MEET THE TEAM
STORIES EDITOR
Maddie Noton studies Italian and English Literature at the University of Edinburgh.
Illustration by Holly Overs (Instagram: @heovers)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I really loved the magazine and was especially inspired by the attention to detail and care taken for each article – especially the artwork. I wanted to join Edi so that I could dedicate time to my passion for writing and publishing, not only focus on academic work: I hope to remind and encourage other ambitious writers to nurture their creativity.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Although the list is virtually endless and constantly changing, I have found Toni Morrison a particularly inspirational figure, certainly in her writing which uncovers unwelcome but necessary truths. Another writer (and one I highly recommend) is Mary Shelley. Her writing is not only fascinating, but also beautifully crafted and constructed. Other iconic individuals - and not limited to writers – include Louis Theroux, who’s journalistic talents fascinate me; Emma Watson’s spirit in her feminist activism; Michelle Obama, David Attenborough and countless more.
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Most recently, I read the novel Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo and was incredibly moved by its linguistic power: it somehow establishes a sense of familial unity and warmth through the amalgamation of characters. Another piece is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Having already mentioned my admiration for Shelley, this book is potent in its ability to readjust our perspectives on identity and evoke empathy for characters with whom we may share little connection. At the moment, I am listening to Louis Theroux’s podcast ‘Grounded’ on the BBC. He has a clever ability to remove the glamorous, celebrity nature of his guests and elicit human responses. I would recommend the podcast with Helena Bonham Carter and Rose McGowan.
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
My favourite article on the website is called ‘Why self-care can change the world’ by Bethany Bottomley, which is incredibly topical, especially in the current troubled times. It details the differences between taking care of yourself physically and mentally, aspects which society often misconstrue as the same, pointing to the fundamental flaws in our dealing with mental health which line our society.
SURVIVAL GUIDE EDITOR
Clara Sablitzky studies French and German at the University of Edinburgh.
Illustration by Greer Watson (Instagram: @geedoodle_illustration)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I wanted to be part of a project highlighting everything that people love about Edinburgh, as well as something that people can learn from. I love the collaborative aspect of the magazine – it feels so personal and inclusive, which is something I think people need right now.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
I’m not the first person to call Florence Given a powerhouse and I’m sure I won’t be the last. My uni room is covered in her artwork and I am obsessed with her book. She’s just such an icon I could go on all day about her. An inspiration for women, for sure.
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
My favourite podcast of all time is DoGoOn, an Australian comedy show where they report on a different topic each week. It never fails to make me cry with laughter, all while learning at the same time, what more could you want? I’ve even seen them live at The Three Sisters - the best night ever!
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
Lucien Staddon Foster’s article, Pollock and Prejudice, is a funny yet incredibly important article. It is well researched, with good use of cited sources to illustrate his eloquent points regarding the clear inequality prevalent at the University. It is explorative yet retains a clear direction and message which causes the reader to closely consider the content and evaluate their own University experience in contrast to Lucien’s, which we are convinced we must do in order to generate effective change.
VOICES EDITORS
Kate Charlton studies English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. She is also our IN FOCUS editor.
Illustration by Paola Lindo (Instagram: @paolxta)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I was excited when I saw the ethos of equality, diversity and inclusivity for the magazine, as I think in this political and social climate it’s so important for there to be a safe space in order to learn and share ideas and opinions. Paired with the added focus on Edinburgh in particular, to wider social commentaries, the magazine made me want to be a part of something I was really impressed and encouraged by.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
At the moment it has to be Florence Given! Her book was life changing - her ideas about independence and respecting other womxn instead of tearing them down really resonated with me - the fact she isn’t scared to call us out and make us uncomfortable so we have to confront our biases is inspirational!
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Vagina: A Re-Education by Lynn Enright - this book turned what I thought I knew about my body and sex education on its head - equal sex education in schools is important to me as I don’t believe I benefited from this in school. Enright’s book confronts taboos surrounding sexual health as well as tackling wider issues such as period poverty, FGM and trans rights - would definitely recommend!
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
Lucien’s ‘Pollock and Prejudice’ article - I loved how the article confronted me with the need to address my own privilege and bias regarding race so close to home. Even though it shouldn’t have taken this long, engaging in discussions regarding racial prejudice is extremely important and this article highlights it so succinctly in relation to our University in particular.
Pranavi Hiremath studies Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh.
Illustration by Emily Beth (Instagram: @art_ebd)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I found the Edi magazine to be unique in the way it puts out opinions and addresses important topics. The coming together of art and beautiful writing was inspiring.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Malala Yousafzai
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Extinction by David Attenborough
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
‘Local meat or less meat?’ - I am a vegetarian. I think the article is interesting and is very informative especially for anyone considering to switch to vegetarianism or veganism. The article covers how we must support farmers, how we are causing harm to not only animals but the environment as well and I strongly believe that more people should know about this.
TRENDING EDITORS
Kirsty Thomson studies English Literature and History at the University of Edinburgh. She is our TRENDING: LOCAL editor.
Illustration by Holly Overs (Instagram: @heovers)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
Most importantly I wanted to join the Edi not only because Edinburgh is my hometown and I’m interested about what goes on here but also because I’m very passionate about spreading awareness and shedding light on issues people perhaps might not have heard of, giving different perspectives and generally making ‘news’ something accessible to everyone.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Recently I’ve been very inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez but she’s on a list of so many others.
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Yikes podcast! It’s co hosted by the magnificent Mikaela Loach who is another massive inspiration of mine.
