Indie Poetry Press

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On AI, Small Presses, and the Hypocrisy of Misplaced Anger

When someone slid into my DMs to “warn” me that a small poetry press I love was using AI, I realised how misplaced our collective anger has become. On AI, Small Presses, and the Hypocrisy of Misplaced Anger is a reflection on how fear, privilege, and purity politics are tearing apart the creative community while corporations quietly profit from our division. I write this as a nurse, a working-class writer, and the founder of a small press — to defend those who are building something meaningful with the few tools available to them, and to ask a simple question: where are we aiming our fire?

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Rebecca Rijsdijk
Permission to Write Bad Poems

Give yourself permission to write bad poems and embrace imperfection. Learn why bad poems are essential to creativity, growth, and finding your voice as a poet. Perfect for writers seeking freedom from self-judgment and perfectionism.

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Rebecca RijsdijkComment
Review: Toothache in the Bone by Colleen S. Harris

A powerful review of Colleen S. Harris’s poetry chapbook Toothache in the Bone (boats against the current press, 2025). Harris, a disabled poet living with chronic illness, writes with visceral clarity about the body, grief, resilience, and survival. Discover why this collection belongs in the conversation on disability poetics and contemporary feminist grief writing.

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Poetry Open Call: ‘Capitalism is a Death Cult’

We are looking for poems that pierce the illusion of capitalism as the only possible system forward. Poems that rage and mourn. Poems that imagine a world outside this system, where people and the planet are more than resources to be exploited. Whether you write about the personal toll, the global consequences, or the sparks of resistance you see around you—your voice belongs here.

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Rebecca RijsdijkComment
How to Survive as a Poet Without Social Media

The modern poet is told, repeatedly, that survival depends on their ability to perform online. A carefully curated grid. A bio that reads like a sales pitch. Daily posts that beg algorithms for crumbs of attention. We’re expected to sell our souls in the name of visibility, to become products instead of creators, influencers instead of writers.

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Rebecca RijsdijkComment
Why Self-Publishing Isn’t Second Best

Discover why self-publishing is a revolutionary choice for poets. Learn how to bypass gatekeepers, maintain full creative control, and connect directly with readers while building a sustainable writing life on your own terms. Perfect for poets seeking freedom and authenticity in their publishing journey.

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Rebecca RijsdijkComment
Breaking Free from the Social Media Rat Race

Poets are constantly told they need to be visible, to hustle, to build a platform. Instagram, Twitter, Substack, TikTok—it never ends. The pressure to turn your creativity into content is relentless, and the algorithms are always watching, ready to bury your work if you’re not playing by their rules. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to play the game. You can break free from the social media rat race and focus on what actually matters—your poetry. Here’s how.

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Rebecca RijsdijkComment
Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Nature in Poetry

In the relentless rush of modern life, poetry that captures the essence of nature provides not just an escape, but a profound connection to something timeless and foundational. Through the verses of seasoned poets, we are reminded of the Earth's perpetual tranquillity and enduring beauty, which can offer comfort and solace in times of emotional turmoil.

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Navigating Crisis: A Conversation Between Poets Rebecca Rijsdijk and Talya Jacoby

Explore the creative process behind On Crisis, a powerful poetry collection by Rebecca Rijsdijk and Talya Jacoby. In this candid interview, the poets discuss mental health, inequality, and the challenges of writing about crisis, while announcing a free giveaway of their book. Don't miss the chance to dive into their reflections on today's struggles, resilience, and hope.

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Review of "Secondary Poems" by Jo Bahdo

"Secondary Poems" by Jo Bahdo is a compelling poetry collection that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Presented in both English and French, this book offers a rich, bilingual experience that resonates deeply with readers. With thought-provoking verses and elegant language, Secondary Poems is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts seeking an emotional and immersive literary journey. Published on May 4, 2020, this sequel to Primary Poems showcases Bahdo's growing influence in contemporary poetry. Discover the profound impact of Secondary Poems and connect with universal human experiences through Jo Bahdo's evocative writing.

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