Welcome
And that, as they say, is that
Edition 17 is here. Usually, we like to start these introductions with a little witty joke, a point about writing, or some reminder about the power of the word.
Of course, all of those things we said are still true. But it would be remiss of us to not mention that this is a bittersweet moment for us all.
Firstly, the sweet. A new edition brings with it new writing, and this is no different. A feast of poetry and prose, a smorgasbord of the best in new writing across our three strands. There’s some absolute treasures in here, it’s a very very strong showing from each of the three disciplines we represent, and we’re sure you’ll find something you love. We certainly did, four pieces each to be exact, plus all the others we sadly just didn’t have space to publish.
Secondly… you know what’s coming here. If this is how you find out, then sorry to break it to you, but we didn’t get funded for another year. We’re hugely grateful for all the support we’ve received so far, but this might be the last edition from us. There are some big changes that need to be made, and for the foreseeable future it’s just going to be Jonny and Nick to make them, as Ralph, our esteemed poetry editor, moves on to pastures new.
So, please, pay special attention to the poetry section, as it marks the end of an era. It’s the last Ralph Dartford curated slice of hot and fresh poetry coming your way courtesy of Northern Gravy. We’re going to miss him enormously, as we know you will too.
Anyway, that’s enough moping from us, this is a new edition! It’s a happy time, we’ve got some incredible work to share with you from some stellar writers, and we can’t wait for you to dive in. So, here to play us out, are our three editors. Take it away lads:
A word from our Poetry Editor, Ralph Dartford
For the final edition, I have selected poems that encapsulate the ethos of Northern Gravy, in its ambition to publish vital and innovative poetry that challenges and prompts thought. Here are poems about the subversion of children’s book awards, the loneliness of a football pitch, the horror of maggots, and the desire of wild womanhood. These are fine poems to sign off my time at Northern Gravy. Thank you for sending such high-quality work. Thank you and goodnight.
A word from our Fiction Editor, Nick Jones
“I wish I had something incredible to say about these stories and how they all link together, but the fact is I chose them purely because, when I read them, I loved them. I can give you a million reasons each why you ought to love them like I do, but really the proof of the pudding is in the eating, or in this case the reading, so discover for yourself why they’re so magnificent.”
A word from our Young Readers Editor, Jonny Syer
These may be the last bunch of Kid Lit we put out into the world for a while, but what a bunch it is! The characters, prose and poetry in these pieces jumped off the page. Most importantly, they all have a voice. That “thing” we all seem to be searching for as writers, but no one can quite tell what it is until you see it. Northern Gravy has done an incredible amount for those writers who aim their work at a younger audience, not least being (as far as I know) one of the very few to pay. It’s been a joy and pleasure, and hopefully, we will be back with more opportunities in the future.
Guest Article
Our 17th article is by… us! That’s right, all the editors at Northern Gravy. We’re eager to share our writing insights, hoping to spark inspiration and offer helpful tips for fellow creatives.
On Knowing When To Stop by Nick Jones
This Poet’s Life by Ralph Dartford
We hope you enjoy reading our 17th edition as much as we have enjoyed curating it. Northern Gravy continues to break down barriers by paying every writer they feature. This isn’t goodbye… it’s see you later.
As ever, we would like to thank our friends and advisors: Arts Council England, Sheffield Hallam University, New Writing North, Writing on the Wall, Spread the Word, Harper North, Writing East Midlands and Bradford Literature Festival.
