About
In A Room Alone
... is an indie poetry press and an online literary collective run by a poet. Its aim is to provide a space and chance for poets outside the traditional publishing world.
IN A ROOM ALONE was founded by Hannah Cao in 2019 and is based in Germany.
Hannah runs the online collective and press with a mission of pressing importance on lifting the voices of marginalised groups. She emphasises inclusivity with this passion project, and aims to offer a platform where those often sidelined by conventional publishers can have their voices heard and appreciated.
IARA Collective is an online literary journal, a submission based platform and a community for writers and readers, and a pedestal for new and emerging writers. IARA seeks words in all genres, intending to amplify underrepresented voices and their shapeshifting fiction.
Hannah Cao
... is a poet and novelist based in Germany. Her passion for poetry began in childhood, solidified in early adulthood. She has since published two collections of poetry and a contemporary novel. Besides writing multiple manuscripts and planning a business, she works closely with poets as the editor-in-chief of the press, currently accepting monthly submissions for the Collective. From her desk or a coffee shop seat, Hannah does research and brainstorms ideas for new collective projects. In a room alone, she writes and reads what others have on their minds. In a room alone, she lets those voices sound, and she pays attention.
In the future, Hannah plans on bringing poets' original work to life with IARA Press as the publisher.
HOW DOES THE COLLECTIVE WORK?
1. Stick around and observe the prompt (of the month, or of the season). Wallow in it. Explore it.
2. If you feel like it, create an original essay, poem, work of fiction based on the prompt.
If not, you’re free to scroll and explore and indulge in others’ pieces. You can’t rush or force your creative process.
3. Submit with your username so consumers can find you and your other work online.
4. Wait (patiently) for Hannah to scour through submissions.
5. Check back to see your piece online.
6. Repeat!