Harry Laing

Where were you born?

I was born and grew up in Edinburgh. And like so many Scots (my family included) made my way to Australia. 

What other jobs have you had?

Ah, well. I worked in a nursery garden for a year. But that was a long time ago. I’m a writer. I love writing and performing and teaching poetry to children and also to adults. That’s my job.

What themes are recurring in your work?

For children: cheese, strange pets, angry old ladies and objects that dream they have another life. The natural world and its creatures. For adults, the recurring theme would be the natural world (I live alongside it) climate change, ancestors, road trips. Oh, and things that make me (and hopefully the reader) laugh. 

What have been the highlights of your career?

Career is a big word. Publishing my books of course. Performing poems to 450 kids outside on a windy day and surviving. But really it’s when a child comes up, after hearing my poems and says ‘that was the best half hour of my life’. 

Where have your works been published?

I have six books of poetry, three for children and three for adults. 

What are you passionate about?

Switching people onto poetry and the magic of language. The natural world. The 115 acres of the NSW Southern Tablelands where I live. And of course, much more.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I’d be surprised. But then again, I might have popped up somewhere. Maybe the YouTube videos of me performing my poems? (Harry Laing Children’s Poet)

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

My belief that both children and adults discover the many possibilities of poetry and how relevant and exciting it can be in contemporary life!