Coventry University students have a way with wordsUniversity students publish their own creative writing magazine
By: Ali Bushnell 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.” The magazine is also available to view on line at: www.coventry.ac.uk/ -Ends- For further information, please contact Ali Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer on 024 7688 8245 or email ali.bushnell@ # # # The External Communications team from Coventry University promote a wide range of initiatives, services, success stories and other related aspects of Higher Education and the achievements of its staff and students as well as comment pieces from experts. End
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