A Letter from the Editor

December 21st, 2021

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Issue 33.

It is surprising to discover that our previous numbered issue was published exactly a year ago today. Since then, we have shared a number of special issues including our celebratory tenth anniversary edition and our Flâneuse issue. I must say that it was a rewarding experience to hand over the editorial reigns to the poet Julie Hogg, guest editor of the Flâneuse issue. Julie allowed readers to see StepAway through a new lens. Her vision, judgment and perspective helped shape a powerful and unique issue; compliments flooded in following publication. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for her work and dedication.

Issue 33 may not be themed, but it has a distinctly cosmopolitan heir. The issue opens and closes in Australia and wanders its way through (amongst other locations) Edinburgh and Exeter, Galway and Greece, by way of Denmark and Morocco. At a time when travel is once again restricted, reading this issue of StepAway feels like an act of escapism. Thank you to the talented line up of writers who allow us to break out and explore new territories through their words.

I’d also like to announce that one of those writers, Shaun Hill, published his debut collection, warm blooded things, earlier this month with Nine Arches Press. The book is full of wanders through the nocturnal city and will certainly be of great interest to StepAway readers.

Before stepping aside to allow the work of our writers speak for itself, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year from everyone here at StepAway Magazine. Here’s to the hope of better days ahead.

With the warmest of festive wishes,

Dr Darren Richard Carlaw

editor@stepawaymagazine.com