Mslexia 79

Issue 79 also brings you a feast of delectable new writing on the theme of ‘Cooking’, then takes you straight to the bathroom with monologue ‘Boke’ from Makar Jackie Kay. And we take a walk on the wild side, with Jacqueline Baines on nature writing and Caroline Sanderson on the joy of walking alone.

Orna Ross looks at the significant changes and successes of self-publishing over the past decade: how did the Kindle change the publishing landscape and what’s next for independent authors? And Dawn Geddes shines a light on writing horror stories to make readers scared of their own shadow.

Helen Corner-Bryant looks at how to give and receive writing feedback; playwright Chinonyerem Odimba shares how it felt to come out of her writing shell; Katy Guest explores how to thrive with a portfolio career, and Imogen Usherwood asks why, as a recent A Level student, there are so few women writers in the curriculum, and how this lack affects young writers and readers.

And of course, much much more, including our massive directory of competitions and events, sneaky insights into how to get the most out of your competition entry or grant application, pitch feedback and our first-page surgery with experts from The Literary Consultancy.