Bella is here!

I'm really thrilled to announce that my debut poetry pamphlet, Bella, was published by Offa's Press a week or so ago (August 2018). The collection is a poetic sequence which explores the Worcestershire murder mystery 'Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?' You can buy a copy for just £5.95 here!

A few lovely words from poets I greatly admire:

'Every now and then a collection comes along which revitalises my belief in poetic form, [a work] with a consistent vision and force. Nellie Cole’s Bella is all of this and more. [With] a mature and compassionate sensibility and an enviable gift for language, Bella announces the arrival of a major new talent.'
Luke Kennard

‘Nellie Cole’s pamphlet Bella explores the story through historical record and imaginative speculation. I was thrilled to read this debut; it is formally adventurous and her precise language is richly detailed [...]. This is work which shows maturity and care.'
Angela France

Review: New Alexandra Theatre, Birdsong

As the chaplain delivers his final sermon, men of all ranks and stations take their positions: line-abreast; to ladders, to death...

I first saw the stage adaptation of Sebastian Faulks' novel Birdsong in 2013. Five years ago: before I had studied much about the First World War, or war literature; before the 100 years centenary had begun, with all its acts of remembrance. Seeing Birdsong again in 2018 offered not only a chance to see how the production had evolved, but how my perception of it had altered with all that I had learned and experienced over the past years - these poignant years of memorial. Here's my thoughts.

My Poetry Journey

I'm very excited that my first poetry manuscript will be published by Offa's Press later in 2018!

My debut pamphlet will explore the murder mystery, 'Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm', a true story from my local area. With the working title 'Bella', this poetic sequence follows the mystery from the murder itself, to the discovery of the body, through to the police investigations which followed. It plots its way through local topography, history, and folkloric connections, examining but never quite uncovering the hidden truths of the case.

I'll be documenting my journey to publication on this blog. Please see the page 'Bella, Offa's Press' for all updates. My first entry is below!

First Editorial Meeting 

Thursday 5 April, 2018

Meeting with Emma was invaluable. It's been a little while since I wrote the poems in my manuscript, and I've become complacent - not thinking twice about the titles, order, or how the sequence reads to those unfamiliar with the story. 

To bring this manuscript down to pamphlet length, some of the poems needed to go. Those that remained needed to be reordered, and their titles changed to better signpost the story being told; Emma's insight and advice during this process was much needed. 

It was difficult to cut some of the poems, and alter some of the titles, but it feels good to have a thorough 'spring clean' and work the manuscript into its best possible shape.