Introducing Mary Earnshaw, a multifaceted writer whose literary journey spans genres from crime fiction to poetry, with a profound connection to nature and existential musings at the core of her creative ethos. Mary’s engagement with the written word began in technical journalism, a foundation that honed her precision with language before transitioning to more narrative-driven genres.
For Mary, the allure of the natural world is interwoven with the mysteries of existence and human behavior. This thematic fascination was heightened by a life-changing encounter with a black mamba in Zambia, a moment that not only underscored the fragility of life but also deepened her literary introspection. This experience, coupled with personal health challenges, has influenced her recent works, steering her towards a reflective and sometimes sardonic tone in her poetry.
Mary’s creative process is as varied as her interests. She finds that spontaneous writing often emerges fully formed, requiring little revision, while more deliberate efforts demand meticulous shaping. Her work in structured poetry, though less frequent, is a joyful challenge, often inspired by group prompts that stretch her thematic boundaries. Her engagement with young poets through school projects has also enriched her perspective, revealing the unexpected insights children can offer through their unique expressions.
Inspirations for Mary’s poetry are as diverse as they are profound, ranging from the elemental forces of nature like sky and weather to the complex realms of physics and the metaphysical. Her deep dives into anthropology and linguistics, particularly through her collaboration with her archaeologist husband, have exposed her to a spectrum of cultural and existential questions that fuel her writing. These explorations are reflected in her contemplations on faith, the interconnectedness of life, and the potential for a broader, animistic understanding of the universe.
Mary prefers solitude for her writing, whether it’s in her car overlooking a serene beach or in her home office surrounded by the natural beauty of a rough golf course landscape. These settings provide not only a backdrop of inspiration but also the tranquility necessary for her creative process.
Her recent literary contributions are widely recognized in respected publications like Orbis, Dream Catcher, and Broken Spine Artist Collective, and her collaborative pamphlet, Belisama, has received accolades for its innovative poetry. Mary Earnshaw continues to explore and question the human condition through her diverse body of work, offering readers a rich tapestry of reflective and thought-provoking literature.
‘I‘d found my old skin. Black pearl glimmering. Under a pink wedding dress.’
Mary Earnshaw, Lost and Found
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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.
