And with that, we draw Venue 2023-2024 to a close; what an experience it has been! First-year Sophie wouldn’t have pictured herself as the Books Section editor. She would have refused to write articles, let alone interview authors, create pitches for talented writers, and be brave enough to see her work in print. Becoming a section editor was my first experience in both writing and editing articles, I am a history student by nature, not a creative writer, which is comically evident in my early articles! I thank the readers who have witnessed my confidence grow, for your patience, and for sticking with me throughout.

I have had near-breakdowns to poor Millie and Tee over InDesign (thanks to my technological incontinence) which only a Unio brownie could fix. But what saw me through was everyone’s incredible work in print; holding my three orange pages, inky-figured from the press, filled with passion from writers across UEA. The writers are truly what made this section, and I thank you for embodying my vision for this section. My main thank you goes to Millie and Tee, who transformed the magazine this year, guided us, and led us to be shortlisted for a Student Publication Award. With a ticket to Bristol, I have made some incredible friends.

All I wish to say now is thank you, readers. We have a long glorious summer of reading to look forward to!

Image: Concrete/Innes Henry