Autumn 2025

---

---

Editors

---

Fiction Contributors

---

Visual Art Contributors

---

Nonfiction Contributors

---

Drama Contributors

As I write this 20th editor’s letter, many emotions overwhelm me. I am sorry to say that it will be my last issue with Spellbinder, but overjoyed to announce that this publication will continue under the new joint leadership of Effy and Tatianna, two extremely talented editors, who joined the team as volunteers some time ago. 

I founded this publication five years ago with three special friends who all retired from their roles long before now; these were Linda, who went on to manage the publication alongside me for over four years, as well as Michael and Anubhuti, who are still close friends of mine. We had all met at the Durham University Creative Writing Society, which I had been the president of in the academic year of 2018 to 2019, and we were thrilled when our mutual passion for literature and art could be utilised to create a platform for emerging creatives, just like ourselves, in 2020. 

By January 2021, we had published our first issue and expanded our team. Over time, 29 different people have volunteered at Spellbinder, all remaining with the publication for various lengths of time; seven of these volunteers will continue to run the publication after I retire. Our amazing volunteers have been based in the following countries: the UK, the US, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and India; and have all generously devoted their time to providing this literary and artistic platform for our followers and contributors, whilst simultaneously pursuing their own careers, studies and commitments. I am truly thankful for the efforts of all of these other 28 individuals; they have made the experience enlightening, inspiring and enjoyable for me. Whilst departing Spellbinder is the right thing for me to do at this point in my career, I am sad to leave behind something which has been so central to my life for so long; whilst I have lived in four different cities and worked in three different jobs during the last five years, Spellbinder, and its incredible network of supporters, subscribers and submitters, has been one of the only constants during this time, which I have been extremely grateful for.

Over time, Spellbinder has become, not just a quarterly paperback and digital publication, but a newsletter and a community space called ‘Creative Conversations’, which includes our blog and podcast. We also host online spoken word and anniversary party events, run competitions via social media, release an annual Christmas calendar, and sell our own merchandise via Red Bubble. 

Moreover, as many of you will know, every October, we mark each anniversary of the publication by posting a Reflections page on our website with all of the statistics and key dates from the previous year. As this is my last issue, I wanted to share a lifetime to date Reflections page inside the publication for you all to see what has been achieved in the space of five years. Look out for this in a few page’s time!

To conclude this editor’s letter, I am including a message from almost everyone who has volunteered at Spellbinder at some point in its history. I asked each volunteer what the publication had meant to them during their time on the team and this is how they each responded. 

FOUNDERS

Linda

Nonfiction Editor, Art Editor and Co-founder

October 2020 – December 2024

Spellbinder was such a big passion project of mine for a while and working with Amber, my co-founder, and the other talented volunteers was always a joy and an honour. Here are just a few key moments that made the Spellbinder experience so rewarding: designing the cover and hearing what the rest of the team thought about it was delightful; contributors saying that we’d really captured the essence of their work with our edits was heart-warming; and finally, editing the nonfiction section reminded me of how powerful it can be to share our challenging experiences. Cheers to the 20th issue!

Michael

Fiction Editor, Associate General Editor and Co-founder

October 2020 – Winter 2022

Spellbinder started as a vague desire shared by fellows from the Durham Creative Writing Society to create something, perhaps a way to continue joyful times together after which we would inevitably separate. That same vagueness rolls into this present – a spirited thing; that it continues is proof, proof of the generosity in organising, the boundlessness of writing and that ever simple love of reading. That my dear friend Amber and myriad passionates have shared their time with us demonstrates to me that, at its core, literature holds the possibility of inviting connection and giving in abundance, and what is literature but a moment of us?

Anubhuti

Associate General Editor and Co-founder

October 2020 – Summer 2021 

My months with Spellbinder were special. It started with four of us, friends from Durham University, and we decided to take on this project together. I learned what goes into creating a publication – calling for submissions, editing, and making selection choices. The highlight was reading writing from people all over the world. Amber was a wonderful lead who made Spellbinder happen. I’m proud of where it went, and grateful I got to be part of it!

FORMER VOLUNTEERS (in order of departure)

Emily

Drama Editor

Spring 2021 – Summer 2021 

Shrishti

Associate General Editor

Summer 2021 – Winter 2022

Jess

Fiction Editor

Summer 2021 – Summer 2022 

Working at Spellbinder was an incredible experience. It was a community of people who were, and still are, genuinely passionate about a variety of literature. It is inspiring to see it progress the way it has.

