The Starbeck Orion Issue #9 Showcasing: Alan Parry, Page 18 of 25

A Feast Of Words And Image

Here's a link to Alan’s latest published writing: Peeling Apples:

https://amzn.eu/d/1wcrqRt

Extract from my book interview with Alan for The Wombwell Rainbow about 27

9. How did you come up with the stunning front cover image?

The front cover image for Twenty Seven pays homage to Jim Morrison's fascination with ancient history, spirituality, and culture, combined with his experience of Americana. I imagined creating two metaphorical vases representing these aspects of Morrison's life. These vases were then symbolically smashed and reassembled into a mosaic, a visual representation of the collision and fusion of these diverse influences. This design captures the complexity and multifaceted nature of Morrison's legacy, symbolising his impact in a singular, compelling image.

10. How does the quote from Jim Morrison at the beginning of the book, relate to your own aims in poetry writing?

Jim Morrison's quote at the start of Twenty Seven really opened up a new way for me to approach my writing. It's like it gave me permission to explore and write in a style that I might not have tried before. This quote kind of unlocked a door for me, letting me step into new areas with my poetry.

A lot of what I write about is the male perspective and masculinity, and these topics can sometimes be tough or uncomfortable to address. But with Morrison's view of finding freedom in chaos and disorder, I found a different way to look at these themes. It allowed me to be more adventurous and critical in my exploration of these subjects.

The quote from Morrison wasn't just an intro to the book; it was a key that let me explore deeper and more complex aspects of life in a new light. It's still about being critical and thoughtful, but now I'm doing it with a fresh perspective that Morrison inspired.