Perry Wyatt, the founder of These Pages Sing, speaks to Ben Woolhead about Wales’ newest literary magazine ahead of its inaugural issue and call for submissions.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Perry Wyatt: I’m an author from Wales and publishing my third book in the autumn with Cambria Books – it’s called The Burning Tower and is a YA feminist retelling of Rapunzel. I’ve also had my poetry works published in numerous literary magazines from around the globe. I’m currently finalising my first poetry collection with the aim of publishing it. Besides these, I also write screenplays and audio dramas.
What was the prompt/inspiration behind setting up These Pages Sing?
Perry Wyatt: The creation of These Pages Sing came from being inspired by my students during the time I assisted on the Long Fiction module of Swansea University’s Creative Writing MA course. It was their wonderful work that made me want to read more and want others to read their work too. I’ve always loved literary magazines and found them a great way to start sending work into the world. The idea itself was actually given to me by a student (thank you Cori!), who encouraged me to get started.
What’s your vision for the publication?
Perry Wyatt: The main objective of These Pages Sing is to share work from Welsh authors and provide a platform for both new and established wordsmiths to develop their skills. Wales is full of untapped talent and hopefully, the magazine can highlight and amplify some of those voices to help and inspire them in their creative journeys. I’m hoping to expand the team officially after our first issue is published.
What sort of work are you looking to publish?
Perry Wyatt: We are currently looking for poetry, short stories and extracts (the first three pages) of novels or long fiction. Prospective writers should check out our submission guidelines for more details. It’s been so heartening to see writers submit their work, and truly an honour to get to read their submissions.
How would you assess the health of the contemporary English-language literary scene in Wales?
Perry Wyatt: I believe the literary scene in Wales is lucky to have many opportunities courtesy of publishers like Seren, Firefly Press and Honno. We’ve seen progression in recent years within the literary sector and I hope the arts will continue to be valued. These Pages Sing has been fortunate to receive funding from the Books Council of Wales and Creative Cymru, and literary endeavours like ours will offer writers new opportunities to explore and progress creatively – hopefully, we will see the beginnings of other creative projects with missions similar to ours to help showcase wonderful Welsh talent.
Who would be your dream authors to work with?
Perry Wyatt: Gillian Clarke, whose work has meant a lot to newcomers to poetry by Welsh poets. Also the National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa, whose work is more relevant now than ever before.
words BEN WOOLHEAD
The deadline for submissions to These Pages Sing’s first issue is Thurs 15 Aug. Info: here.
