Hey,
I’m Nelly. Poet, writer, mum of four and massive cake lover. I published my first book of poetry in 2021 - Motherhood Minus the Medals and have had poems accepted into numerous anthologies and publications but let’s be honest, bio’s that list accolades are a little bit dull.
Instead you should know that I’m a proud ‘feminist killjoy,’ have a borderline unhealthy addiction to journaling and am (sometimes annoyingly) optimistic.
I live in Manchester in the UK with my husband and four kids, 6, 10, 12, 14. I did study for an English degree with Sociology but only fell back in love with poetry and became a freelance writer about five years ago. Prior to that I worked in leadership development for big corporates. I am still a big fan of self development.
I discovered lifting weights a few years ago which I now do regularly and enjoy a dip in a cold lake, ideally followed by good coffee. I’m most likely to be found saying, “ooh I’ve had a good idea” and least likely to be found saying, “I’ve organised this drawer.”
Am I passionate about poetry? Very. This poem below (which went on to win second place in the Morecambe Poetry Prize) sums it up for me:
How about Poetry Pals?
Well, over the last three years I set myself the challenge of writing 100 poems a year. In January 2024 I then decided to start sharing this project here on Substack. Read more about that here. This wasn’t about writing poetry for publication (although many have since been published) or writing critically acclaimed, prize winning poems (though I’m not gonna turn one down). This was writing for the joy of writing, writing for your mental health, writing to honour our creativity, writing because often, you can’t not write.
I hoped to bring together women (including non-binary folk and those who identify as women) who also want to read and write more poetry. Especially poetry that doesn’t require a dictionary. Who may be fellow amateurs (even in mindset if not literally. On that, did you know that the root of ‘amateur’ is the Italian ‘amatore’ - a lover? So then, fellow lovers of poetry. How nice is that?!). Who may not be at the stage of wanting to start serious study but want to dabble in the deepest sighs that poetry can deliver. But who would quite like some ongoing encouragement to write. Some light accountability. Some inspiration. To learn ‘on the job’ with a group of others.
And so Poetry Pals was born.
Over the last 18 months it has grown and evolved. I’d describe it as a ‘main course of poetry with a side dish of journaling.’ It now includes a Poetry Book Club, a little (virtual) Poetry Library has opened and I have plans for a podcast, but the fundamentals remain unchanged - reading and writing more accessible, heartfelt poetry and (in my eyes) the friendliest poetry community around. You can read more about what Poetry Pals looks like here. (LINK TO HERO POST)
Read along. Write along. Join the community by becoming a paid subscriber. You are so very welcome on any front.
Hopefully we will get to say hello properly soon,
Nelly
