Quickfire with: Jacqueline Crooks, author of Women’s Prize nominated, Fire Rush
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Jacqueline Crooks, author of shortlisted book Fire Rush.
Is it right for authors to write another culture’s story?
When you think of JK Rowling, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Wizards? Broomsticks? Transphobia? For some, casual racism might not be...
Dr Janina Scarlet: How superhero stories aid recovery from mental health issues
Many people turn to fiction to read about the things they are going through. Whether it’s their sexuality, their relationship, or their mental...
Quickfire with: Jacqueline Crooks, author of Women’s Prize nominated, Fire Rush
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Jacqueline Crooks, author of shortlisted book Fire Rush. In Fire Rush, Yamaye lives for the weekend, when she can go raving with her friends at The Crypt, an underground club...
Is it right for authors to write another culture’s story?
When you think of JK Rowling, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Wizards? Broomsticks? Transphobia? For some, casual racism might not be their first thought, but many believe it is present in The Harry Potter series. From stereotypes such as putting the only...
Dr Janina Scarlet: How superhero stories aid recovery from mental health issues
Many people turn to fiction to read about the things they are going through. Whether it’s their sexuality, their relationship, or their mental health, books can prove to be a valuable mirror for what’s going on in the real world, and our own lives. BLOT spoke to Dr...
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In conversation with Laline Paull: Author of Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted book, POD
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Laline Paull, author of shortlisted book POD to talk about fighting the environmental crisis through fiction.
Why the books on our shelves should be as diverse as our society
When children’s books are six times more likely to contain an animal as a main character than a character from an ethnic minority, diversifying children’s bookshelves is more important than ever.
Garry Kilworth exclusive: Author of the novelised Highlander
Liseli, from the BLOT team, sits down with author Garry Kilworth to uncover the journey of his impressive career.
In conversation with Laline Paull: Author of Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted book, POD
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Laline Paull, author of shortlisted book POD to talk about fighting the environmental crisis through fiction.
Why the books on our shelves should be as diverse as our society
When children’s books are six times more likely to contain an animal as a main character than a character from an ethnic minority, diversifying children’s bookshelves is more important than ever.
In conversation with Laline Paull: Author of Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted book, POD
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Laline Paull, author of shortlisted book POD to talk about fighting the environmental crisis through fiction.
Why the books on our shelves should be as diverse as our society
When children’s books are six times more likely to contain an animal as a main character than a character from an ethnic minority, diversifying children’s bookshelves is more important than ever.
longer reads
longer reads
longer reads
Is it right for authors to write another culture’s story?
How white is the publishing industry? And can white authors ever write culturally diverse characters accurately?
Helpful or harmful? The representation of depression in fiction
From Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar to Meg Mason’s Sorrow and Bliss, depression has featured in fiction for generations. But is this representation helpful, or harmful, for people going through it?
In conversation with Laline Paull: Author of Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted book, POD
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Laline Paull, author of shortlisted book POD to talk about fighting the environmental crisis through fiction.
Gayle Forman: “There’s two kinds of mothers – the ones who fantasise about running away, and the liars”
Award-winning author of If I Stay, Gayle Forman, delves into the societal pressures of motherhood, mental health and the importance of found family....
Lillie Lainoff: “There’s a lack of representation for chronic illness in books”
Chronic illness representation in fiction is almost non-existent, but author Lillie Lainoff, has set out to change that with her book ‘One For All’.
Interview with Luna McNamara: Author of Eros and Psyche
We spoke to the author of the new feminist retelling of the Greek myth Eros and Psyche about her reasons for adapting the myth in a feminist light.
Helpful or harmful? The representation of depression in fiction
From Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar to Meg Mason’s Sorrow and Bliss, depression has featured in fiction for generations. But is this representation helpful, or harmful, for people going through it?
Lillie Lainoff: “There’s a lack of representation for chronic illness in books”
Chronic illness representation in fiction is almost non-existent, but author Lillie Lainoff, has set out to change that with her book ‘One For All’.
Interview with Luna McNamara: Author of Eros and Psyche
We spoke to the author of the new feminist retelling of the Greek myth Eros and Psyche about her reasons for adapting the myth in a feminist light.
My Illustrated Mum
How one Jacqueline WIlson book taught me my Mum was more than ‘mental’ and why we should treat the ‘maddened mother’ trope with more nuance. "What...
Are ‘book boyfriends’ turning us hopeless romantics into toxic women?
In a world where social media is adding to the countless romance titles on our ‘to be read’ lists, are our favourite book men setting the bar too high when it comes to our standards?
In conversation with Laline Paull: Author of Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted book, POD
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction winner being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Laline Paull, author of shortlisted book POD to talk about fighting the environmental crisis through...
Indigenous authors and climate fiction: What it tells us about their relationship with the planet
Although it's often overlooked, 21% of the planet is home to indigenous people. These groups are the most in-touch with the earth of any humans, often living in perfect balance with their...
Hive Energy partners with Hay Festival to promote discussion around sustainability and climate issues
Hay Festival is an annual literature festival that takes place in Hay-On-Wye, Powis in Wales every year. This year, the festival began on Thursday (May 25) and will be running until Sunday (June 4)....