Adrija

Associate General Editor

Summer 2021 – Autumn 2022 

Shruba

Poetry Editor and Associate General Editor

Summer 2021 – Winter 2023

I remember joining Spellbinder in 2021 when it had just published three issues. Although we were still a small team, there was no shortage of enthusiasm. As I look back on those days, what stands out are the last few weeks before each publication cycle. It was always a flurry of activities; we would have animated discussions about short-listed submissions, and despite our different time zones, Amber made sure we never compromised on our reading or evaluating process, organising team meetings while keeping in mind everyone’s availability. During my time as a Poetry Editor, I enjoyed reading multiple submissions from all over the world, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity it presented.

Chelsey

Associate General Editor

Winter 2023 – Spring 2023

Ned

Fiction Editor

Winter 2022 – Winter 2024

Spellbinder has done an amazing job in giving new writing a platform where it is shared and appreciated. I know first-hand how much consideration and effort went into the reading of submissions at Spellbinder and can recall many hours spent debating which pieces should be published, as well as all the time spent editing, proofreading and making the publication as good as it could possibly be. That this is all done on a volunteer basis is testament to the love those involved with Spellbinder have for literature and for championing new writing.

Bruna

Fiction Editor

Summer 2021 – Spring 2024 

What made working with Spellbinder so unique was how such a diverse, international array of editors and creatives could come together and create a homely, intimate, and friendly community. Team meetings were much more than just meetings – they were a chance to see what other creative minds were thinking, spanning multiple time zones and practices. What’s more, we bonded over our love for literature, drama and art. Those are the things that brought us together; those are the things that will continue to bring people together. Thank you Amber and Spellbinder for being not just a publication, but a community.

Kate

Art Editor

Winter 2021 – Summer 2024 

It was a joy and a pleasure to be part of the Spellbinder team for several years. Having the privilege of reading the poetry and non-fiction submissions, and viewing the art submissions, whether they were published or not, is probably my fondest and most memorable experience in this role. It felt like a little step into each of the contributor’s worlds, and I want to say thank you to those submitters for allowing me to witness their personal and creative expressions. I hope they all continue to write and create, whether that be for personal enjoyment, or publication. I’ve also been fortunate to have the opportunity to know, and work with wonderful individuals across the world in collaboration to produce new issues of Spellbinder each quarter. It is a special experience to work towards a shared vision with people you would not have naturally crossed paths with, and to my fellow editors and colleagues, I respect you all immensely.

Tod

Fiction Editor

Spring 2023 – Summer 2024 

Working with Spellbinder was such a great experience. I’d just completed my Masters and wanted to break into publishing, but was lacking the necessary experience. The Spellbinder team took me in and welcomed me, showed me the ropes, introduced me to some wonderful people and brilliant writing, and – fast-forward to today – I’m now working in academic publishing! Amber and Linda were brilliant mentors. Patient and kind, empathetic and organised, they showcased all that was right with the publishing world, and created an outlet for the creativity of hundreds of unique minds. It was both an honour and a pleasure.

Lindsay

Social Media Content Creator

Winter 2024 – Summer 2024

During my time at Spellbinder, I created a variety of social media posts to promote the publication and its issues, alongside Pip and Linda. It was a rewarding experience to help amplify a publication I truly believed in within the wider publishing world. As a former editor myself, I understand the immense effort required to produce a publication as polished and well-rounded as Spellbinder. It’s the result of many individuals contributing their time and talent. I’m grateful to have been part of such a dedicated team and a truly beautiful publication.

Keelan

Associate General Editor

Winter 2023 – Autumn 2024 

The world can be a little overwhelming for creative minds, and supportive community-driven projects like Spellbinder are hard to come by. It was a whole new experience to be welcomed into a space in which contributions were wholly appreciated without harsh judgment, and one in which a genuine passion for generative community spirit ignited without the expectation of some favour in return. I would like to thank the team at Spellbinder, Amber in particular, for creating something truly magical with such dedication!

Lara

Drama Editor

Winter 2023 – Autumn 2024

Spellbinder was the first literary publication that caught my attention, and that introduced me to the world of publishing and publications. I know that sounds a little cheesy, but I mean it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Drama Editor reading works from so many different and creative people, and working alongside some incredibly amazing and passionate people. I have learnt so much and I loved every minute of it.

