Alden Carrow reads; From ‘Naming of Parts’ to ‘March and Meadow’: War, Wilderness, and How Writers Navigate Modern Self‑Publishing.

In this powerful and atmospheric episode of Alden Carrow’s Poetry Podcast, we explore the profound tension between military life and the natural world, a theme rooted deeply in the landscapes of North Yorkshire. This week’s guest poem is Henry Reed’s iconic “Naming of Parts,” a masterful piece written during the Second World War that contrasts the mechanical rigidity of military training with the blossoming vitality of spring. Through Reed’s dual‑voiced structure, we witness the clash between duty and daydream, discipline and beauty, destruction and renewal. Alden guides listeners through a rich, thoughtful analysis of the poem, drawing connections to personal family history—including his grandfather’s harrowing experience at the Second Battle of El Alamein—and reflecting on how war reshapes both land and memory. This episode is perfect for listeners who love war poetry, nature poetry, British literature, and close reading. From there, Alden transitions to his own original poem, “Catterick Garrison – March and Meadow,” inspired by one of Europe’s largest military bases, located in the heart of Richmondshire, North Yorkshire. This poem explores the coexistence of steel and moorland, drill and river, duty and tenderness, capturing the unique soundscape and emotional landscape of Catterick. Listeners will hear how the River Swale, the rolling Dales, and the rhythms of military life intertwine to create a place that is both fierce and kind. In the second half of the episode, Alden shifts into a practical and empowering discussion for writers: a clear, artist‑focused guide to self‑publishing platforms. Whether you’re preparing to publish your first book or refining your indie author strategy, this segment breaks down the strengths and limitations of: Amazon KDP — the most accessible route for ebooks and print‑on‑demand KDP Select & Kindle Unlimited — visibility vs. exclusivity IngramSpark — essential for bookshops, libraries, and professional distribution Draft2Digital — a user‑friendly aggregator for wide ebook distribution Direct Sales via Payhip, Gumroad, or Shopify — the highest royalties and strongest reader connection Alden also shares insights from his own author journey, including the value of owning your own ISBNs, ordering physical proof copies, and using Facebook Ads to drive targeted traffic to your books for as little as £2 per day. This episode is ideal for listeners interested in: Poetry analysis British war poetry North Yorkshire landscapes Creative writing and the writing life Self‑publishing tips for indie authors Military history and cultural geography Nature writing and place‑based storytelling Join Alden as he blends literature, landscape, memory, and practical wisdom into a reflective, inspiring listening experience. And as always, he invites you to contribute to the journey: share a poem you love, suggest a future guest poem, or simply take a moment to slow down and find the poetry in the everyday.