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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️

@mariellisdunning.bsky.social
728 followers 1.3K following 231 posts

Author of 'Salacia' & 'Pearl and Bone' 📚 'Witsh' available now 🌛 Lecturer in Creative Writing 📓🖋️ PhD in Welsh Witchcraft 🎓 'Obstinate, headstrong girl'♀️ • linktr.ee/maridunning • mariellisdunning.cymru

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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🍂 Upcoming talks this autumn 🍂 · More info on my website (link in bio). · #Witches #Witchcraft #Wales #Folklore #Feminism #Barry #Aberystwyth
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I’m heading to Barry for a talk on the witches of Wales, and a look at how I researched and wrote my novel, Witsh. Tickets 👇🏼 www.ticketsource.com/barry-arts-f... #Barry #Wales #Witches #Witchcraft
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
✵✵ "Writing the Witch" will begin on October 12th ✵✵ ✦ Learn about the witch trials ✦ Discuss poems and stories about the #witch ✦ Write your own creative responses ✦ Work alongside others with similar interests ✦ Self-paced, online so you can do it in your pjs! www.aber.ac.uk/en/lifelong-...
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Reposted by Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️
GossamerWight Literary Magazine @gossamerwight.com · 12/08/2026
What a blissful early morning of pure reading pleasure! I was absorbed within the groundwood crème pages of "Serpent and Stone" from @brokensleepbooks.bsky.social – a poetry collaboration between @mariellisdunning.bsky.social and Natalie Ann Holborrow. Get yours at: bit.ly/45nYSxj. A gem of a read.
The ruby red cover of "Serpent and Stone," a collaborative poetry collection from Mari Ellis Dunning and Natalie Ann Holborrow, available online from Broken Sleep Books.
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
✨ Tonight! ✨ I'll be reading from Serpent & Stone along with @natholborow.bsky.social & others who have books launching this month with @brokensleepbooks.bsky.social 📚 Sign up here if you want to join us👇🏼 you can even stay in your pyjamas 😉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/broken-sle... #Poetry #PoetrySky
eventbrite.co.uk
Broken Sleep Books July 2026 Launch
Readers: Stefan Mohamed, Imogen Russell Williams, Alex Glynne, Natalie Ann Holborow, Mari Ellis Dunning, Nicholas Hogg, Stuart Inman
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
I am useless when it comes to consistency across social platforms. Please accept my apologies and let me tell you all about Serpent and Stone because I am so excited about this one!! 🐍✨ mariellisdunning.substack.com/p/medusa-hor... #Poetry #PoetrySky #Feminism #Medusa #Substack
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
The rise of extreme right wing parties has emboldened people to speak openly with disdain for marginalised groups — the brazen hatred I’ve overheard, the racism, misogyny, transphobia, and homophobia, has been staggering. Where is our humanity? substack.com/home/post/p-...
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
How fabulous are these bookmarks illustrated by Andrew at Monografik? Little references to a few different publications of mine... Who needs business cards!? 🙌🏼❤️ #WritingSky #Medusa #Crocodile #Poetry #PoetrySky #Bookmarks
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Ahead of May 7 elections, it's vital that we're talking about what matters to us & how we can bring about equity in our communities. I'm running a writing workshop looking at how we can resist, rebel & defy through our words 💪🏼📣 📅 Sat, May 2nd 📍 Swansea 🎟️ Free tickets ffaircymru.eventbrite.co.uk
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Lovely article which has given me a much needed boost this morning as I plan to spend the day working on (whispers) the second novel 🖋️📚 bigthink.com/mini-philoso...
bigthink.com
Philip Pullman: The thing every writer needs to overcome
Why bother writing in world when others can write better than you? The bestselling author of the His Dark Materials series gives the answer.
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Seeing Glamour cover Athika's experiences is just *chef's kiss* What a woman! 🔥❤️ www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/athi...
glamourmagazine.co.uk
I spoke up about menstrual health – then the far-right came for me
How a 24-year-old women's health advocate found herself at the centre of a global wave of online abuse.
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
I really struggle to say no. A big part of this is people pleasing, fear of missing out, of letting others down & a deep-rooted desire to be well-liked. Truly, it's pathological. I’m working on sitting in the discomfort of 'no,' amongst other discomforts. Plus more writerly thoughts!
mariellisdunning.substack.com
Learning to say no and other discomforts
Your silence will not protect you, or me, or them...
