Bournemouth writer Ella Dunthorne's debut, It Starts with a Spark, holds 28 poems on mental health and recovery. She tells us why she published it herself.
Bournemouth writer Ella Dunthorne has published her first book of poetry, It Starts with a Spark: 28 poems about mental health, coming to terms with the past and recovery. She brought it out herself, designed the cover herself, and says it climbed to No. 8 in Amazon UK’s British Poetry chart within days.
The paperback runs to 39 pages and was independently published on 26 September, according to its Amazon UK listing. When we checked that listing on 3 October it stood at No. 9 in British Poetry and 14,162 across all books. Chart places move by the hour, so treat both as a snapshot.
We asked Ella five questions by email. Her answers are below, in her words.
The poem to start with
“My new book ‘It Starts with a Spark’ features 28 poems,” she says. “The one I would give to someone reading my poems for the first time is ‘Eclipse’ because it is about coming to terms with your past, finding strength and recovery.”
Where Bournemouth comes in
The town is not named in the book, but she credits it with getting her there.
“Although Bournemouth isn’t referenced in my poems, I’ve been inspired by the creativity of the people who live here,” she says. “I was able to meet a poet and an author when I volunteered at a local library which led to the publication of my first book.”
Why she published it herself
“I self-published my book because it was a faster and easier route to publishing for me,” Ella says. “My background in marketing meant I was able to design the front cover myself online and use my social media channels to promote it. I would encourage other local writers to do the same.”
Writing and recovery
“Writing has definitely helped my recovery journey,” she says. “I think it’s hard to talk about our mental health because of the stigma attached. But being able to express myself through poetry is my own kind of therapy. And I hope my book will inspire others to use the arts for their mental health too.”
What it means for you
- Reading it: It Starts with a Spark is on sale in paperback on Amazon UK.
- Meeting the author: Ella has no readings or signings booked yet. If one is arranged in Bournemouth we will add it to our What’s On page.
- Writing your own: her route in was volunteering at a local library, where she met a poet and an author. Her advice to other local writers thinking of publishing their own work is simple: do it.
- If the subject is close to home: Samaritans answers free on 116 123, day or night.
Do you write, paint or make music in Bournemouth, Poole or Christchurch? Tell us about it at hello@bournemouthpost.co.uk.
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