As a writer who began publishing poetry later in life, I was delighted to learn that Grey Hen Press was founded in England specifically to publish the work of older women in themed anthologies.  Most of the poets have already been published, and some of those are very well known and established poets. But many are are at the early stages of their poetic careers, or even being published for the the first time. I cackled my way through A Twist of Malice:  Uncomfortable Poems by Older Women, and have enjoyed both contributing to and reading Grey Hen’s books ever since.  Interviewing Joy Howard, the energetic visionary behind the Press, reminded me of how much one’s life can blossom after retirement – and how many others one can take along for the ride.  Do look at Grey Hen’s wonderful listings here.  Postage from England isn’t that expensive, and you’ll love the poetry.

An Interview with Joy Howard, Grey Hen Press

I had written a poem here and there throughout my life, but I didn’t really start until I came out when I was 40.  It was as if a tap was turned on, and I was given permission to pour out everything I’d held back.  I was published first in the 1980s by Lillian Mohin at Onlywomen Press and just kept writing.

When did you begin writing poetry yourself?

When I moved up North and began my 23 year relationship with Barbara Burford I also started a new and interesting job,and between that involving work life and relationship, the tap turned off again. 

How did Grey Hen begin?

After I retired in 2006, I had a second coming as a poet, and began writing prolifically again. When I began to look for ways to get my work published, I discovered that the poetry world had changed, depending much more on qualifications in creative writing, having a CV of magazine publications and competition awards.  At my age, I realised I wasn’t going to get all that overnight, and guessed there must be lots of other women like me, making a late start. So that’s how I got the idea for Grey Hen.

What kind of books do you publish?

I started by publishing a pamphlet, with my own and a couple of poet friends work – this was the first steep learning curve. Then I hit on the idea of themed anthologies rather than individual collections. The first title arrived in my head from I don’t quite know where –  A Twist of Malice:  Uncomfortable Poems by Older Women.I read extensively, found excellent poems that fitted the bill, contacted the poets, asked for recommendations. The book came out in 2008, It really resonated with women and sold extremely well. I was on my way. (Even after 12 years, that first book is still selling). The themed anthologies have proved to be a very successful format. Most of the ideas have been mine though sometimes suggestion from others have fired me up. For example, a poet who is a sailor thought the sea would be a wonderful theme, and Running Before the Wind was the result.   

My watchwords are ‘accessible, affordable, relevant’. I’ve not raised the prices even after all these years, yet I’ve managed to break even financially. I want the poems to be read, not sitting in unopened splendor in my storeroom.  .  

I like to do books that cross over audiences, so that for example the anthology about birds, No Space But Their Ownmight introduce birding to people who read poetry, and poetry to those who love birds.  

How has the Grey Hen community grown? The community of Grey Hens, as we sometimes call ourselves, has grown enormously, and now includes more than 180 poets. The network keeps expanding. In every anthology you’ll find both newcomers and a few really well known poets, who have been unfailingly generous.

The Grey Hens support the press and each other in many ways, introducing me to new writers, putting on readings, and making the press new friends. They tell me that they feel part of a community of poets.

What’s unique about Grey Hen?

Grey Hen uniquely publishes only older women, and specializes in themed anthologies. We’re also unlike other publishers in that we work with poets to create readings nationwide, so that they can read in their own regions, not just in London.  We’ve done close to 100 readings now, including in Amsterdam and Ireland as well as around the country, literally from Penzance to Wick. Grey Hen also makes a donation to a relevant organization whenever possible, as for example to the British Beekeepers Association from The Price of Gold: poems about the honey bee or to the Rainforest Foundation (Extraordinary Forms: some wonders of the natural world).

Our imprint, Hen Run, produces occasional chapbooks for women who have listeners and a body of work, but are unlikely to find another publisher at this stage of life without a step up on the ladder, and for those It gives a CV boost and something material to take to readings. Many have gone on to establish themselves and become known to a wider audience. Hen Run also performs a service to women who already have a publishing history but want the chance to  work on a smaller and specific project. 

Thanks again to Joy for her splendid work for older women’s poetry, for a wonderful day when I was in the Lake District when I was there, and for chatting with me via Skype.