Students at Coventry University are launching a new magazine to
showcase the creative writing talents of its undergraduates.
The first issue of Coventry Words will be officially launched at
the Waterstone's book store, University branch, on 22 October.
Priced at just one pound, it features short stories and plays,
poetry, travel articles and tips on creative writing techniques
from English degree course students.
Also featured in the launch edition is award-winning author and
Coventry University lecturer Mez Packer, who talks revealingly
about what it takes to become a successful writer. Her
critically-acclaimed debut novel 'Among Thieves' was shortlisted
for this year's The People's Book Prize and the Commonwealth
Writers' Best First Book award.
Writer profiles and book reviews will appear regularly in the
magazine as the editorial team - comprising three second year
English undergrads - takes a look at the latest bestsellers and
some old favourites.
Students submitting their work to the magazine will be hoping to
follow in the footsteps of one of Coventry's most famous sons, the
great English poet Philip Larkin. Larkin was born in the city in
1922 and had his first poem published in a creative writing
magazine while at university.
Third year English student Emilie Lauren Jones, who won the
prestigious Guardian Short Story competition in 2006, said:
"Coventry Words makes it possible for students to see their work
in print and for others to read it. It's a fantastic opportunity to
get your work out there and to build confidence in your own
writing, plus it looks great on the CV. Just looking through the
first issue, it's great to see that there are so many talented
writers at the University - it's good for the city as well. It all
inspires me to put pen to paper more often, and to pursue my dream
of a writing career."
Alyson Morris, senior creative writing lecturer at Coventry
University and executive editor of Coventry Words magazine,
said:
"I'm delighted to introduce Coventry Words magazine to the
public. It all started as a series of fliers posted around
the University, and we had some success when one of the poems
featured was spotted and published. So with the help of my English
students we got the magazine off the ground and produced a couple
of trial issues which were hits around the University. Now we've
launched officially and the idea is that we'll provide a platform
for young, aspiring writers studying at Coventry to get their work
published and read by as many people as possible."
For more information about Coventry University, please visit
their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk