UWTSD alumna and lecturer celebrates publication of poetry collection

An award-winning poet who teaches on the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD’s) creative writing programmes and is herself an MA graduate of the university has released her latest poetry collection.

Rosalind Hudis’s new book, Restorations, is available now, published by Seren. It’s a vibrant collection that has already won praise from reviewers and writers. The West Wales-based writer’s poems have been described as “a masterclass”, “rich in human detail” and “many-layered in their brushwork.”

Welding themes from art and history with the contemporary, the collection includes poems about pigments and dictators, glue, glass houses, collections, seed, crinolines and barometers, and memory itself.

“I'm fascinated by art - not just the aesthetic object, but how it got to be, what went into the paint, what happens when it falls into disrepair,” said Rosalind, who lives near Tregaron. “Engaging with art on the level of physical process is a way of looking at larger themes to do with disappearance, transformation, and restoration. This thread runs through the collection.”

The book is Rosalind’s second full-length collection. Besides appearing widely in journals, she has a pamphlet with Rack Press, Terra Ignota (2013) and a full collection, Tilt, with Cinnamon Press (2014), poetry from which was highly commended in the 2015 Forward prizes. She has been an award winner in the National Poetry Competition and won several other awards. She is a Hawthornden Fellow (2017) and twice recipient of a Literature Wales Writers bursary.

“It always feels very validating to have a book published,” she said. “These days you often have to wait two years or longer from acceptance stage to publication. Restorations took two years - but during that time you become part of a little team, all intent on creating a fine end-product. There's a shared excitement when the book comes back from the printers, ready to hit the shelves!  Suddenly process has become actuality. That was especially so with Restorations, which has been produced during the pandemic. You feel everyone was working against the odds. And I had a wonderful editor, Amy Wack, who is very astute and meticulous.”

Passionate about poetry since childhood, Rosalind credits her MA studies in Lampeter with focusing her on her long-held aim of becoming a published poet. She joined the MA in Creative and Script Writing as a part-time student in 2009. At the time the course was directed by the playwright Dic Edwards

“The belief and encouragement of my tutors went a very long way towards helping me progress as a poet,” she said. “Also, I was helped by the quality of teaching, and by the intimate environment which helped create a supportive community amongst fellow creative writing students.

“Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch, who was Poetry Fellow at the time, mentored my writing. I learnt so much from her, and Dic Edwards set a lot of store by workshopping creative work; I think that also helped. Also, having tutors who were also writers meant they understood the process of getting published from the inside and had a network of industry connections.”

Now she is pleased to be passing on some of her knowledge and experience as a lecturer at UWTSD.

“I enjoy the opportunity to work closely with students to develop the potential of their writing and build their confidence,” she said. “The creative writing faculty has always had a very friendly and inclusive approach as well, which makes for a good teaching and learning environment. And although none of us can go there at the moment, the campus at Lampeter is uniquely beautiful.”

Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch, former Poetry Fellow at UWTSD added:

"I can still remember the day I read my first Rosalind Hudis poem: I sat up because I realised I was in the presence of a rare and powerful voice that demanded to be heard. Ros Hudis is the real deal and this new collection showcases the poet at the height of her powers."

A Virtual Launch of Restorations by Rosalind Hudis via Zoom will take place on Tuesday, March 16 at 7pm.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-launch-of-restorations-by-rosalind-hudis-tickets-141406315095

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk