The Poem & The Poet

This is an interview series hosted by Liza Chuma Akunyili, where she sits down with authors of published poetry. Whether your work has appeared in a magazine, an anthology, a full collection, or any other form of publication, this series is for you.

Unlike a simple book reading, these conversations dig deeper. We want to hear:

  • The narrative and story behind your work
  • The decisions you made in shaping your poems
  • The words you stripped away to let the strongest lines shine
  • How you navigated figures of speech and poetic devices
  • The craft choices that ultimately defined your voice

This is not just poetry for an audience—it is poetry for poets. Our primary audience is other writers and creators who are eager to learn, exchange insights, and immerse themselves in the art of poetry. Non-poetry readers may listen in, but the heart of this series is about craft, process, and growth.

If you are a poet looking to position yourself for a global audience, this is the platform for you. The goal is to present you to the world as a poet who not only writes, but also truly understands your own voice and process.

Submission Guidelines

  1. Share your favourite poem(s). Submit one to three poems in a single PDF document.

  2. Add your professional profile. Provide a short biography of up to 300 words in the application form.

  3. Answer all form questions. Responses should not exceed 200 words per answer.

  4. Topics and themes. You may submit poems on any subject. However, poetry on mental health and wellness will be prioritised.

  5. Previously published work. If any poem has been published before, include the direct publication link within the PDF so that the platform can be properly acknowledged and copyright boundaries respected.

Interview Process

  • You will be notified on or before 15 September 2025 if your application has been accepted.
  • If successful, you will be interviewed in Season 1 of The Poem & The Poet.
  • Interview times will be scheduled, and you will be able to select the slot that works best for you.
  • All interviews will take place during September 2025.
  • You will also be notified when your interview is premiered on YouTube.

 

Additional Opportunity

As you complete the application form, take time with your answers. Selected responses will be compiled into a free downloadable collection at the end of the series—a resource that others can read, reference, and use to overcome creative roadblocks. This PDF will highlight the lessons, strategies, and reflections that have shaped you as a poet.

I am truly excited to host these conversations and cannot wait to sit down with you.

Meet Your Host

Liza Chuma Akunyili is a trained television presenter and a former newscaster with Breeze FM in Akure. She previously served as the Lead Interviewer at Poetic Africa magazine and is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Afroglen Style webzine.

Currently, she is the National Coordinator of the Writers Space Africa (Nigeria Chapter) and the author of Speak Your Change. As a poet and book reviewer, Liza has spent over five years engaging with some of the finest literary works across the continent and beyond.

Her experience includes hosting live literary events, such as the July 2025 interview with the author of The Road to the Salt Sea, presented by Masobe Books at Roving Heights, Ibadan. To date, she has logged well over 50 hours of interview experience, creating thoughtful conversations that bring writers’ processes and stories to life.

With her unique blend of broadcasting training, editorial expertise, and poetic insight, Liza brings both professionalism and warmth to every conversation. She has a gift for guiding writers past the surface of their words and into the deeper narratives that shaped them.

If you are a poet seeking to present yourself to the world with clarity and authenticity, Liza is the interviewer you want in your corner.

Register