Pip

Social Media Content Creator

Winter 2024 – Winter 2025

Spellbinder is a space for many people to share the art that they enjoy. Often, these small publications are overlooked, despite being at the heart of the publishing community. Spellbinder was my introduction to publishing, working alongside an international group of people who shared the same interest. It taught me how to market a publication and brainstorm ideas, as well as how to work as a team, a skill that I will continue to thank the publication for. Furthermore, it was fulfilling to help people achieve recognition for their creations. My time with Spellbinder will always stay with me.

Emmett

Associate Poetry Editor

Autumn 2023 – Summer 2025

Volunteering for Spellbinder was an incredible experience. Not only did I get the pleasure of collaborating with the loveliest, most dedicated team I could have imagined, and picking up practical skills (looking at you WordPress) that will likely come in handy for many years to come, but I also learned to trust in my own subjectivity and capability to make decisions and bring ideas to life. The gift of this confidence is one I will treasure for the rest of my life – thank you Amber and the entire Spellbinder team, past and present.

Doriana

Poetry Editor

Summer 2021 – Autumn 2025

My time at Spellbinder has been an irreplaceable collaborative experience; it has not only refined my curatorial sensibilities but exposed me to fantastically talented and eclectic creatives globally. Spellbinder is, first and foremost, an inclusive platform amongst the rigidity of formal publishing, and will always have a special place in my heart. From the start of my involvement four years ago, we have tripled our following and broadened our demographic which truly encourages me that Spellbinder will remain a safe and desirable place for creative voices to flourish. I’ve had some of the most productive editorial conversations of my career with this team and will always believe in their diverse expertise and empathetic approach.

Hamsa

Art Editor and Associate Poetry Editor

Autumn 2023 – Autumn 2025

Through art and literature, not only does Spellbinder show how there can be unity through different voices of expression, Spellbinder gives us a moral compass for how we should strive to uplift one another in our journey of life by honoring the past that evolved us for the better and allowing where we see ourselves in the present as an opportunity to collaborate with the light around us. I’ve been incredibly grateful to be a part of this publication and happy to have worked alongside many dedicated and passionate individuals on the team.

Ellie

Fiction Editor

Summer 2024 – Autumn 2025

Spellbinder and the community behind it are such important people to me. The community’s ability to draw in these wonderful individuals is proof that regardless of how lonely the creative industry may feel when starting out, there are people who exist who want to support and nurture your talent. My primary reason for joining Spellbinder was to become that supportive voice and help bridge the gap between a writer and their first published piece. I cannot thank Amber enough for seeing the potential in all of us and building Spellbinder into what it is now.

REMAINING TEAM

Tatianna

Drama Editor

Winter 2025 – continuing

Spellbinder was the very first place to publish me, so to say that it holds a special place in my heart is a bit of an understatement. And now, after joining the team, I’ve continued to find nothing but joy here. That’s because Spellbinder is a place full of craft: whether it be crafting the best issues we can, crafting engaging blog posts, or contributors crafting stunning pieces of work, this publication is brimming with it. It’s an honor to be a part of Spellbinder’s growth, and it’ll be an honor to continue with it. Here’s to 20 issues full of literary goodness!

Effy

Designer and Associate Drama Editor

Spring 2025 – continuing

What stays with me about Spellbinder is its quiet belief in writers. There’s no rush to explain, no pressure to impress, just a space where language is allowed to mean something. The publication holds room for uncertainty, for work that resists polish in favour of truth. Being part of the team has reminded me that writing is not about arrival, but about reaching towards clarity and connection. Spellbinder gives that reaching a place to land, without demanding it be complete. That feels rare, and necessary. A massive thank you to Amber and the team for allowing me to be part of this.

