 Years of Publications -- 2024!
Poetry, flash and our new book bundles!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com
Poetry, flash and our new book bundles!
vpresspoetry.blogspot.com