Extension School instructor debuts online lit mag

Talking Writing, a monthly online literary magazine, has released its first issue. A group of professional writers and editors created the new publication to provide a forum for writers to share high-quality work and exchange ideas. “In a time of transformation for print publishers,” says Harvard Extension School instructor and Editor in Chief Martha Nichols, “we want to encourage talk about writing — one of the most creative, scary, nurturing, frustrating, difficult-to-pin-down endeavors around.”

Talking Writing features poetry, fiction, reviews, personal essays, visual art, and commentary about writing topics. It also provides space for writers to spread the word about book tours and publishing venues. Each issue of Talking Writing includes a series of blog posts that foster discussion about a specific theme, often exploring challenges that writers confront daily.

September’s theme, “Why We Blog: Authors, Trolls, and Thieves,” covers the joys and dilemmas bloggers encounter. The premier issue also features an excerpt from a novella in progress by Kelcey Parker, author of “For Sale By Owner,” a collection of stories forthcoming in February 2011, and poems by Jessica Greenbaum, author of “Inventing Difficulty.”

“As an increasing number of publications appear online, the editorial vision of magazines is more important than ever in supporting unique journalistic and creative voices,” says Nichols.

To read the magazine, visit Talking Writing.