Hello all, as we step into 2024, we are delighted to unveil an extraordinary lineup of projects and endeavors that promise to ignite your passion for art, poetry, and the written word. I, Alan Parry, your devoted Editor-in-Chief, am thrilled to be your guide on this exhilarating journey.
The Whiskey Tree: A Testament to Nature’s Raw Power
2024 is set to be an exceptional year for The Broken Spine as we introduce our sister project, The Whiskey Tree. Under my sole stewardship, this unique venture is a collection of poetry that seeks to document and celebrate the raw power of nature. It’s an exploration of the wildness and ruggedness that characterizes the natural world.
What makes The Whiskey Tree truly special is the talented lineup of writers who will contribute their words to this enchanting collection. Joining me in this poetic odyssey are esteemed poets such as Anne Walsh Donnelly, Jordan Rafferty, Karen Pierce Gonzalez, and many more gifted voices. Together, we’ll transport you to the heart of nature’s untamed beauty.
Look forward to experiencing this literary masterpiece in the first quarter of the year.
STAGE: Where Poetry Meets Live Art
But that’s not all. The Broken Spine has a deep-rooted passion for live art, and we’re taking it to new heights with our anthology project, STAGE: Poetry Written in Response to Live Art.
Since the summer of 2022, we’ve been immersing ourselves in the world of live art, and it’s time to open the stage for poets to respond to these mesmerising performances. My personal connection with comedy and my belief in the democratisation of the arts have fueled my determination to explore how poets can interpret significant live performances.
Whether it’s music, circus, wrestling, poetry recitals, ballet, live music, theatre, street-performance or anything else in between, I believe that live art speaks volumes about our society. STAGE will serve as the platform for this captivating intersection of poetry and live art.
David Hanlon’s Intimate Exploration
In 2024, we are honored to publish David Hanlon’s latest collection. Hanlon’s work delves into the deeply personal themes of sexuality and trauma. His words have a remarkable ability to resonate with readers on the most intimate levels.
Hanlon’s work speaks not only for himself but also for the countless souls who find solace and understanding in his verses.
Poetry and Prose Chapbook Competition Continues
Our commitment to nurturing emerging talent remains unwavering. We are excited to publish the winner of our second Poetry and Prose Chapbook competition in the spring. This year, the winner is Lucy Hesuchen, with her title Loggerehads. Moreover, following this, we will open submissions for our third annual competition in late summer, eagerly awaiting the emergence of fresh voices in the literary landscape.
Celebrating Diversity with LGBTQIA+ Anthology
In a groundbreaking endeavor, I will collaborate with a specialist editorial team consisting of Romina Ramos and Perry Gasteiger to launch the first LGBTQIA+ only anthology of work. This project, part of a double feature with a secret venture, marks an exciting deviation from our traditional print publications.
Diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices in literature are at the forefront of this initiative.
A Retrospective: Paul Robert Mullen’s Collected Works
Lastly, we are excited to announce the publication of co-founder and former Editor of The Broken Spine Artist Collective, Paul Robert Mullen’s collected works. Titled it all comes down to this: a retrospective, this anthology spans twenty-five years of Paul’s writing journey, offering readers a glimpse into his profound literary evolution.
A World of Engaging Content
In addition to our exciting projects, you can look forward to more opinion pieces, insightful blogs packed with industry knowledge, commentaries on pop culture, online open mic nights, in-person live events, extensive live arts coverage, interviews with fascinating artists, and an abundance of other features and book reviews.
As we roll into 2024, I invite you to stay connected with us on our website and social media platforms. Join us in celebrating the power of words, the magic of art, and the vibrant literary community that makes The Broken Spine thrive.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and here’s to a year filled with literary wonders and meaningful connections through the written word.
Nature poetry. For too long, it’s been the domain of soft-focus sentimentality: predictable scenes of meadows, rivers, and, yes, even gliding gulls.
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s impossible not to marvel at how much has been accomplished in just one year. This
Call for Submissions: Glow: City at Night Poems The Broken Spine is excited to announce that submissions for our latest slimline anthology,
The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