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
What troubles me most is that the stories I hear, from women all over, don't even surprise me anymore. Anyway, you can read the full essay if you grab a copy of Woman's Wales from the wonderful people at Parthian 📚♀️ www.parthianbooks.com/products/wom... #Healthcare #NHS #Maternity
parthianbooks.com
Woman's Wales?
'Each contribution brings its own insights into the author’s key concerns, ranging from broadcasting to health, from presence on public bodies to climate change and the state of cultural funding... Wo...
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Funny that it popped up today — I had a really engaging conversation with the women of No Shelf Control book club yesterday evening about this very topic. I was there to speak about #Witsh, which led into discussion about women's bodily autonomy & gendered bias in healthcare.
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
2 years ago, I published this article in The Western Mail about healthcare bias in #Wales. It was a short extract from a longer essay included in a book called Woman's Wales, released by @parthianbooks.bsky.social.
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Reposted by Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️
Caroline Venezia @caroline-venezia.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
EU friends:
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Brilliant podcast from @plaidcymru.bsky.social, chatting about feminism, activism & allyship in Wales & Welsh politics. open.spotify.com/episode/13lm...
open.spotify.com
Episode 7: International Women's Day
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
We all know I love a side-quest, & this one has been a biggie… Together with Hanan Issa & Gosia Buzzanca, I've pulled together something I’m really proud of. There is so much power in unity, in collaboration & in a collective voice. We need it now more than ever. open.substack.com/pub/marielli...
open.substack.com
‘They Call Us...’
Fuck International Women’s Day. Have a collaborative poem in defiance of hate instead ♀
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Just one week to go before this fiery event organised by the hugely talented Lucy Heuschen @petitecreature1.bsky.social ❤️‍🔥 I'm really looking forward to hearing her reading live, as well as all the other participants! Now to decide what to read myself... #Event #Writing #ReadingSky #PoetrySky
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
♀ International Women's Day ♀ • www.literaturewales.org/our-projects... • This piece serves as a reminder that when one woman is targeted, countless others will rise beside her, refusing to let her stand alone. Thank you for trusting me with your words 🖤 • #IWD2026
literaturewales.org
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Lucy Heuschen (she/her) @petitecreature1.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
The fabulous full line-up of "Daughters of Fire"! Online on 17th March, 7pm UK time #PoetryReading #WomensWriting Including some remarkable #PoetsOnBluesky: @kymminbarcelona.bsky.social @mariellisdunning.bsky.social @jirobb.bsky.social @gillcresearch.bsky.social @saraswatinagpal.bsky.social 🔥
All the readers at Daughters of Fire - an online reading celebrating women's voices in poetry and prose - 17th March 2026 at 7pm UK time. Tickets are free, registration is essential: via email DaughtersPoetry@hotmail.com
Rosie Jackson - Rachael Cline - Mari Ellis Dunning - Kymm Coveney - Jenny Robb - Charlene V. Smith - Vic Pickup - Gill Connors - Faye Marshall - Saraswati Nagpal - Sue Butler - Lucy HeuschenAll the readers at Daughters of Fire - an online reading celebrating women's voices in poetry and prose - 17th March 2026 at 7pm UK time. Tickets are free, registration is essential: via email DaughtersPoetry@hotmail.com
Rosie Jackson - Rachael Cline - Mari Ellis Dunning - Kymm Coveney - Jenny Robb - Charlene V. Smith - Vic Pickup - Gill Connors - Faye Marshall - Saraswati Nagpal - Sue Butler - Lucy Heuschen
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
★🎨🖋️ Poetry and Art Workshop | Aberystwyth 🎨🖋️★ I'm really excited to be leading a couple of writing and art workshops in Aberystwyth later this month. (Don't worry, there's also a proper artist involved for the art side of things!) #Writing #Art #MarkMaking #Workshop #Events
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Curious as to why Aldi are assigning genders to their blow pens. Are the pens gendered? Can they only be purchased by those or a particular gender? Are they operated with genitals (in which case they should probably be kept away from children... 🤔) For real though it is 2026 FFS. #EverydaySexism
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
It was so lovely to spend an evening in Waterstone's listening to EM Duffield-Fuller discussing her feminist fantasy novel Killing Hares. I've never been a big fantasy reader, but this one changed my mind & introduced me to a new genre through its compelling story, female rage & themes of nature 📚
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Really pleased to have a piece appearing in The Heroines Festival's Anthology on Witchcraft 🖤 can't wait to read the collection once it's out! #witchcraft #witches #poetry #writingsky
