New up from Spoken Label (Poetry / Spoken Word Podcast) and the first in a extended two part chat is with making their debut, Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ).

Emma-Jane Barlow (EJ) is a neurodivergent author, poet, workshop facilitator and advocate from the North of England. She began her writing journey at seven. She weaves tales from her life experiences and explores themes such as autism, hope, love and loss. Her works include “Darkness & Light” (2020) and “Sins & Sunflowers: Second Edition” (2023). She has had her work recognised in both print and radio, including being longlisted for the Heroica Poetry Prize in 2024 and runner-up in the Happiful Poetry Prize in 2025.
EJ has poems featured in various publications, including The Raven Review, The Anti-Misogyny Club Journal, Flare Lit Magazine and Ink Gladiator Press. She has performed her work live on BBC Radio Manchester, had poems featured on podcasts and performed her poetry across the UK. She currently facilitates an online workshop series called Holding Space (@holdingspaceforpoetry on Instagram) and is also working on her 3rd poetry book and other exciting creative projects. You can follow her at @emmajanepoetry on Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter, Threads of Hope, on Substack.