Mslexia is a prominent UK literary journal which specialises in promoting the interests of women readers and writers.

As the magazine is planning a spring clean, perhaps now would be a good time to ‘make with the vacuum-cleaner’ too, to earn the excuse to put feet up and snuggle down with the magazine and a coffee.




The ‘Look And Feel’ rating is good – weightily impressive as it thuds onto the doormat or fills up the mailbox. Some readers are not ashamed to admit on the Letters Page that they rip off the clear plastic envelope in their haste to ‘get at it.’

Others own up to curling up with the magazine and ditching the mop-bucket or keyboard for hours, in order to read the excitingly newsprint-fragranced pages from cover to cover. However, one or two readers and writers might be venturing further afield – perhaps towards the ‘magazine of the instant moment – the internet.’

The Winter Issue has all the usual 'mod cons' such as those all-important competitions, submissions info, writing opportunities, groups, clubs, events and tempting 'writer retreat' holidays.

Other regular spots include letters, literary news and gossip,the intriguing 'Diary of a Literary Agent','The Joy of Writing' (crime fiction's turn this issue) and 'The Lowdown' (Non-Fiction Guidelines for Interior Design writing.) Top tips and money matters are covered too and in this quarter's 'Making a Poem' Lorraine Mariner explains her system.

'Bottom Drawer' tells of unpublished masterpieces that never saw the light of day and there is inspiration on 'Writing your self.' Stella Duffy is the guest editor charged with the responsibility of choosing the diet of New Writing this time around and offers her selection of short stories and poetry on the theme of 'Gloves.'

Book reviews include 'How to write a bestseller: Kiss,' and the literary landmark 'Possession.' To make sure Mslexia hasn't 'missed a bit' an independent press profile and peeks at writers' bookshelves and bedside tables are polished up too.

Special highlights in this issue include Kate Mosse on the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction - a prize she co-founded a decade ago. Another feature, by Zoe Lambert, could 'set the dust flying' in literary/housework circles! She explores (dare I even mention it?) the ideas behind the accusation from some quarters that the writing of women is 'domestic.' Are critics trying to say that women writers are therefore 'dull as ditchwater?' Or should I say 'dull as washing-up water?' Some women writers will be tempted to chase them out with a wet tea towel! Every mug needs washing after all, irrespective of the gender of the person who drank from it. Perhaps James Dyson should write his autobiography. Now that might be a story about housework worth reading!

Mslexia is for you if:
- You appreciate a loyal, honest, supportive and educative ‘writer’s friend’ on your bedside table
- You don’t miss the male perspective in the new writing and articles
- You want a truly comprehensive ‘low-down’ on writing opportunities and events, UK and beyond
- You don’t mind your New Writing choices being made for you by one selected lady author
- You want a ‘gripping read’ about writing
- You want to learn from professionals rather than be entertained by edgy, shocking or funny writing
- You want to feel that as an improving writer, you’re not alone

Availability – possibly the quickest way to find out about getting hold of a copy to sample the feel of the magazine is to take a peek at the website www.mslexia.co.uk