After eight very enjoyable years as a member of the editorial board of Magma Poetry magazine, I’ve recently handed in my resignation.
I’ve had a wonderful time – among other things I edited Magma 34 and recorded an audio edition of the issue at the Poetry Library, attended lots of Magma readings at the Troubadour hosted by Coffee House Poetry, spoke at Aldeburgh Festival, and helped to develop Magma’s website and online marketing.
Best of all has been the experience of working with so many talented and enthusiastic people, who give an enormous amount of time and energy to running the magazine. Right from the start, I was very impressed by the professionalism and positive atmosphere of the board, factors that have remained consistent throughout my time with Magma, even when old members left and new ones arrived to fill their places.
I’ve learned plenty about poetry and publishing, and made a lot of very good friends. Magma has been one of the highlights of my working life so far.
So I’m sad to be leaving. In an ideal world I’d love to have stayed, but with a family and business to take care of, my time for poetry activities has inevitably been squeezed.
The good news is the change means more time for my own poetry writing – and writing about poetry, here on this blog. I’ve got plenty to say about poets and poems, old and new, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.
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And it’s nice to be reading Magma as a fan once again. I’ve just subscribed to the magazine, and would wholeheartedly recommend you do do the same. I know I’m biased, but it really is one of the most interesting and enjoyable poetry magazines around – with a different editor every issue, you never know what it will surprise you with next.
More soon…
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