Liminal Press: A Community for Writers
Writing can often feel like a solitary journey. Many aspiring writers find themselves struggling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, writer's block and the task of honing their craft and then editing their work.
Welcome to Liminal Press, a community for writers.
What is Liminal Press?
Liminal Press is a journal and community where writers can come together to share their experiences, gain feedback and inspire one another. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out we can offer an environment that encourages and supports creativity.
Why Join Liminal?
Sign up to Liminal Press and get all of the following. It is free to join! Additional paid-for options are available which give you access to a wider range of features and services and which help us to keep doing the work we do.
1. Get your work published
Liminal isn't just a community, it is an active and positive publishing outlet for aspiring and established writers.
Liminal in print
We publish two high quality, highly collectable issues of Liminal Press per year: one each in winter and summer. Each issue is curated around a theme with a strong aesthetic and conceptual identity. Submissions open twice per year throughout October and April and the journal is distributed to independent bookshops all over Wales and selected stockists in England.
Our first issue is titled HINTER and the submissions window is opening soon! Visit the submissions page for more information including our full guidelines.
Year round submissions
As well as our print journal we publish quality writing online throughout the year. Submissions remain open all year round and writers are invited to submit work relating in some way to the concept of liminality as discussed in this blog post. You will see that as a concept 'liminality' is incredibly broad in its reach.
We publish the strongest pieces online - up to five each month - with exceptional pieces being flagged for possible print inclusion.
Competitions
We also run two competitions each year. Each one revolves around a theme or format. We work with guest judges, with winners and runners-up winning cash prizes as well as publication both in print and online. Submissions windows open twice per year.
2. Access to resources
Liminal provides a wealth of resources tailored to writers of all levels. From articles about writing techniques, a newsletter and interviews with those in the know, to handy guides and recommended reading, you’ll find valuable information and inspiration to help you navigate your writing journey and to motivate you along the way.
3. Online and in-person workshops, courses and peer-reviews
Participating in workshops and courses is a fantastic way to enhance your skills and meet other writers. Liminal Press hosts regular one-off workshops as well as four week courses, both online and in-person, so you can join us wherever you are. Being based in Cardiff, it is anticipated that venue-based courses will be hosted here, but if you are interested in joining an in-person course in your area then let us know.
As well as this we offer peer-review sessions for small groups. This gives you access to an incredibly valuable resource and one which is essential for the developing writer.
4. Feedback and support
One of the most significant benefits of joining Liminal is the opportunity to receive feedback on your work. For a small fee writers can send their submissions to us and receive positive, constructive and detailed feedback.
Furthermore, if you have a work in progress that isn't ready to be submitted, or forms part of something that sits outside of a Liminal theme, then you can still send your draft and receive direct feedback. For more details see the submissions page.
5. Writing prompts, discussions and challenges
Setting goals is important for any writer but it can be hard to stay motivated. Liminal encourages momentum through setting writing challenges and group discussions as well as super-useful peer review sessions. All are optional of course. By sharing your goals with the community, you’ll find the motivation to stay on track and achieve your writing aspirations.
Also becoming a peer-reviewer gives you the opportunity to practise the skill of reviewing and editing other writers' work which becomes absolutely priceless when it comes to reviewing and editing your own. Likewise, being open to feedback is an incredibly important part of the writer's development. Peer reviewers are offered a checklist against which to review the work of their peers.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved with Liminal is easy. Here’s how you can start:
Join Us!
Joining us is quick, free and straightforward. By joining, you can keep up to date with key dates and submissions windows, course details and other news. We wont bombard you with spam or sell your details to any third parties, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Complete our form and send! That's it.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Liminal Experience
To fully benefit from your time with Liminal Press, consider these tips:
Be Open to Feedback
Receiving feedback can be challenging, but it’s essential for growth. Approach it with an open mind and use it to improve your writing if the feedback works for you.
Writing is a largely solitary pursuit and as writers we are often precious about our work, especially if we have invested a lot of time in it already. It is tempting to go it alone, confident in the knowledge that you write what you like and you like what you have written.
Equally, feedback is just that - feedback. It derives from a point of view. You don't have to use it but it might give you an alternative view; a reader's view. It may give you a nugget of advice that you can keep in your back pocket. You might choose to use all of it, bits and pieces or none at all. The very act of receiving or giving feedback might be more interesting to you than the feedback itself. Being open to the process is an essential part of the writer's journey and it can help you to hone your own editing skills. Getting published at all can require a series of drafts, re-writes and re-structuring.
Engage Regularly
The more you engage with the community, the more you will gain. Make it a habit to participate in discussions, attend workshops, peer reviews, courses and connect with other members. Join in our global walk and write which connects writers from all over the world.
Support Others
Liminal thrives on mutual support. Building relationships with your community will enhance your experience.
Stay Committed
Writing requires dedication. Stay committed to your craft and make the most of the resources and support available on this site.
Comments