Ashlynn

Fiction Editor

Spring 2023 – continuing

Becoming a part of the Spellbinder team was a means to an end – to lose myself in the familiar, humbling routine of working through my writing, an easy distraction from my struggles. As I look back on the years since, on who I’ve grown into today, it has become apparent that Spellbinder can no longer be the escape I once needed, because it is now the home I want. This publication has provided the space, dignity, and challenge I needed to test myself as a writer; and, in that discovery, I’ve no doubt become a more proficient, explorative, and hungry artist, as much as I’ve become someone fiercer, livelier, and a lot more spirited, thanks to the phenomenal team that has supported Spellbinder through the years. Without my fellow editors, managers, and designers, my journey would be barren of the kindness, resilience, and hope they have poured into this community. Without them, Spellbinder is just a name. And so, I am very proud and honoured to have shared this experience with them, and to see just how much work we’ve done for ourselves, for each other, and for the community in general. We have come together from all across the world, beacons of different histories and passions, to fulfil the one core truth that we all yearn for in this creative space: for our stories to never die. Thank you Spellbinder, for carrying my story forward, and for the second-chance of a lifetime.

Maggie

Marketing Executive

Autumn 2023 – continuing

My time with Spellbinder has been such an engaging and rewarding experience. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to work with everyone and to get to promote Spellbinder in our marketing campaigns and newsletters. It has been a joy to be part of such a thoughtful and creative community that values collaboration and powerful storytelling. It has been so fulfilling to work on the newsletter and share the team’s efforts with our growing community. I’m looking forward to seeing how Spellbinder continues to grow!

Zach

Associate Fiction Editor

Summer 2024 – continuing

To me, Spellbinder is more than just a literary journal. I’ve had the opportunity to meet numerous people globally and read submissions from all across the world from writers at all stages in their creative journey. It has been very unique to become part of this team and be welcomed so graciously.

Miriam

Associate Nonfiction Editor

Winter 2025 – continuing

Since joining Spellbinder, I have realised just how fulfilling and exciting being part of an editing team is. As Associate Nonfiction Editor, I have collaborated with numerous members of the group; sharing insights and opinions is certainly one of the highlights of my time here. My appreciation of nonfiction work has also definitely increased after having read so many fascinating and often poignant submissions covering a whole range of topics. I look forward to working with Spellbinder in the future, and can’t wait to read more submissions!

Yuyi

Social Media Manager, Nonfiction Editor and Art Editor

Spring 2025 – continuing

I still remember how I started this year bouncing with an email from Amber on January 1st. As a writer, I was absolutely thrilled to be offered an opportunity to experience the other side of publishing, not to mention at a literary publication I was previously published in! In my short time here, I have already learned so many precious skills which are now stepping stones for future literary projects, including my own upcoming literary publication Nighthawk Star. I hope that Spellbinder continues to prosper with the remainder of us and will do my best to support its growth.

*

Having read these generous words, I will conclude with a few of my own. None of this would have been possible without the people listed above and so I am indebted to all of them for challenging me to think in new ways, for supporting me when I needed it most, and for helping me to grow as a leader. When I was elected as Editor-in-Chief and Spellbinder was first launched, I had no idea how much I would learn from undertaking this responsibility and I had no sense yet of how much of a privilege it would be to fulfil this position for half a decade. What I have learnt over this time is that leaders are most successful when they value the members of their team, and when they work hard to empower each individual ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to flourish, express themselves, and feel indispensable within a community. This is the leader I have tried to be and it has been an absolute pleasure to have worked alongside so many talented and passionate people from across the globe. I have every faith in Tatianna and Effy that they will be inspiring leaders for Spellbinder’s next era and I wish the entire remaining team every success for Spellbinder’s continuation. Lastly, I would like to thank all of our readers, writers and artists; your engagement with Spellbinder has transformed it into the international, diverse, and high-quality publication it is today. 

Imagining the possibilities for an inclusive and diverse creative community was how Spellbinder began and belief in this is how the publication has continued to thrive; thus, it is the power of imagination that I wish to celebrate now as I leave Spellbinder in new hands. The imagination is an endless realm of possibility; it is universal, and it is a gift for our species. Let us all continue to use it with the same enthusiasm, generosity and kindness displayed by all of those who have been part of the Spellbinder community in any shape or form over the last five years. 

With love and passion,

Amber

Editor-in-Chief, Poetry Editor, Associate Art Editor and Co-founderOctober 2020 – Autumn 2025

---

We have created a playlist inspired by the Summer 2025 Issue. Feel free to play it while reading:

Poetry shortlist – Summer 2025

Kate Hill-Charalambides	No-Man’s-Land
J.A. Lau	things to ask
Shrishti Khanna	Thank you for stopping by
Anna Maughan	Timeless

---