What drew you to submit your work to RED SKIES? Over the course of a few weeks before submitting I wrote many poems about the sky over my hometown and how it was constantly changing. I stumbled across SDP on social media and saw the submission call for Red Skies and thought this was a perfect fit. What writers or artists have influenced your writing? Being Welsh I grew up on a lot of Dylan Thomas and RS Thomas and both these poets have shaped the way I began and continue to write.
How has your life changed throughout the year 2020?
2020 has been an absolutely crazy year. I don't think anybody has had an easy time. For me personally I haven't been able to get any fights but it allowed me to focus on my other passion which is writing. So for the first time I took the plunge and submitted some poetry and haven't looked back.
Are you engaged in or planning any creative projects? I am working on a chapbook which had some great feedback just before Christmas so have been tinkering with it the last few weeks in anticipation of resubmitting. I am also working on several short stories. Is community important for your work? Are there any small presses or magazines that you feel especially fond of?
Yes I believe the writing/poetry community is extremely important. Via social media I reached out to some established and published poets for advice and guidance when I started submitting. I don't think I could have done it without them. Also the feedback and encouragement that you receive is satisfying and boosts your confidence.
All the small presses I have been published in thus far hold a place in my heart. Splintered Disorder Press, Fevers of the Mind poetry, Black Bough Poetry, Daily Drunk Magazine, Spillwords and Versification all have helped me massively.