Writer. Editor. Poet. Academic. Activist.

Dream come true!

I finally made it to Hay Festival this year. 
Come along and hear me talk to the incredibly talented, Rachel Trezise about my brand new novel, The Crazy Truth due to be released by Seren Books in May 2024. 

Tickets Available Here

'A brilliant reflection on what it was to grow up Welsh and working class in the late 80s and early 90s, neglected by family and state, and a feverish celebration of a survivor, Girlo Wolf, for whom books and education are a passport out of the dark. Unflinching, vivid, compassionate, witty and funny; a testament to the joy and redemption of breaking the rules and breaking the mould.'

Rachel Trezise, Award-winning Author. 

'Publishing Pioneer'

Honoured to be named alongside Sarah Boswell, Hari James, Elwen Rowlands & Hayley Manning, Roma Taylor, Sam Dabb as well as Sian Lewis and Professor Laura McAllister by Buzz Magazine as one of Wales' Most Influential Women in 2024. 
Gemma June Howell - Director of Women Publishing Wales, a new network seeking to connect and empower women in Wales’ publishing sector. “Given the untapped potential of women in publishing,” Gemma says, “it’s evident that a women’s publishing network is not only desirable but essential.”
READ MORE HERE

Yer Ower Voices Launch

I'm really proud to be part of the first ever dialect anthology from Wales. Edited by Mike Jenkins, Yer Ower Voices! (Culture Matters) is an anthology of dialect verse in Cymraeg and English. The book is divided into geographical regional dialects including: Swansea, The Valleys, Cardiff, Newport, and North and West Wales. 

The book shows how dialect poetry can be relevant both locally and universally and is particularly capable of expressing the experiences of social groups such as the working class, who traditionally have been under-represented as readers and writers of poetry.

'Dialect writing is what it is: unashamedly real. 
Poetry isn’t just about using clever literary devices and superfluous language, it is about getting to the heart of what it means to be alive and reflecting who we are in the context of the universality of the human condition.'
Gemma June Howell

Are you sitting comfortably? 

A day of exploration, creativity and a deep-dive into conversations surrounding sociology, art, song, social commentary and social epistemology. ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’ is more than just an event; it's a journey into the fricative world of words, art and human experience. If you have a passion for storytelling, art, and social commentary, this symposium is for you. 

Get ready for a day filled with creativity, exploration, and thought-provoking conversations. I can't wait to welcome you to embark on this critical journey of speaking, knowing, looking, and touching.


 

Delving into the Heart of Human Expression 

This symposium is more than just an academic gathering; it's an ode to the power of lived experience, human expression and the ethics that guide it. A day filled with engaging discussions, inspiring poetry, thought-provoking performances and arts installations.


Keynote Speaker 

It's my honour to serve as the keynote speaker for this unique gathering. As an activist, poet and a passionate advocate of critical thinking, I bring my experiences and insights to the symposium, aiming to inspire and empower. 

Intersectionality & Empowerment

In our ever-evolving world, where identity and politics seem inseparable, this symposium will explore intersectionality and strive to understand the diverse tapestry of human experiences and how these facets intersect in our daily lives. 

Embracing the Creative Spirit

Art has the unique ability to touch our souls, awaken our creative spirits and inspire solidarity. At the symposium, you'll have the chance to explore how art, song and storytelling serves as a beacon for social commentary and a medium for powerful self-expression. 


Join Us at the Symposium which takes place in the intimate setting of the Reading Room in the Alex Building at UWTSD. It's a space for sharing, learning, and engaging in conversations that matter. Additionally, you'll have the chance to experience two gallery showings at the GS Artists Gallery and Swdio Griffith in Dynefor.

For more information please visit: https://t.ly/UWDCL

To view the programme please click here: https://t.ly/Sj6EE  

See you there!


Morecambe Poetry Festival 2023

I'm so excited to be part of the Welsh Showcase with Des Mannay Rufus Mufasa Dominic Williams and Jeremy Dixon at Morecambe this year and to be sharing the bill with some real heavyweights in poetry - Jackie Kay, Roger McGough, Carol Ann Duffy and Attila the Stockbrocker as well as some major up-and-coming talent. 

What an honour! Much thanks to Des Mannay and the Arts Council England. Get your tickets for the festival which takes place at the Winter Gardens, 22 - 23 - 24 of September https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Lancaster/The-Morecambe-Winter-Gardens/Morecambe-Poetry-Festival/36181977/?hasNewTicketBox=1. See you there! #morecambepoetryfestival #welshpoets

 

News in Publishing

Summer 2023 Issue Poetry Wales

I'm over the moon to have finally made the pages of Poetry Wales and so honoured to be published alongside some of Wales' most talented poets! #poetrywales #poetrylovers #WelshIdentity


The Wasted Place

Here is a little glimpse of my concrete poem, The Wasted Place which explores the impact of socio-economic deprivation in the post-industrial valleys, capturing the underlying resilience and strength of the community.#workingclasspoet  #WelshIdentity 

BUY HERE

Please get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/em2Vz_pS Also on sale in Waterstones, Cardiff. More concrete poems to come in my forthcoming debut novel, due to be published next year. Watch this space...
#welshwomenpoets #dialectpoets #concretepoetry

Upcoming Events

Events & Projects 2023
April 14th 2023

Join me as the host of 'Scandal Revisited: Reframing The Profumo Affair via Art & Artefact' Symposium where I'll be a keynote speaker, introducing the work of the brilliant poets from Dear Christine as well as sharing some my own poetry and insights.  

Click here for more details. 
October 15th 2023

Join me at UWTSD as a key note speaker at a symposium on the link between art and critical social epistemology. 

More info to come. 

Forthcoming

Looking forward to seeing my work in the next anthology from Culture Matters, Yer Ower Voices! a selection of some of the best dialect poetry from Wales. Watch this space...

March 2023

Visions by These Thrilling Lies

Chuffed to be asked to read my poetry at The Fine Art Fundraiser at The Elysium on 30th April 2023. 

Nation Cymru covers National Theatre Wales: Cost of Living

Thrilled to be invited to NWT Cost of Living Event on 23rd March. See my review here. 

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International Women's Day 2023

Honoured to be selected alongside Wales' finest and brightest women in literature and academia. 

This International Women’s Day, the Cultural Institute celebrates the inspiring works of Students, Alumni and Staff nominated across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 



©Gemma June Howell