Hi Neda. It’s great to have you onboard with the Hunger anthology. Both myself and Bam have been lucky enough to do interviews for your site so it’s a great pleasure to return the favour. We obviously know who you are, but can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Thank you for having me in this interview, and I’m truly honored to contribute to such an important cause. I’m Neda Aria, a transgressive fiction author and lately restart my romance writing career under my pseudonym, Lilith Wilde. My writing explores the depths of human emotion and societal norms, often challenging the status quo and inviting readers to question their own perceptions of the world.

Foodbanks have become a part of our life. What started as a means to support those in financial difficulty has now turned into a long-term lifeline for many. Do you think that we will ever be free of them, or do you believe they will be here to stay?

Regarding foodbanks, it’s a complex issue. I believe that while they started as a temporary solution, they’ve become an essential service for many, highlighting systemic failures in addressing poverty and inequality. Ideally, we should aim for a society where foodbanks are no longer necessary, working towards eradicating the root causes of financial hardship. However, given current global economic challenges, it seems they may remain a vital support system for the foreseeable future.

The persistence and even growth of foodbanks are symptomatic of deeper socio-economic issues, notably corporatism’s negative impacts and the disproportionate control held by a wealthy minority. This situation underscores a stark imbalance in resource distribution and economic policies that favor the affluent at the expense of the majority. The reliance on foodbanks reflects a failure to address these fundamental disparities effectively.

As an overseas contributor, what do you make of Britain’s dramatic reliance on foodbanks? How is this different or similar to your own country?

In many countries, including mine, the reliance on foodbanks varies, but the underlying themes of economic inequality and insufficient social safety nets are universal. The dramatic reliance on foodbanks in Britain, for instance, is both similar to and different from situations in other countries due to specific policy decisions, economic structures, and social welfare systems. Each country has its unique challenges, but the common thread is the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle poverty, ensure fair wages, and provide adequate support for those in need.

Here at Urban Pigs Press we believe that the indie writing scene is an incredible place of support. From fellow writers to zines and indie presses. Who is your favourite writer in the indie community and why?

In the indie writing scene, I’ve found a remarkable level of support that’s both inspiring and vital for creative growth. My favorite writer in this community is someone who consistently pushes boundaries, both in terms of literary form and the themes they explore. Their work resonates with me because it reflects a deep understanding of human nature and society’s complexities, all while embracing the indie spirit of innovation and authenticity.

Tell us about your latest work? Do you have any books you would like our readers to know about?

My latest work continues to explore these themes, challenging readers to confront their shadows. “Machinocracy” is my recent books where I delve into dystopian worlds and the complexities of human nature. And Bella Donna under the pseudonym of Lilith Wilde focusing on obsessive behaviour and love. Through these stories, I hope to provoke thought, stir emotions, and perhaps offer a new lens through which to view our own world.

How did you first hear about Urban Pigs Press?

Through Outcast Press – Sebastian Vice

Thank you so much for taking part. Foodbanks are without a doubt a complex issue. These questions really are bringing up some brilliant answers and also showing the compassion in the writing community. Can’t wait to share your story. It’s full of heartache and honesty. Massive nod to Sebastian too for sharing our project.

“Ticket to Where Trains Never Leave” is the tale of Etienne, a 15-year-old boy trapped in a life of abuse and neglect. In a desperate quest for freedom and belonging, he flees the only home he’s known, embarking on a harrowing journey through the cold, uncaring streets of Paris. Each step away from his past is a step into the unknown, as he navigates the harsh realities of the world alone. This poignant story vividly captures the struggles of a young soul hungry for love, safety, and a place where he truly belongs, set against the backdrop of a society indifferent to his pain.

Read it from the 7th of March in the HUNGER anthology.

Neda Aria is a transgressive fiction author known for her bold exploration of human actions and reactions under complex circumstances. Her writing style is marked by a blend of dark and transgressive themes. Aria, originally from Iran, faced challenges as a woman and a writer under the Islamic regime, shaping her disdain for censorship and fueling her creative journey. She is the author of several novels and short story collections, both in English and Persian, including notable works like “ENARO,” “The Legend of Kelpie,” “Feminomaniacs” and “Machinocracy.” In addition to writing, she engages in mentoring fellow writers, book cover and book trailer design, and hosting collaborative anthology collections.

·         Website: www.nedaaria.info

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/NedaAria

·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NEDAARIASTORIES/

Release date for the HUNGER anthology!

We have good news! The release date for the HUNGER anthology is set for the 7th March. Initial release will be through Amazon and Kindle but we hope to have physical copies in local book shops soon after. One place you can be sure to find this incredible collection will be Dial Lane Books in Ipswich. Andrew has been as much a part of this fantastic cause as all our contributors. We couldn’t be any more excited to share this with everyone. 23 different authors have given up their time and talent to help us make a difference to those in need and we are beyond grateful to each and everyone one of you. Jo Andrews has gone above and beyond to deliver us a cover that represents everything we set out to do. Cody Sexton has also contributed with an incredible piece of talent for our title page. We are both proud and humbled by the incredible efforts of everyone involved. Stephen J. Golds and Rob Jelly (BBC Suffolk) have also given their time to praise this darkly beautiful collection.

As part of our promotion for the anthology we will be posting interviews from the authors involved. Judging by some of the answers given already, I can confirm that we really have discovered a great bunch of humans in this anthology.

This book won’t put an end to poverty or hunger. Neither will it change the agendas of our politicians. But it will make a direct impact to a few of those we hope to represent. And for now, we’ll take it. So, please set that date in your calendar and help us to make that difference.

The Hunger anthology is a collection of 23 stories by 23 different authors. Tales of brutal reality, dark horror, gritty crime and dark humour sprawled out upon each page. Each story delivering a unique take on the prompt HUNGER. A true representation of some of the strongest talents within the writing community.

“A collection of stories that are as close to the bone in literary class as they are in their scathing analysis of a broken society.”

– Stephen J. Golds

Author of Say Goodbye When I’m Gone