It’s been a month since I formally started work as Lot’s Wife editor. It’s an interesting role that unfortunately does not come with an instruction manual and no google-based research could have possibly prepared me for this. Nevertheless, I know three things to be true since embarking on this learn-as-you-go experience: that the publication is only as strong as the team that supports it – this includes, but is not limited to, the editors, sub-editors, contributors, readers, and advertisers; that editing is really not the main thing an editor does – and it’s not the most glamorous work in the world, but I still think it’s a good idea to go into office with heels; and that I now ask everyone I meet to submit something to Lot’s Wife. This is probably part and parcel of the job, or maybe it’s what editorship does to you. I’m still not sure which one it is but perhaps I don’t have to know. I just need to stick to those deadlines.
This year, I’m overseeing travel, culture and creative writing. Three areas I have a profound interest in and hope to grow these sections under my editorship.
Travel, culture and creative writing are intersectional sections of Lot’s Wife Magazine. The pieces, sentiments and ideas across these sections work collaboratively to create a healthy reading for the audience. Often perceived to be the more flouncy divisions, it is important to remember the freedom to express one’s observations, social commentary, and artistic drive are the first to be sacrificed in times of crisis and hardship, in times when humanity, or the quality of humanity, is threatened. To nourish these sections, and its subsequent flourishing, is alternatively a sign of prosperity. Sharing these documented snapshots of thoughts and bursts of insight and creativity allows for the celebration and the spread of this prosperity. However, in order for this to remain true, pieces must reflect diversity of expressions, must be accessible to readers and prospective writers alike, and provide equal opportunity for various voices to be represented. In retrospect, it ought to be inclusive.
This is what I hope to achieve in these sections this year.
Thanks
– My co-editors
– My sub-editors
– Every contributor
– Readers, new and old
No Thanks
– Last minute stuff
– Clashing commitments
– Staying late at the office without food
