Rebels with a cause – protesting with the pen

THE right to protest will be heard loud and long in the 2019 collection of short stories and poems by new and established writers launched by the University of Huddersfield.

Trouble is the title given to the anthology published under the Grist banner, which has now run for over ten years is designed to offer a platform for new writers.

One of its fans is the University’s Emeritus Chancellor, Sir Patrick Stewart, and in the past it has welcomed contributions from poets Simon Armitage, Ian McMillan and Lemn Sissay and writers Helen Simpson, Alexei Sayle and John Boyne, who wrote ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’.

The 2019 publication features a celebration of protest, rebellion, disobedience and general outcry in all of its forms.  Intended to inspire, educate, motivate, compel and entertain, the collection includes historical stories, pieces set in the future and stories of personal protest against sexual and racial discrimination.

The Grist editor, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing Dr Simon Crump, himself an accomplished writer, is also no stranger to protest and was on the front line when campaigners in Sheffield protested against the felling of thousands of trees on the streets throughout the city.

“The best writing about protest should inspire, educate, motivate, compel and of course, entertain.  And that’s what this collection is all about,” says Dr Crump.

“Students also benefit from the publication, not just by submitting their poems and stories for inclusion, but also by gaining valuable experience of proof-reading, editing and publishing. 

“By publishing emerging writers alongside more established names, Grist offers an exciting opportunity for those starting out in their writing careers.  Some of the writers have also gone on to win awards and attract successful book deals,” added Dr Crump.

• Copies of Trouble can be purchased on the web at https://unipress.hud.ac.uk/plugins/books/18/.