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
On 17th March, Lucy Heuschen @petitecreature1.bsky.social is hosting Daughters of Fire - an online reading celebrating women's voices in poetry & prose 🔥 I'm honoured to be amongst nine poets & authors reading. Free entry, tickets via email. #PoetryEvent
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Do you know about the Justice for Witches campaign? JFW is seeking a Royal Pardon for the thousands of people — mostly women — condemned by the monarchy on false charges of practising maleficum. Read here 👉🏼 tinyurl.com/justice-witc... #Justice #Witchcraft #JusticeForWitches #Substack #Interview
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
I really loved chatting with Josh and Sarah about witchcraft in Wales. Their podcast looks at historical witch trials and contemporary witchcraft persecution. It's always an interesting, often harrowing listen 🎧 aboutwitchhunts.com/episode/wits... #Witchhunt #Witch #Witches #Podcast
aboutwitchhunts.com
Witsh, a Welsh Witch Trial Story, with Mari Ellis Dunning – The Thing About Witch Hunts Podcast
The Thing About Witch Hunts Podcast
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Reposted by Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️
Chris Murphy @chrismurphyct.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Good morning. The President of the United States was in the middle of the most serious child sex trafficking ring of the last quarter century. He is referenced not a dozen times in the case files. Not 100 times. Not 1,000 times. He’s referenced 38,000 times.
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Reposted by Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️
Lucy Heuschen (she/her) @petitecreature1.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
On 17th March I'll be hosting Daughters of Fire - an online reading celebrating women's voices in poetry and prose! Nine fabulous poets and authors writing at the top of their game, from myth and antiquity to modern portraits of women's lives. Free entry, tickets via email. Deets soon! #PoetryEvent
Event flyer for "Daughters of Fire - an evening of poetry and fiction celebrating women's voices". Date of event: 17 March 2026 at 7pm UK time (8pm CET). Online. Free entry. Please reserve your place by email to DaughtersPoetry@hotmail.com
Image shows a red background strewn with red and black sparks like a fire. A woman is shown, in profile, silhouetted black against the red background.
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Insights on how I wrote my debut, Witsh. I know everyone's process is different, and that's what makes it so interesting! I'd love to know if any of this resonates with you, or if your methods are totally different to mine. foldingrock.com/writing-a-we... #WritingSky #HistoricFiction #AmWriting
foldingrock.com
Writing a Welsh Witsh: how words can influence the universe  – Folding Rock
Mari Ellis Dunning
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
I feel a poem coming on... www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Hidden detail found in Anne Boleyn portrait was ‘witchcraft rebuttal’, say historians
Exclusive: Underdrawing suggests attempt to debunk myth that former wife of Henry VIII had sixth finger
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Gwen ferch Ellis (Gwen, daughter of Ellis) was the first woman in #Wales to be hanged for #witchcraft. Her story had a huge influence on the character of Sara Gwen in my novel, Witsh. nation.cymru/feature/gwen... #BookSky #HistoricFiction #FeministFiction #witches
nation.cymru
Gwen ferch Ellis: The first woman in Wales to be sentenced to death on charges of witchcraft
Mari Ellis Dunning When I picture it, I imagine the day was overcast, grey as ash, an ominous weight hanging in the cool, Welsh air. I imagine Gwen could hear the steady clip-clop of the horses’…
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Given the current political climate, I refuse to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay this year. Instead, I'm asking poets who stand in solidarity with #AthikaAhmed to join me in creating a collaborative poem of unapologetic women's voices. More info 👇🏼 tinyurl.com/3enbvbjh #PoetrySky #PoetyRebellion
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Given the current political climate, I refuse to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay this year. Instead, I'm asking poets who stand in solidarity with Athika Ahmed to join me in creating a collaborative poem of unapologetic women's voices. More info 👇🏼 tinyurl.com/3enbvbjh #PoetrySky #PoetyRebellion
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Lucy Heuschen (she/her) @petitecreature1.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
🔥Celebrating women's voices in poetry and prose on 17th March! I'll be sharing my fantastic 10 readers and their writing here over the coming days. Every woman I've invited is someone who has inspired me. Sign up & let them inspire you too! First up: Rosie Jackson and @mariellisdunning.bsky.social
DAUGHTERS OF FIRE - An evening of poetry and fiction celebrating women's voices. 17th March 2026 at 7pm UK time. Online.

