I was thrilled to be invited to read at this fabulous virtual event, along with Sue Johns. We’d both contributed poems to the collection Fearsome Females, published by Morgan’s Eye Press.
For Virtual DODO 12 we both read our contributions to Fearsome Females, then read from our other work too. You can watch the recording here (it’s worth it just for Sue’s brilliant t-shirt).
The event also features many ‘open mic’ readings, plus printed poems – including one from Agnes Meadows who coordinated the Fearsome Females collection.
Thanks to Patric Cunnane, PR Murry and all the DODO MODERN POETS for having me.
The launch of the poetry and prose collection, Fearsome Females, published by Morgan’s Eye Press, took place on 29 November. 2024 and what a great time we had. Poems and stories were read, a lively Q&A took place and books were sold.
Agnes Meadows, who coordinated the book, says, “Collaborating with 6 other women writers, the book highlights various women throughout history who fought against the odds and changed their world. They came from all over the world and were spread over many centuries. It’s a fascinating collection of truly awe-inspiring women.” The writers are: Agnes Meadows, Charlotte Ansell, Sue Johns, Racheal Joseph, Linda Shanson, J C May, and Joolz Sparkes.
For my contribution, I wrote poems about female pharaohs in ancient Egypt, who ruled as Kings – one step up from Queen. I focused on Hatshepsut, and in my poems I bring tales of this amazing woman whose reign lasted over 20 years, and – despite the best efforts to try to erase her from the history books by the male pharaohs who came after her – there’s just enough evidence to piece together details of her life. I’ve also written poems about Nitrocris and Sobekneferu – two other women who ruled Egypt as pharaohs.
I’d always wanted to write about Hatshepsut ever since I visited Egypt many years ago and went to see the temple that she had had designed and built in her honour. She struck me as hugely impressive, so to be able to contribute her story in verse to this collection is a proud moment.
The book includes stories and poems about female pirates, women from the bible, female saints and fierce female warriors and more.
It’s only £7.00 + £1.95 p&p – contact me to get your copy.
joolz sparkes 
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