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The Pigs Visit Prison

Today EDIT – ***This post has been awaiting approval for understandable reasons***, myself and Bam accompanied the newest member of UPP, Virginia Betts to a UK prison. We were asked to run a workshop and talk about indie publishing. All the joys, pitfalls and opportunities it brings.

As a publisher of crime fiction and authors of the same genre ourselves, there was no way we were going to say no. I think I speak for both of us (this was mine and Bam’s first visit. V is a veteran at this), when I say I was shitting a brick leading up to the date. Not just for the obvious, my main cause for worry was one born of that familiar imposter syndrome. Afterall, we write about crime but these guys have walked the line.

We soon discovered that this workshop worked both ways. This was an education for everyone involved and the lessons we took away were just as important. The guys who came and joined us were clutching a combination of manuscripts, notebooks, chapbooks and even… a published novel! All of these produced by themselves.

*** I just want to point out here, the published novel was not done so from prison ***

As I soon discovered, this was even more impressive than if it had been. He managed this by writing the manuscript whilst incarcerated and lawfully passed this onto his partner on the outside who published the novel through KDP. My jaw dropped with amazement at the hard work and persistence that this must have taken and it goes without saying: I’m buying it and it’s going to the top of my TBR.

Aside from the quality of the work they had produced, we ran a writing exercise that by this point I was feeling unqualified to run. This only deepened by the time we invited those who took part to read them out. Some of the words that tumbled out from a 15 minute exercise blew me away. Bam and I could barely contain the smiles and awe on our faces. Virginia looked on with a knowing smile. We didn’t hold back on sharing this with the lads. The pride on their lips as each syllable released endless hours of pent up emotion and talent was intoxicating.

We left humbled. We left inspired. We left moved. But above all, we left knowing that we would be back. Never has using writing for escapism been more fitting.

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James Jenkins, Bam Barrow and Virginia Betts.

The Urban Pigs Press Team

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I can’t change anyone’s opinions on rehabilitation. Of course we respect that with every crime there are victims. But what’s the point in any of it if there isn’t a road to redemption? I know nothing of the inmates crimes. That’s not my business. I leave that for the legal system that has already passed judgement. From what we did learn, there is a bright road ahead for those we met. And that goes for all lovers of lit who can revel in the untapped talents waiting behind bars.

Don’t take our word for it!

We have been honoured and trusted by one of the inmates named Kyle, to share some of their work. UPP will be sharing some of this poetry over the next few days. I can say with confidence that this is some of the most moving writing I’ve had the privilege to publish… enjoy!

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Introduction: it’s crazy to think that some people actually see prison as a holiday. Some people are more comfortable in prison where nothing is asked of them, rather than being homeless, poor and hopeless on the outside.

Vacation

One thing I’ve learnt is how to be patient
They may be backwards, but steps were still taken
Memories of lost love is the reason why my heart’s still vacant
Instead of sand, I walk side stepping cracks in the pavement
Instead of palm trees and high seas,
I stare at barbed wire fences in frustration
I look up to the sky to see the clouds move
It’s ironic; I’m stuck in jail while clouds move with no end destination
All I come across is people whose dreams have escaped them
I don’t call it a prison, I call it a vacation
A vacation away from the outside world and the stresses
The cost of livings going up but politicians don’t seem sympathetic
The crime rates going up,
I worry for the kids growing up because words are used much less than weapons,
So I call this my vacation away from the daily struggles that beckon.

Kyle

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