There is so much strife in the world at the moment it’s a relief to lose ourselves in the kind of escape only writing can provide. The latest issue delivers with an eclectic mix of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Starting off, however, we are proud to present an interview with brilliant Russian-Israeli memoirist and writing teacher, Lee Kofman. This far-reaching conversation excavates a fascinating life while digging deep into a couple of pertinent questions: what makes a writer and where does the impetus begin?

In non-fiction, Gary Grant cogitates on the queer aspects of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Kalliope X regular, David Roberts, contemplates Greek Weird Wave Cinema. If divergence is the theme in non-fiction, experimentation defines the fiction selections. New writers Erika Carreon and Daniel Juckes transport us to phantasmal worlds with imagistic pieces that play with linguistic boundaries.

The poetry continues to collect the nuanced voices and languages of Australian-based poets. The featured poet is acclaimed author, Michelle Cahill, taking us from Lamington National Park to Bill Gates TEDX with her riveting cadence. She is accompanied by Edward Caruso, Ivy Alvarez, Peter Lyssiotis, Vasilka Pateras, Es Foong and Anna Couani, with translations by Frixos Ioannides and Kit Kelen.

Rounding off the spring outing, award-winning novelist Sofie Laguna reveals her rather used and abused writing space in Among the Chaos. Please contact us if you would like to be featured in this regular column.

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Kalliope X