We talk to Cristi Watson, literature student and PublishED’s Head of Design. Cristi Watson is a final year student of English Literature.She’s been involved in the University’s publishing society, PublishED, since her first year and is now Head of Design for its bi-annual literature magazine, The Inkwell.Originally from Dunfermline in Fife, Cristi commuted to Edinburgh for her first three years of study. In part, she joined the society to meet other students with similar interests.She tells us how the decision competely re-shaped her experience of university and about her "dream role" on the magazine. Cristi in George Square Gardens on the University's Central Area campus Finding friends... and new skills “Becoming a member of the publishing society changed my experience entirely”, says Cristi, when talking about life as a commuter student. From having little opportunity to meet peers beyond the classroom, she was able to find a creative community through PublishED’s events with publishers and book-themed pub quizzes.“Going into fourth year, I joined the committee, and became Head of Design for The Inkwell. As someone who has always been equally passionate about art as I have literature, this was a dream role.”“Putting together the magazine has allowed me to foster skills in graphic design I wouldn’t have gained from my degree alone, and has been a brilliant creative outlet during my final year.” The insight any role on the committee allows you to gain in the publication process is invaluable. As many others on an English Literature programme likely are, I am interested in moving into publishing, and seeing the inner working of the magazine's production has helped to demystify that process. Cristi Watson Year 4, English Literature MA Hons; PublishED committee member A shared love of creative writing While many PublishED members study literature, the society is open to students across the University. Cristi describes it as a way of “bonding through a shared love of creative writing”. The Inkwell is published each semester and lots of the society’s activities are about helping members to develop their submissions for the magazine, which are then reviewed by its editorial committee. “This year particularly” Cristi says “our wonderful president Malika has encouraged regular writing workshops, in which members can work on and receive peer feedback for their submissions. The prose and poetry that they’ve created has been astounding, which can make the selection process incredibly difficult!”“When each writer read their piece aloud at last semester’s launch party, I felt so proud to have contributed to bringing their talent together.” Celebrating a literary legacy Edinburgh has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Literature – as marked by the University’s Writer in Residence, and the city’s Makar, Michael Pedersen in his poem ‘Be more’.Speaking about the publishing society’s recent Q&A with Pederson, Cristi says “Not only is he a brilliant writer, but his encouragement of student creativity and the connections he is fostering to the current literary scene are really exciting.” Talking more about studying literature here, Cristi remarks “the English Literature programme is highly aware of the city’s literary legacy, through which I've learned so much about Edinburgh's past. In the present, Edinburgh University still prides itself on its literary connections.” “There is so much on offer for literature students beyond just classes. Whether it’s with The Inkwell, or any of the University’s other remarkable publications, I’d encourage everyone to get involved as much as you possibly can.” The Spring/Summer 2025 edition of The Inkwell, on the theme of Reprise, launches on Wednesday 7 May 2025. The launch event at 7pm at the Argyle and Cellar Bar, EH9 will feature readings from the student writers. No need to book - just pay at the door. Visit PublishED's website - The Inkwell Are you interested in studying literature at Edinburgh? We have a wide range of undergraduate programmes in English and Scottish Literature. We also offer taught and research-led postgraduate programmes, including a masters in Creative Writing focusing on either poetry or prose. Opportunities to publish include The Inkwell, the Edinburgh Student Literary Journal, and FORUM (for postgraduate students). Find out more about studying literature at Edinburgh More news and features Read more about student life at LLCRead more stories from English and Scottish Literature Tags English and Scottish Literature Life at LLC Undergraduate Publication date 14 Apr, 2025
