Interviewing Joolz Sparkes
How this north London writer finds her way into the Battersea’s literary scene
Battersea Anthology aims to raise profiles of writers associated with the Battersea and Nine Elms area, and foster a strong artistic spirit and community. Learn more about Joolz’s work and her literary pursuit in this interview.
About Joolz Sparkes
Joolz is a north London-based writer. Her poetry pamphlet Face the Strain is published by Against the Grain Press and her poetry is published widely in magazines and anthologies. Her first poetry collection, London Undercurrents, a joint project with Battersea poet Hilaire, published by Holland Park Press, uncovers London’s unsung heroines north and south of the river. A series of poems in Fearsome Females published by Morgan's Eye Press. Joolz has been a Poet in Residence at Leicester Square tube station and was shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize. She is currently working on a short story collection.
photo by Naomi Woddis
Q: Do you always have story/poetry ideas in your head?
A story or a poem is always brewing in the back of my head...which probably explains the faraway look in my eyes when you're talking to me!
Q: How did you decide to start writing this time around for Battersea Anthology?
The poem started as a tribute to a community garden on my street in Islington, then I saw the callout for the Battersea Anthology. The poem was a perfect fit for the themes of community and growth, and as I have close links to Battersea through my good friend and writing buddy Hilaire, it felt fitting to transplant the poem to SW11. The area has lots of green spaces, community gardens – and such a strong sense of community it's enviable!
Q: What was the experience of coming up with the idea and putting it down to paper like?
It felt great to put the idea down on paper – especially when the poem decided to become a sort of 'concrete poem' that mirrors the shape of the garden. Satisfying.
Q: How do you feel when the final word is completed?
I'm not sure that a poem or piece of writing is ever complete – so the final word is probably this one... or the one after that.. or the next edit!
Q: How did you find the editing process - both self-edit and working with an editor?
The editing was minimal, so it was a great experience! I do enjoy editorial input though – it's always worth hearing another perspective on your work, to see if you're communicating exactly what you think you're communicating. It's not scary.
Q: Would you do it again? Has writing this piece activated your desire to write more?
Yes! I would definitely write and submit to the Battersea Anthology again and would urge anyone to do the same.
