Kia ora! I am a writer, editor, and powerlifting enthusiast seeking full-time work after returning from overseas study. I am eager to utilise my diverse skill set and passion for literature to join a workplace where I can contribute to a collaborative and dynamic team. I recently graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University during which I received both The Joyce Carol Oates Award in Poetry (2025) and The Joyce Carol Oates Award in Fiction (2025). During my time in Syracuse, I completed a poetry collection manuscript and part of a novel (my current project of focus) about the perils of desire, compulsive heterosexuality, growing up during the Ōtautahi earthquakes, and the simultaneous hilarity and pathos of internet life. During my time at Syracuse University, I taught undergraduate courses in the English Department and the Writing & Rhetoric Department, the highlight of which was the poetry workshop I led with a group of phenomenally talented undergraduate writers. Other courses I have taught include WRT205: Critical Research and Writing, ENG107: Living Writers, and, during my time at The University of Auckland, ENG204: Pacific Literature in English. In addition to my academic experience, I have done extensive editorial work, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Salt Hill, Executive Editor of Interesting Journal, Assistant Editor of a fine line, and Sub-Editor for Salient. In 2021, I completed an emerging editors program with The Suburban Review. I am fortunate to have had my work recognised both locally and internationally. Two recent examples include being named the 2024 runner-up in the Black Warrior Review Poetry Competition judged by Donika Kelly, and winning the 2024 Griffith Review Emerging Voices competition. Other work of mine can be found in places such as AUP New Poets 8, Black Warrior Review, Ōrongohau | Best New Zealand Poems, Rapture: An Anthology of Performance Poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand, Out Here: An Anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ New Zealand Writers, Turbine | Kapohau, Hobart After Dark, Peach Mag, Landfall, Griffith Review, Sundog Lit, Poetry New Zealand Yearbook, Mayhem, Overcommunicate, Sweet Mammalian, blackmail, Hills Hoist, Cordite, Stasis, Scum Mag, The Spinoff, The Griffith Review, Midway Journal, Poetry Lab Shanghai, Milly Magazine, The Poetry Shelf, Starling, Aniko Press, Compound Press, takahē, Salty Mag, The Pantograph Punch, Newsroom, The Gravity of the Thing, Overland, and Mindfood Magazine.

Lily Holloway

Kia ora! I am a writer, editor, and powerlifting enthusiast seeking full-time work after returning from overseas study. I am eager to utilise my diverse skill set and passion for literature to join a workplace where I can contribute to a collaborative and dynamic team. I recently graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University during which I received both The Joyce Carol Oates Award in Poetry (2025) and The Joyce Carol Oates Award in Fiction (2025). During my time in Syracuse, I completed a poetry collection manuscript and part of a novel (my current project of focus) about the perils of desire, compulsive heterosexuality, growing up during the Ōtautahi earthquakes, and the simultaneous hilarity and pathos of internet life. During my time at Syracuse University, I taught undergraduate courses in the English Department and the Writing & Rhetoric Department, the highlight of which was the poetry workshop I led with a group of phenomenally talented undergraduate writers. Other courses I have taught include WRT205: Critical Research and Writing, ENG107: Living Writers, and, during my time at The University of Auckland, ENG204: Pacific Literature in English. In addition to my academic experience, I have done extensive editorial work, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Salt Hill, Executive Editor of Interesting Journal, Assistant Editor of a fine line, and Sub-Editor for Salient. In 2021, I completed an emerging editors program with The Suburban Review. I am fortunate to have had my work recognised both locally and internationally. Two recent examples include being named the 2024 runner-up in the Black Warrior Review Poetry Competition judged by Donika Kelly, and winning the 2024 Griffith Review Emerging Voices competition. Other work of mine can be found in places such as AUP New Poets 8, Black Warrior Review, Ōrongohau | Best New Zealand Poems, Rapture: An Anthology of Performance Poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand, Out Here: An Anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ New Zealand Writers, Turbine | Kapohau, Hobart After Dark, Peach Mag, Landfall, Griffith Review, Sundog Lit, Poetry New Zealand Yearbook, Mayhem, Overcommunicate, Sweet Mammalian, blackmail, Hills Hoist, Cordite, Stasis, Scum Mag, The Spinoff, The Griffith Review, Midway Journal, Poetry Lab Shanghai, Milly Magazine, The Poetry Shelf, Starling, Aniko Press, Compound Press, takahē, Salty Mag, The Pantograph Punch, Newsroom, The Gravity of the Thing, Overland, and Mindfood Magazine.

