I am Iranian: English is my second language. Although I’ve lived in the UK for decades and work in the creative industry, I had no occasion to study poetry in English until an Arts Council DYCP project required me to write and translate from both the British and Persian lyrical traditions.
Julia designed and mentored a programme with which, over several delightfully fulfilling Zoom meetings, we broke into new territory together; Julia gently holding my hand all along, sharing her immense knowledge and practical insight into the world of poetry. I cannot adequately express the range and depth of what we explored. To say I am inspired to continue on this path for years to come, should serve as an indication.
Nasser Memarzia
A rare privilege.
Working with Julia on my first full collection of poetry was an absolute pleasure: her close reading of individual poems, with meticulous attention to the details of language and form, was just what I needed to prepare my manuscript for submission.
Perhaps even more important for the emerging writer, she responded sensitively to my themes, giving me confidence in my own poetic voice, along with a much clearer understanding of the focus of the collection.
Our lively conversations were most enjoyable and even gave me ideas for future poems – a wonderful bonus I hadn’t expected!
Louise Walker
Working with Julia was an excellent experience – her enthusiasm, attention to detail and commitment to the concept of the Alton Towers residency were amazing and enlivening, and her poetry not only resonated with the group but brought a new perspective to our exploration of the site.
Krishan Coupland
Liminal Residency Director
https://krishancoupland.co.uk
As well as being one of our finest and most accomplished poets, Julia Deakin is a delightful and witty poetry performer and a hugely insightful poetry editor, bringing both her wide experience and quick poetic instinct to bear. A northern star!
Robert Powell
Writing, etc.
http://www.rjpowell.org/
I have known and worked closely with Julia for over fourteen years, and have always been impressed by her drive, commitment and creativity. When you are working with Julia you are in safe hands.
Michael Stewart
Reader in Creative Writing, University of Huddersfield
www.michael-stewart.org.uk
Julia’s sharp observation, combined with humour (often laugh-out-loud) and poetic skill have made her a much appreciated contributor to Grey Hen anthologies and a popular reader at launch events, including the Cork International Poetry Festival. She has also acted as a discerning adjudicator for our annual poetry competition.
Joy Howard
Editor, Grey Hen Press
www.greyhenpress.com
Julia Deakin is simply one of the best poets working in Yorkshire. Her poems are finely crafted, wry, often poignant and work as well in performance as on the page. It’s always a pleasure to host her writing at Chapel FM. It’s perhaps no surprise that she brings the same painstaking but generous acuity to her editing and mentoring of other poets’ work.
Peter Spafford
Director of Words
https://www.chapelfm.co.uk
I feel confident that in handing over the editorship to Julia the magazine will go from strength to strength, losing nothing of its quality and ‘high seriousness’, and reaching a wider audience. […] I have myself found her critical acumen very useful in developing and improving my own verse.
Nicholas Bielby
Pennine Platform Editor, 1999-2019
From Issue 84, p58
Julia Deakin 