REVIEW: Humans and animals in Michel Faber’s Under the Skin
BLOT’s Rating: 🕮🕮🕮🕮 Warning: Major spoilers ahead! Much like the title of the book, Under the Skin is not what it looks like on the surface. When the story opens, we’re introduced to the book’s...
What would the climate in The Lord of the Rings actually be like?
Middle Earth is one of the most well-known worlds in fantasy. It's the setting of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but what would its climate actually look like? Researchers at the University...
The Epic of Gilgamesh: Humanity’s oldest story is a bromance
The year is 1849, and archaeologists are busy digging up the Iraqi city of Nineveh. There they find a library of clay tablets dating back some 4,000...
My Illustrated Mum
How one Jacqueline WIlson book taught me my Mum was more than ‘mental’ and why we should treat the ‘maddened mother’ trope with more nuance. "What...
Are ‘book boyfriends’ turning us hopeless romantics into toxic women?
In a world where social media is adding to the countless romance titles on our ‘to be read’ lists, are our favourite book men setting the bar too...
Cyber love: Romance novels in the digital era
From ‘sliding into someone’s DM’s’ to swiping right on a dating profile, the digital era has changed how romance blossoms. There is nothing quite...
Age gap relationships: Are they ever acceptable?
Two young women speak up about their experiences navigating age-gap relationships and how fiction strongly influenced their romantic ideals. It was...
Our Podcast and playlists
BLOT: Narrated is a podcast series where the bookworms behind BLOT magazine debate fun topics within the world of reading. Twice a week, we’ll be sitting down to share our opinions – popular and unpopular – on everything from movie adaptations of popular books to whether it’s shameful to read fanfic.
Tune in to join the debate and feel free to tell us if you think we’re wrong!
Whether you’re feeling like the main character or want to be transported to the glamour of the Gatsby era, we’ve got a playlist for you!
The Podcast
BLOT: Narrated is a podcast series where the bookworms behind BLOT magazine debate fun topics within the world of reading. Twice a week, we’ll be sitting down to share our opinions – popular and unpopular – on everything from movie adaptations of popular books to whether it’s shameful to read fanfic.
Tune in to join the debate and feel free to tell us if you think we’re wrong!
Dr Janina Scarlet: How superhero stories aid recovery from mental health issues
Many people turn to fiction to read about the things they are going through. Whether it’s their sexuality, their relationship, or their mental...
Think piece: Do mentally ill murderers stigmatise people with mental health disorders?
As society’s understanding and acceptance of mental health disorders continues to grow, is it time for crime writers to retire the trope of mentally...
Helpful or harmful? The representation of depression in fiction
Depression lies at the centre of some of the world’s most loved novels, from The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath to Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is...
Reader’s thoughts: How mindful reading can improve the mind
BLOT asked our most mindful readers over on Reddit if they had ever tried mindful reading, and what, in their opinion, was the best way to improve...
Escaping into fiction: The therapeutic power of listening to stories
Storytelling is as old as mankind itself. Long before the Sumerians were writing down The Epic of Gilgamesh on their clay tablets 4,000 years ago,...
what's in our library
Garry Kilworth exclusive: Author of the novelised Highlander
Liseli, from the BLOT team, sits down with author Garry Kilworth to uncover the journey of his impressive career.
Quickfire with: Garry Kilworth, author of novelised Highlander
BLOT sat down with Garry Kilworth, author of the novelised Highlander to find out everything we could about his impressive career.
Why the books on our shelves should be as diverse as our society
When children’s books are six times more likely to contain an animal as a main character than a character from an ethnic minority, diversifying children’s bookshelves is more important than ever.
Interview with Luna McNamara: Author of Eros and Psyche
We spoke to the author of the new feminist retelling of the Greek myth Eros and Psyche about her reasons for adapting the myth in a feminist light.
Activism and Identity: Sheffield’s Sheaf Poetry Festival 2023
WATCH: Last weekend, BLOT Magazine attended Sheaf Poetry Festival and spoke to poets Fran Lock and Tania Hershman about activism and identity through poetry.
How beauty standards in classic literature are relevant today
From Rebecca to The Colour Purple, classical literature has more parallels to the beauty standards of the 21st century than you might first think.
Paul McVeigh: “Working class authors still don’t have a seat at the table”
In an overwhelmingly middle class, white publishing industry, only 12% of authors hail from working class backgrounds. But why is it still so hard for them to gain representation?
Quickfire with: Jacqueline Crooks, author of Women’s Prize nominated, Fire Rush
Ahead of the Women’s Prize for Fiction being announced in two weeks, BLOT sat down with Jacqueline Crooks, author of shortlisted book Fire Rush.
Is it right for authors to write another culture’s story?
How white is the publishing industry? And can white authors ever write culturally diverse characters accurately?
Pride Month: Five LGBTQ+ authors you need to check out
June marks the start of Pride Month, a time to celebrate all the incredible contributions from the LGBTQ+ community.
Lillie Lainoff: “There’s a lack of representation for chronic illness in books”
Chronic illness representation in fiction is almost non-existent, but author Lillie Lainoff, has set out to change that with her book ‘One For All’.
From Me Before You to Moby Dick: How books represent disability
Disability has been written into books throughout history – so why are disabled characters either the helpless or hero and not just ‘normal?’