Available to hire

Kia ora! I am a writer, editor, and powerlifting enthusiast seeking full-time work after returning from overseas study. I am eager to utilise my diverse skill set and passion for literature to join a workplace where I can contribute to a collaborative and dynamic team.

I recently graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University during which I received both The Joyce Carol Oates Award in Poetry (2025) and The Joyce Carol Oates Award in Fiction (2025). During my time in Syracuse, I completed a poetry collection manuscript and part of a novel (my current project of focus) about the perils of desire, compulsive heterosexuality, growing up during the Ōtautahi earthquakes, and the simultaneous hilarity and pathos of internet life.

During my time at Syracuse University, I taught undergraduate courses in the English Department and the Writing & Rhetoric Department, the highlight of which was the poetry workshop I led with a group of phenomenally talented undergraduate writers. Other courses I have taught include WRT205: Critical Research and Writing, ENG107: Living Writers, and, during my time at The University of Auckland, ENG204: Pacific Literature in English.

In addition to my academic experience, I have done extensive editorial work, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Salt Hill, Executive Editor of Interesting Journal, Assistant Editor of a fine line, and Sub-Editor for Salient. In 2021, I completed an emerging editors program with The Suburban Review.

I am fortunate to have had my work recognised both locally and internationally. Two recent examples include being named the 2024 runner-up in the Black Warrior Review Poetry Competition judged by Donika Kelly, and winning the 2024 Griffith Review Emerging Voices competition.

Other work of mine can be found in places such as AUP New Poets 8, Black Warrior Review, Ōrongohau | Best New Zealand Poems, Rapture: An Anthology of Performance Poetry from Aotearoa New Zealand, Out Here: An Anthology of Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ New Zealand Writers, Turbine | Kapohau, Hobart After Dark, Peach Mag, Landfall, Griffith Review, Sundog Lit, Poetry New Zealand Yearbook, Mayhem, Overcommunicate, Sweet Mammalian, blackmail, Hills Hoist, Cordite, Stasis, Scum Mag, The Spinoff, The Griffith Review, Midway Journal, Poetry Lab Shanghai, Milly Magazine, The Poetry Shelf, Starling, Aniko Press, Compound Press, takahē, Salty Mag, The Pantograph Punch, Newsroom, The Gravity of the Thing, Overland, and Mindfood Magazine.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Teacher of Record at Syracuse University
May 1, 2025 - October 22, 2025
Crafted and delivered lessons on contemporary works of literature, creative writing, and rhetoric. Worked with student accommodations to make learning accessible. Graded student assignments.
End Processing Assistant at Bird Library, Syracuse
September 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Worked independently to prepare books for shelving. Processed call numbers, barcodes, and RFID tags. Identified books in need of repair.
Advisor at Ministry of Social Development, Wellington
August 1, 2022 - October 22, 2025
Enacted the Ministry's duties under the Official Information Act. Researched and composed official responses. Organized collaborations with stakeholders in order to provide the most thorough and up-to-date information.
Board Member at The New Zealand Poetry Society
August 1, 2022 - October 22, 2025
Advised the committee on poetry-Youth perspectives. Executed marketing campaigns for competitions and events. Fostered relationships within the poetry community.
Graduate Teaching Assistant at The University of Auckland
December 1, 2021 - October 22, 2025
Developed and delivered engaging tutorials for English 204: Pacific Lit. Graded and provided constructive feedback for all student course work.

Education

MFA in Creative Writing at Syracuse University
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Ancient History at The University of Auckland
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025

Qualifications

Joyce Carol Oates Award in Poetry
January 1, 2025 - October 22, 2025
Joyce Carol Oates Award in Fiction
January 1, 2025 - October 22, 2025
Creative NZ Early Career Fund recipient
January 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Griffith Review Emerging Voices competition winner
January 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
YWCA 25 Under 25 Listing
January 1, 2022 - October 22, 2025
NZSA Mentorship recipient
January 1, 2021 - October 22, 2025
Outward Bound Leadership Scholarship
January 1, 2021 - October 22, 2025
Blues Award for Creative Writing
January 1, 2020 - October 22, 2025
Shimon Weinroth Prize in Poetry
January 1, 2020 - October 22, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization

Experience Level