how to throw stones by deanne leber
How to Throw Stones, by West Australian poet Deanne Leber, written during a time of spiritual, physical and psychological crisis. It is not the book the poet thought they were writing. A never ending poem erupted during composition and the poet is still collecting those fragments. How to Throw Stones is Dr Leber’s third published book of poetry.
Her first book, Book of Days is an open-text, autobiographical poetic novella shortlisted for the 2006 WA Premier’s Book Awards. Deanne’s second book, Constellations (2021), printed on black paper, contains star-maps and erasure poetics explored in Deanne’s PhD Thesis, A Space in Time That’s Filled with Moving and was a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards. How to Throw Stones was launched at the 2025 Perth Poetry Festival. Go here for launch details…
Deanne Leber
West Australian Poet
Deanne Leber is a Perth poet, based on Whadjuk Noongar Country. She has published three collections of poetry: Book of Days (2006), Constellations (2021) and how to throw stones (2025). Her work persists in the smallest of spaces and reaches beyond the page – or screen. She probes gaps with rhymes, sometimes stars, sometimes minutes, sometimes lines. She is constantly a rush of drafts and erasures. She is proficient in public transport and has a PhD in writing. Deanne has a lot to say about mental health, wellbeing, love and quasars. She has a lot to feel about language and the way it floods her pores. Deanne has seen her name in print, in books, journals, online, on floors and walls. She has heard her poetry above the static hum of radios tuning in. She is always searching for the unfinished thought.
Books by Deanne Leber
Currently you can purchase how to throw stones. Very shortly you will be able to purchase all Deanne’s books online by clicking on the links below. We’re just plugging a few things in!
how to throw stones
A zine written during a time of spiritual, physical and psychological crisis. It is not the book the poet thought they were writing. A never ending poem erupted during composition and the poet is still collecting those fragments
Constellations
Constellations – a space in time that’s filled with moving. “Read it in large gulps or small breaks but it will last you a long time to exhaust its multi-dimensional layers… a very important book in the contemporary west coast literary scene of Australia” – Andrew Burke
Book of Days
Deanne’s first collection of poems, Book of Days, is an autobiographical journey into the ways we remember. It is emotionally violent, humorous and playful, tracing narrative lines disrupted by mental illness. Shortlisted 2006 WA Premier’s Book Awards.
Upcoming Events
August 31, 2025
Dual Book Launch – Toby Davidson & Deanne Leber. Two Books. Two Poets. One Launch.
WA Poets Publishing presents the launch of two new poetry collections as part of Perth Poetry Festival 2025.
How to Throw Stones is a collection of poems contemplating the end of the world, end of life, end of mental health and wellbeing, and the end destination on the CircleRoute. The poetry is infused with humour, resilience, hope and faith.
Deanne Leber’s dynamic performance skills will bring the collection to life. This performance of How to Throw Stones will serve as the catalyst for the launch of the accompanying chapbook.
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Publications Include:
– ANU Poetry Prize Anthology
– Heroine’s Anthology: Volume 2
– Westerly
– TEXT
– Creatrix
– Brushstrokes Anthology – Ros Spencer Poetry Prize
– Creative Connections Anthologies
– Musings During a Time of Pandemic: A World Anthology of Poems on COVID-19
– Letters to our Home
– Poetry D’Amour
– Recoil 11
– Wild Whispers Magazine
– Friendly Street Anthology 47
– From Whispers to Roars: Quarantine Tales – Week 2
– Finding North