Mslexia proudly proclaims to be “the
magazine for women who write”, and indeed, literary women will not be disappointed by this quarterly publication. Each issue is bursting with news, informative features, reviews, interviews, creativity exercises and tips. At the heart of this magazine is the ‘new writing’
section – the pick of the themed short stories and poetry submitted by Mslexia readers and chosen by a guest editor. Each guest editor explains their choices and omissions and discusses the general quality of submissions and the variety of approaches
writers have taken to the theme. Topics set for submissions have in the past been as diverse as ‘shoes’, ‘interview’ and ‘flight’ and the pieces selected for publication are always eclectic. The magazine also welcomes submissions from reviewers or proposals for features.
In addition to the ‘new writing’ section, interviews and features, other strengths of this magazine include an extensive ‘opportunities’ section including both UK and international prospects; ‘Out and About’- readings, workshops and events neatly divided up into UK regions and the wonderful ‘Creativity’ section which includes ‘First Draft’ – a
published author compares and contrasts the draft version to the published version of their work,
writing exercises and tips on time management or ways to deal with rejection or target specific competitions or publications for your work. Recently Mslexia has launched it’s own MA in
Novel Writing – nine tutorials on all aspects of novel writing will be published over a two-year period. The tutorials are designed to be followed chronologically by writers just starting a novel but can also be dipped into and used as stand alone lessons by those with a novel in progress.
All forms of writing are catered for, though there is perhaps more emphasis on novel, short story and poetry writing than on writing for stage or screen or writing for the press. The emphasis is on creative writing though there are informative articles on journalism
features writing.
Mslexia is published in Newcastle, UK and as such the focus is on opportunities within the UK and trends in UK publishing. That said there is so much practical information here about writing in all its forms that the magazine is sure to be invaluable to writers outside of the UK. Mslexia is sold in most good bookshops in the UK, but it is also possible to subscribe, and the publishers offer a ‘try before you by’ deal for readers paying by direct debit.
Mslexia is an informative, inspiring and invaluable purchase for women who write.
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