Alan Parry

As a writer who lives and breathes the literary community, I’ve spent years building relationships and supporting fellow poets and authors through The Broken Spine. While I’m incredibly proud of what the team and I have achieved there, I’ve often felt that people recognise the brand but know less about me as an individual. I want to change this. With that in mind, I’m excited to announce a new venture: Alan Parry Speaks to… an interview series that will be featured on my personal author website.

Purpose and Vision

Unashamedly, Alan Parry Speaks to… will be another interview series. However, it will also be a passion project, a deep dive into the vibrant minds of some of the most intriguing writers in the poetry scene today. The Broken Spine remains a fantastic outlet covering arts and popular culture, but this series will focus intently on literature and the personal journeys of poets.

My goal is to foster stronger relationships with individuals in the poetry community, providing writers with another valuable platform to promote themselves and their work. This series will allow me to learn from the poets I interview, gaining insights into their creative processes, aspirations, and the unique challenges they face.

Interview Structure

To keep things manageable and authentic, I will start with a set of standardised, deep-diving questions that explore writers’ current projects and their broader views on the literary community. I’m not interested in the usual questions about writing habits or spaces; I want to know how writers think about their projects, what they aim to achieve, and how they bring their visions to life.

Each interview will be accompanied by a previously unpublished poem from the writer and a video of them reading a second poem of their choice. I believe that this personal touch will give readers a richer connection to the poets I feature, adding depth to our conversations.

Audience Engagement and Promotion

I’ll be leveraging my existing network and The Broken Spine to cross-promote this series, but I’m also looking for a collaborative effort. Writers involved in the series will be encouraged to share the interviews within their own circles and beyond, creating a dynamic of reciprocal promotion. This approach will help us reach a wider audience and build a stronger, more connected literary community.

Long-Term Goals

The long-term objectives for Alan Parry Speaks to… are simple yet profound: to build new friendships and professional relationships with writers from across the globe, to serve their interests and needs, and to continually refine my editing and publishing practice. By learning directly from the poets, I aim to enhance how I support and promote their incredible work.

In summary, Alan Parry Speaks to… is an exciting new project that promises to provide valuable insights, foster meaningful connections, and strengthen the bonds within our cherished community. I look forward to embarking on this journey and sharing the wisdom and creativity of the poets I interview with all of you. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these brilliant minds tick!