ETO: Birth Of A Magazine

For writers a new magazine dedicated to fiction is always an exciting event. At the very least it provides another avenue to explore, another possible showcase for our talents. Often however, as with the ETO, the opportunities fall within a specific niche or genre. ETO is primarily Ceri Shaw’s and Gaabriel Becket’s baby. It is the realisation of a long cherished dream of providing a platform for established and emerging Welsh writers the world over. When Ceri moved from Cardiff to Portland, Oregon, he was dismayed to discover how little Americans actually knew about Wales. To help rectify the situation Ceri and Gaabi created Americymru.net, a global social site for Welsh people. It has been a huge success. We hope Eto proves equally successful. I was delighted when Ceri offered me the opportunity to become their partner in Wales. My blog has always been designed at supporting and encouraging aspiring writers the world over. Any opportunity to help further that objective was seized upon eagerly.  “Great, but what’s in it for me?” I hear most of you say. “We’re not Welsh!” No, but my ongoing experience gained with Eto will help me advise others how to set up and launch their own magazines. For example among my 4,000+ Twitter followers there are a very large number whose genre is Science Fiction. It is now possible for individuals to set up a magazine and make it available in digital and hard copy thanks to Amazon and Amazon’s publishing arm Create Space. Other options like Smashwords and Lightning Source are also available. Why not a new Sci Fi and Fantasy magazine?  In future posts I will be showing you how it can be done. For now I would ask as many as you as can to support our new baby and help it grow. So, what can you expect to find in the first edition of Eto?
	When The Yoghurts Run Dry by Phil Rowlands Passion, cannibalism, zombies, jealousy and heroism all within the confines of a malfunctioning lift!
	Elgin Evans and The Summer of Love by Lloyd Jones Lauded by critics but not yet receiving the universal acclaim his writing merits. Elgin Evans will undoubtedly win him more fans and acclaim.
	Number Forty by Jude Johnson A smooth and stylish blend of crime and love.
	After Damnation We Continue To Dream, Briar Times, Guerilla by Paul Steffan Jones It is no exaggeration that Paul Steffan Jones appears destined to inherit the mantle as one of Wales' truly outstanding poets.
	Wedded Bliss by Jean Mead If you like your stories with a wicked twist in the tail then Jean has served up the perfect cocktail.
	Miner's Fortnight by Glyn Scott An evokative, humourus and poignant reminder of bygone days. I loved it! An unmissable read for those of my generation.
	Bus-Station Clinic by Mike Jenkins A contemporary tale woven with pathos and humour. Mike holds up a mirror to our times. Quite brilliant!
	The Diplomats of Refusal by Saul Hughes A cautionary and timely story that confronts one of the most emotive issues of our day.Fox Thoughts, And People Make Love in Nantyglo, Chip Shop, Ebbw Vale poems by Saul Hughes More examples of Saul's versatility and undoubted talent.
	Aston Villa Baby and Terramundi by Thomas Morris Thomas is definitely a rising talent. Quirky humour, sharp dialogue and a risque storyline prove a compulsive mix.
	All For The Best by Gaynor Madoc Leonard Only you can decide whether the events surrounding Edgar are indeed, all for the best!
	Pests by Gaabriel Becket Echoes of The Birds in this vision, or should I say nightmare, of an agricultural future fraught with peril.
	Take Any Shape But That by Chris Keil A dark tale from the acclaimed author of Flirting At The Funeral.
	My Fellow Americymros by John Good John Good provides a masterly, informative and highly engaging account of the deep roots that exist between America and Wales. Thoroughly educational, thoroughly entertaining.