Hi Virginia. Thank you for taking part in this interview and for sharing your work with us. You’ve become a good friend of the press and we really appreciate all your support. Can you tell us a little a bit about yourself for our readers?

My name is Virginia Betts and I have always been ‘A writer’: a fact proven by recently discovering my early ‘works’ from the age of 5. My first ‘book’ was sellotaped together when I was 3, and it told the story of a ‘sand horse’ who leaps from a fairground ride. However, I did not even think about getting published until I was much, much, older! I wrote a story and a poem during lockdown, both of which were published, and I kept going, soon having a full collection of supernatural and gothic-noir stories, (The Camera Obscure) and a full collection of poetry (Tourist to the Sun). My work has been performed on stage and BBC Radio. Until 2013, I taught English in school, then I started my own tuition company, Results Tutoring, and I specialise in neurodiverse learning. I discovered I was ‘neurodiverse’ when I was in my 40’s, and I think this liberated me to be myself and unleash the creative me on the world without compromise! I have also made a return to the stage, both acting and co-writing and directing productions. Recent roles include Kate Bush, Mary Boleyn, Elizabeth Barton, Maud Gonne and Patricia Highsmith. I used to read Stephen King novels under the bedclothes when I was 7 and my first love and fascination has always been crime, horror and the darker sides of life. I enjoy reading and watching films in the genre as well as writing it, although my poetry seems to be motivated by time and the senses. I have a soft-spot for the Victorian Gothic, and I love the duality of the era, although I’m romanticising imagining myself as a flamboyant gothic writer, as in reality it would have been hard to be a woman then. I’m a very visual writer, and always imagine the film and soundtrack for my work. I now write a monthly blog for the Felixstowe Magazine App where I like to spotlight local and indie authors and creators.

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?

I think there will always be a need for foodbanks, and this is both a terrible thing, but also a good thing that we have this lifeline. It is sad that there is still poverty and inequality in our society; my scholarly interest in the Victorian Gothic finds me incredulous that we still face many of the same issues that social reformers then were campaigning for, but I am glad that we artists are still doing our bit to promote social reform and look after those in need. Anyone could find themselves in need of help at any time, so we should be generous and do what we can if we are in a more fortunate position.  

Do you think it is down to the volunteers and fellow man to keep food banks going or should the government be doing more to intervene?

I think it is the responsibility of everyone. Of course the government could definitely do more, but even if it fell solely on ‘the government’ to provide everything, I am pretty sure

that fellow man and volunteers would do things anyway. And a great deal of money in the government purse is contributed by ‘the public’. So, all hands to the pump. Mind you, it would be nice if the very wealthy made a fairer personal and financial contribution. It never seems to make sense to pay lip-service to the plight of the poor when selling just one jewel, or palace might solve at least one problem for a while. You can’t take it with you…I’m no politician though, so in the words of Jacob Marley, ‘Mankind was my business.’  It IS our business.

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?

The Indie Scene is the best! You can achieve your vision without compromise and work that demands to be seen can get a platform, whereas in traditional publishing the audience may be denied such incredibly diverse talent. It’s such a supportive scene, without the horror stories of being pigeonholed as a one-genre writer, losing most of your royalties or control over your creative rights. I want to write in different genres, not just one. Traditional publishing has its place, but it is often so financially motivated that really good writing is overlooked for a more marketable style. I can’t believe my luck as I have found my home and soulmates. It goes without saying I devour the work of James Jenkins and Bam Barrow, who I count now as friends because they ‘get’ me. I also love the work of Cody Sexton and Jon Bowie and read their zines and the many writers I have found there regularly. In the Suffolk Writing community there is a HUGE indie scene and so many talented indie writers. I am so proud to be part of it.

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

My published books are: The Camera Obscure (stories) and Tourist to the Sun (poetry) At the time of this interview I am about to start rehearsing for the part of Patricia Highsmith, (who wrote The Talented Mr Ripley) and I have also written, and am co-directing, a one-act play based around scenes inspired by music on 5^th August 1986. How writers interpreted the song is their choice; my scenes are supernatural and murderous, but also funny. My second poetry book, That Little Voice, is awaiting release, and the third, Skins, is tentatively underway for 2025. I am most excited though that I have nearly finished writing a darkly comic punk-noir novel, which revolves around stories of a group of loveable scumbags from 1976 to the present, but not told in linear time. The urban lovechild of Tarantino and Irvine Welsh – that’s the best way I can think of to describe the tone. The title is Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets, which may tell you all you need to know!

How did you first hear about Urban Pigs Press?

I clicked with James Jenkins when I met him at an author event as I just knew his work would be my kind of thing, and I discovered the incredible Bam Barrow, and the whole scene, through him. James inspired one of my poems, which has turned into the full novel! When they started UPP I championed it from the start and everyone who writes for UPP is brilliant! Their support has been amazing. They are legends!

Same to you! Thanks, we both really appreciate that. Lovely to see a mention for John Bowie too. We’re looking forward to working with you in the future as a possible deal has been muted between us for your future work. This is probably a good time to mention to any poets reading this, that Virginia will be running a feature month for poetry later this year. Neither myself or Bam feel qualified enough to judge poetry and with yourself involved I think that would be in very safe hands. Thanks again and I look forward to sharing your work with our readers.

Read ‘Feeding Frenzy’ in the Hunger anthology from the 7th of March.

Virginia Betts is a tutor, writer and actor from Ipswich. She has had two books published, The Camera Obscure (supernatural, Gothic and noir stories) and Tourist to the Sun (poetry). She has also had numerous stories and poems published and performed live and on BBC Radio, and has won awards for her work. She has just completed her second poetry collection, That Little Voice, and is currently writing a gritty no holds barred noir novel. Virginia is a member of local Theatre Company, Black and White Productions, and her roles have Included Kate Bush, Mary and Anne Boleyn, Maud Gonne and at the time of writing, Patricia Highsmith. Virginia tutors English, loves to swim, play the violin, and watch Star Wars. She loves to read about crime and the darker side of life. Virginia is a member of the Suffolk book league, The Writer’s Guild, Equity, Suffolk Writers Group, The Wolsey Writers, The Dracula Society and a trustee of The Suffolk Poetry Society and writes for Felixstowe Magazine.

@ResultsGin

WEBSITE: https://virginiabetts.com

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