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| Laura Performing at @secretkeyproductions
Photo credit: @cdphillipwrites
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I interviewed writer and performance poet Laura Jane Round. Her work can be found in this year's In The Red publication from LJMU, and you could also head over to the Overhear Poetry blog to read or listen to her interview! Laura Jane also told me to get all of my readers to send her their music recommendations to get her through isolation.
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm a bisexual writer and performance poet from the West Midlands of England. Currently finishing up a Creative Writing degree from self-isolation!
Who or what inspires you?
My family and friends, subculture, and the things that I encounter in the everyday sense. I'm especially interested in the Romani people because of my heritage. My uni course has also done a lot to inspire me, and it's gotten me into the habit of going to open mic nights to watch new artists perform. I'm also politically active and try to attend discussions about feminism and class struggle when possible.
What challenges do you face?
It's hard to be taken seriously as a young woman. The arts are severely underfunded, especially in deprived areas like the Black Country. I felt really isolated from any kind of creative community growing up, but I'm glad things are changing in that regard due to initiatives such as Spark Young Writers. My mental health issues create a personal barrier, but they can also be my strength.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Getting my first piece published in Liverpool's In The Red, collaborating with a local tavern to be their poet for the Wolverhampton Literature Festival, and when poet Liz Berry emailed me back with advice!
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
More paid gigs, a compilation of my work published, meeting even more interesting people, helping the already bustling Black Country arts scene to thrive.
Find out more about Laura Jane
Instagram: @laurajaneroundwriter
I'm a bisexual writer and performance poet from the West Midlands of England. Currently finishing up a Creative Writing degree from self-isolation!
Who or what inspires you?
My family and friends, subculture, and the things that I encounter in the everyday sense. I'm especially interested in the Romani people because of my heritage. My uni course has also done a lot to inspire me, and it's gotten me into the habit of going to open mic nights to watch new artists perform. I'm also politically active and try to attend discussions about feminism and class struggle when possible.
What challenges do you face?
It's hard to be taken seriously as a young woman. The arts are severely underfunded, especially in deprived areas like the Black Country. I felt really isolated from any kind of creative community growing up, but I'm glad things are changing in that regard due to initiatives such as Spark Young Writers. My mental health issues create a personal barrier, but they can also be my strength.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Getting my first piece published in Liverpool's In The Red, collaborating with a local tavern to be their poet for the Wolverhampton Literature Festival, and when poet Liz Berry emailed me back with advice!
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
More paid gigs, a compilation of my work published, meeting even more interesting people, helping the already bustling Black Country arts scene to thrive.
Find out more about Laura Jane
Instagram: @laurajaneroundwriter