Mari Ellis Dunning is a writer living in West Wales. Mari teaches at Aberystwyth University, where she delivers courses on feminist writing. Her debut novel, Witsh, tells the story of a young woman who becomes embroiled in accusations of witchcraft after seeking a soothsayer's help with her pregnancy. To hear Mari and my other fabulous readers, please sign up for your free ticket to Daughters of Fire via email: DaughtersPoetry@hotmail.comDAUGHTERS OF FIRE - An evening of poetry and fiction celebrating women's voices. 17th March 2026 at 7pm UK time. Online.

Rosie Jackson lives in Teignmouth, Devon. Widely published, her many poetry awards include in 2025 1st prize Red Shed and finalist Mslexia. Rosie's collection "Love Leans Over The Table" (Two Rivers Press, 2023) focuses on mystic figures. To hear Rosie and my other fabulous readers, please sign up for your free ticket to Daughters of Fire via email: DaughtersPoetry@hotmail.com
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Looking forward to the final #NotJustPretty event this evening 🙌🏼💻 Join from home for an evening of poetry, prose and song 🎙️🎶 substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
We Are So Much More!
#NOTJUSTPRETTY
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Pleser!! Lush way to spend a Monday evening 👌🏼🎶🎧🎙️
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Couple of spots left on this course 🖋️ We start with looking at the gorgon #Medusa — who was she, was she really a monster, & did she deserve such a brutal slaying? Book here 👉🏼 tinyurl.com/writingwomen2 #Writing #WritingSky #Poetry #Feminism #JaneEyre
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Dyma ni 🎙️🎧 here we go 📚✨
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Linda Dunn @dunn4authors.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Heno 🎙️🎧 Ymunwch â fi a @rhysmwyn.bsky.social yn trafod llyfr newydd Keith Cameron am Manic Street Preachers ar Radio Cymru 📚
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
All set up ready to record with Josh & Sarah on the Let's Talk about Witch Hunts podcast… given that I tend to not shut up about witch hunts, I can't imagine a better Sunday afternoon 😝🥰
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
So many people have told me they've read Witsh in just one or two days — some even in one sitting! 📚 Obviously, as a writer it's amazing to hear that someone has enjoyed your work so much as to be totally engrossed in it. #BookSky #Reading #Writing #Witchcraft #Wales
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Really looking forward to #NotJustPretty hosted by @karenpgonzalez.bsky.social. The last one was absolutely inspiring, and this time I have an open mic slot alongside some exceptional talent.
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
So many people have told me they've read Witsh in just one or two days — some even in one sitting! 📚 Obviously, as a writer it's amazing to hear that someone has enjoyed your work so much as to be totally engrossed in it. ❤️
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
It's not cheery but it's honest. Here's one I wrote before Christmas: Burn out in a poem. #ADHD #Carer #PoetrySky #AmWriting #WritingSky
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Mari Ellis Dunning 🖋️ @mariellisdunning.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
We work through it with poetry, always. #nonverbal #syngap1 #poetry #poetrysky
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The Broken Spine (SUBS OPEN) @thebrokenspine.co.uk · 13/01/2026
This call is about memory and refusal. What we carry. What carries us. If that’s central to your practice, submit. #PoemsAbout #LiftToTheSky #WednesdayWIPs #SpineEdicts #PoetryCommunity #SubmissionWindow #OpenCall #Poetry
thebrokenspine.co.uk
Call for Submissions: Poetry That Remembers, Mourns, and Refuses to Let Go - The Broken Spine
Submissions Open Throughout January 2026 | Publication Later That Year
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The Broken Spine (SUBS OPEN) @thebrokenspine.co.uk · 12/01/2026
The third iteration of @karenpgonzalez.bsky.social #NotJustPretty is coming soon!
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