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
My favourite article to date was one looking at body image and fantasy vs reality, 'Are we losing our Touch-Up with Reality?'. I’ve always been very conscious of the way I want people to see me and my body and have been really ill with it before. The article for me was very sobering and kind of a relief to read. I’d always known that things like photoshop are used everywhere but I remember thinking she illustrated it really well.
Amy Houghton studies English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. She is our TRENDING: POLITICS editor.
Illustration by Annie Whiteson (Instagram: @artimitatesmeme)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I wanted to join the EDI because it has such a solid ethos. As a reader, it is what I would personally look for in any publication, student-run or not! It values creativity in all forms whilst also refusing to shy away from important social and political topics, and I'm so excited to be involved!
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Without wanting to sound too cheesy, I'm genuinely inspired by my friends daily. They have such a deep care for others and are striving to incorporate that as much as possible in their future careers. It's been amazing to watch them grow through uni and they inspire me to never compromise on my aspirations.
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half A Yellow Sun had a big impact on me. I read it whilst I was still in school and it was the first thing to really kick me out of my Eurocentric bubble. It also guided me towards Adichie's other incredible work which similarly has had a huge impact in shaping my understanding of race, feminism, and the importance of diversity in literature!
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
'Pollock and Prejudice' was the article that brought The EDI to my attention. It's a perspective that is so important in localising the recent worldwide discussions about Black Lives Matter and exposing the issues much closer to home. It is so elegantly written and entirely unapologetic in its confrontation!
Kirsten Provan studies a Creative Writing MSc at the University of Edinburgh. She is our TRENDING: CULTURE editor.
Illustration by Morven Daly (Instagram: @ulfrbarni)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I was instantly drawn to the EDI when I first came across it. I love that it’s a student-led magazine; it feels like a really special, creative platform with a great community behind it. I’m so excited to be a part of something that champions diversity and inclusivity - I’m so passionate about both and consider myself very lucky to be a contributing voice.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
For me, I’m incredibly inspired by the author N. K. Jemisin. She writes particularly about oppression and cultural conflict, typically in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Not only is her writing amazing and something I would recommend to absolutely everyone, but she feels to me like one of the most important voices in fiction right now.
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James. Marlon James is (if I had to pick) my favourite author. I just think he’s astounding. I read The Book of Night Women in June 2020 and I’ve probably thought about it at least once every day since. It’s so affecting and all-consuming. His prose is beautifully lyrical and his characters truly come alive on the page. I highly recommend everything James has ever written.
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
My favourite article currently on the website is ‘The Propaganda Pill and Why You Shouldn’t Swallow It’. Documentaries are not things I often seek out so I found it really interesting to read Frances Roberts’ take on Amazon’s ‘The Red Pill’. Both the conversational tone and the intrigue of the topic made it a particularly significant read for me.
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ARTISTIC COORDINATORS TEAM
Rachel Watkins studies Economics and Politics at the University of Edinburgh. She is our ARTISTIC COORDINATOR: SOCIAL MEDIA.
Illustration by Paola Lindo (Instagram: @paolxta)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
What initially drew me to the EDI magazine was the artwork that is done to go alongside articles - you can see how much time and effort goes into each piece, and I think the writers really appreciate that. I wanted to join as being part of a project like this, especially since it is so Edinburgh related, gives you a sense of connection outside of University and your social circle, which I think particularly important at the moment.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Grace Blakeley is very inspiring to me. She is an economist, political commentator and author with a great left-wing perspective on rethinking our economic system and how a democratic socialist approach could help us avoid another financial crisis and tackle the climate catastrophe we are facing.
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Recently I have been listening to the Bobo and Flex podcast and I cannot recommend it enough! It is all about intersectional feminism and contemporary debates, but the hosts are also hilarious and so engaging.
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
My favourite article is ‘The Past, Present and Future of Porn...’ as it provided an insightful perspective on a topic that I feel is not openly spoken about enough. As a feminist, I have always taken the stance that sex work is a patriarchal construct which is imposed on vulnerable women. However, this article made me think more about the value of making the work safer and providing a space where people can have power over their jobs and their bodies at the same time.
Fabiana Duglio studies History and History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. She is our ARTISTIC COORDINATOR: CONTENT.
Illustration by Holly Overs (Instagram: @heovers)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
I like the idea of creating a community by students for students that the magazine offers and is trying to effectively build. I became part of the art coordinating team as to build a network between students of all fields and art students as to increase artistic and intellectual stimulation as well as provide a platform for visibility which is so demanding in today’s art world.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Regina Jose Galindo and Ferzan Özpetek
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
The shows My Brilliant Friend and Midnight Gospel
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
The Past, Present and Future of Porn
Chloe Lawson studies History at the University of Edinburgh. She is our ARTISTIC COORDINATOR: EVENTS AND OUTREACH.
Illustration by Annie Whiteson (Instagram: @artimitatesmeme)
1. Why did you want to join the magazine?
The magazine is so unique compared to other student/university magazines and it was something I wanted to be a part of. Also, having been a supporter since the beginning, I was very keen to be a part of the team.
2. Who do you find inspiring?
Dolly Alderton- author of one of my favourite books (see below!)
3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you?
Dolly Alderton’s ‘Everything I Know About Love’- the best book I’ve read in the last year, a very realistic and unrealised window into modern day pressures. Highly recommended!
4. What is your favourite article on the site?
‘Are we losing our touch up with reality?' - I, among the majority of others, am vulnerable to knocks to self-esteem when scrolling through social media. The debates mentioned in this article surrounding the use of photoshop and whether its use should be made known on social media posts were therefore issues that struck a chord with me and I’m sure many others.
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