BLOT is a multiplatform journalism magazine for book lovers that combines literature with social issues (everything from climate change to racism, poverty and sexuality).
We offer a space to talk about the problems in our society and how they appear in the books we read and we love nothing more than a good debate. We are a diverse and welcoming space to talk about a range of books from those you’ve seen all over your TikTok page, to hidden gems you’ve never heard about.
Books often have powerful social messages and their impacts can span across generations, from To Kill a Mockingbird to 1984, literature has always been part of the social fabric, changing how people think and relate to one another. Books provide a gateway to other cultures and identities – even to other fantasy worlds.
BLOT takes the reader beyond the final page to share their side of the story.
Get in touch info.blotmag@gmail.com and follow us on our socials for more BLOT content Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Sophie Olejnik
sophie.blotmag@gmail.com
Sophie is a trainee journalist at The University of Sheffield who specialises in feature writing. She has a keen passion for books and would love to work in the publishing industry in the future. She’s particularly passionate about how our ever-changing planet is represented in the books we read.
Favourite genres: Thrillers and Contemporary Fiction.
Shruthi Selvarajan
shruthi.blotmag@gmail.com
Shruthi is a journalism student with a passion for reading, travel, food and music. She likes to spend her free time at Waterstones or journalling whenever she can. She’s passionate about human connection and relationships in books, so that we can learn to better ourselves and how we communicate with others.
Favourite genre: Contemporary romance.
Yasmin Wakefield
yasmin.blotmag@gmail.com
Yasmin is a third year journalism student at The University of Sheffield, specialising in feature writing. She has previously written for the Sheffield Tribune and women’s magazine Pick Me Up! She is particularly interested in how mental health issues are portrayed in fiction.
Favourite genres: Romance, Crime and Thrillers.
Arthur Barratt
arthur.blotmag@gmail.com
Arthur is a journalism student at The University of Sheffield. As well as being a founding member of BLOT, he has also written for Forge Press, Sheff Central and One2Football. His hobbies include climbing, going to gigs and of course, reading.
Favourite genres: Magical Realism and Historical Fiction.
Maddy Burgess
maddy.blotmag@gmail.com
Maddy is a journalism student who enjoys writing about culture, entertainment and the arts. If she’s not reading a book, you’ll find her listening to Taylor Swift. She’s passionate about books that reflect what’s going on in society and lead us to ask important questions about the world around us.
Favourite genres: Contemporary Fiction and Romance.
Liseli Thomas
liseli.blotmag@gmail.com
Liseli is a journalism student with a costly love for travelling and new books. She loves a good solo adventure but when she can’t be jetting off to a new destination, the next best thing for her is discovering new places through books. And if she’s not reading a book, she’s looking for her next read. Liseli is passionate about how our identities are represented within literature today.
Favourite genres: Romance and Sci-Fi.
Shani Lim
weishan.blotmag@gmail.com
Shani is a journalism student obsessed with books, dance, and all things true crime. When she’s not stuck in the middle of a good book, she’s listening to podcasts or watching hour-long video essays on YouTube.
Favourite genre: Crime.