A note from editors Amy, Jayne, Beth, Cassie and Izi
When you start a new course at a uni it is always exciting. New people to meet, getting to grips with the course, the place, the reading lists and of course meeting loads of new people all at once. But starting in the middle of a pandemic? Well, that was another layer that none of us expected.
We all began the MA in Creative Writing and Publishing in the autumn of 2020. Face to face yet with only half a face – the rest covered by masks. Guessing smiles through eyes became the norm and it took me a whole term to realise that two of our classmates had beards! So, when the opportunity to get involved in editing, designing and writing for the faculty blog came up, some of us decided to throw our hat in the ring. A chance to meet others from different courses, develop technical abilities and to get some of our writing published was a thrilling prospect.
A short application showing enthusiasm, our skill set (we were assured training would be available!) and our personal reasons for wanting to join an editing team helped us focus on the job in hand. Being accepted was exciting and daunting in equal measure – what was this awkward beast called WordPress? Who else would be sharing the job? Will everyone know so much more than me? There was no need to worry: the training was useful, most of us had an appetite for the tech side of things and all of us could write. A decent start!
The five of us got on very well and, as furlough had released a few from their jobs for the time being, we decided to go for a huge redesign, a brand-new style and a simplified but diverse vibe. We hoped this would attract YSJ students and help with information, inspiration and a go-to place for all things YSJ creative writing and publishing.
We set up an email for incoming ideas and a one stop contact place for people to find us. We chose new design templates and divvied up jobs according to skill set and enthusiasm. We wrote a ‘house style’ approach that provided continuity and devised a belt and braces editing checking system that meant each contribution was checked twice before going forward. We were not afraid to take on the jobs that played into our particular talents and the balance meant we covered all ground.
The blog’s link with the YSJ publishing world of Beyond the Walls and the York Literary Review became an even stronger feature. We began to include reviews on films, gaming and podcasts as well as books and began the ongoing series of looking specifically at Northern Presses – something very dear to our northern hearts. The response has been fantastic, and we have started to build a wider base of contributors and fellow students – one that we hope will continue as the next team takes over!
So now it is over to you! If you are thinking of applying, we would all say, ‘go for it!’ We all agree that it has been a great addition to our writing and publishing skills and working professionally in a diverse group has developed our team building abilities. Skills we shall take on into jobs and applications for further courses. We shall be sad to go as we face our last term and the dissertation that is looming! But we shall also be here as contributors and advisors (if needed!) until we leave!
