As the Editor-in-Chief of The Broken Spine, it is with a mix of gratitude and a touch of nostalgia that I announce changes within our flash fiction editorial team. Elizabeth Kemball and Lucy Aur, who have been instrumental in curating and nurturing the talent that graces our pages, are stepping down from their editorial roles to pursue new chapters in their lives. Elizabeth, with her roots in Stoke-on-Trent, is embarking on further literary pursuits, while Lucy, from Llanelli, is dedicating herself to completing her PhD.
Elizabeth and Lucy’s contributions to The Broken Spine have been invaluable, not just in their roles as editors but also as contributors to the rich fabric of our collective narrative. Their work, alongside Sally Filer and Bethany Lewis in the publication of Four Forked Tongues, showcases the depth of talent and creativity that The Broken Spine prides itself on. Their dedication to the arts and our community has been a cornerstone of our success.
Personally, Elizabeth’s guidance has been a beacon for my own creative journey. Her dedication to justice and equity has navigated our press through some tricky waters, ensuring our commitment to quality and inclusivity remains unwavering. Lucy’s advocacy and passion for mental health have injected our discourse with vital perspectives, embodying our belief in the transformative power of art.
As they step away from their editorial responsibilities, it’s essential to highlight that Elizabeth and Lucy’s final act was to delve into our January submissions. Their selections have been made with the thoughtful consideration they’re known for, and I will be reaching out to the selected writers at the earliest opportunity. This final gesture underscores their commitment to our community and the legacy they leave behind.
While discussions about their successors or the future direction of #SelectedFlashFiction at The Broken Spine will come in due time, our current moment is dedicated to honouring Elizabeth and Lucy. Their impact on our press and the wider literary community cannot be overstated. As they embark on their new journeys, we bid them farewell with hearts full of gratitude and eyes bright with anticipation for their future achievements.
To Elizabeth and Lucy, thank you for your remarkable contributions, your unwavering support, and the indelible mark you’ve left on The Broken Spine. Your legacies will continue to inspire us, and we look forward to celebrating your future successes. Here’s to new beginnings, continued camaraderie, and the lasting influence of your work within our cherished community.
The performance space at The Kings Arms is a relatively modest venue, essentially a large-ish room above a pub that’s well worth
Tulsa is a city that feeds the soul as much as the stomach, and Irish poet Jay Rafferty has captured its essence
Let’s drop the Hallmark card fantasies. Nature isn’t serene. It’s not here to cradle you while you write love letters to daffodils.
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.
