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Editors Wanted

Daisy Lewis

If you follow us on Instagram (@thequacknewspaper), you may have noticed that we are currently looking for editors to join our team in September. If you are interested in writing, editing and website management then please email us, this is the role for you!

You don’t have to be an English or Creative Writing student to apply, the great thing about this voluntary position is that anybody can do it, you just have to have a passion for writing and an eye for detail.

This opportunity is ideal for somebody who would like some extra journalism experience, and don’t forget it would look great on your CV!

We meet bi-weekly for around an hour so no need to worry about it taking up a lot of your time or getting in the way of your studies. You will be expected to write for The Quack as well as proof-read submissions and schedule posts on the website but everything besides the writing will be done in our meetings.

If you would like more information, have any questions or are definite you would like to apply, please email us on thequacknewspaper@gmail.com. Additionally, please see our ‘Meet the Editors’ posts from last week where you can read more about what our roles involve.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

The Man and The Star

Sarah Hinks

He’s had enough.

Soon, the traffic that screams by on either side will be left behind- the grime of the city; the burning eyes scorched by screens; the ooze of sweat- all of it will be washed clean by the river. He parks up in his usual, quiet spot. It’s not much- little more than a pocket of woods that has been allowed to bloom in the midst of the city. It doesn’t matter. Walking into their muffled depths, leaving his car at the side of the road, all the human racket is left behind. He steps between tree trunks, shedding his suit jacket like a python bursting from rusted skin. He walks until the sun begins to sink down, scarlet, and then he settles himself on an earthy log, casting aside the leaves with his foot.

He opens his suitcase, and pulls out handfuls of bark, layering them all together in an upright pyramid, and then striking a match. The fire crackles to life, warding away the gentle dark with golden beauty. He sighs, and puts his feet up.

In his palm, he cradles a star that he found while walking through the woods. He hates it when people litter. As he begins to cook sausages on the campfire, the star’s glow caresses his face. He kicks off his shoes, and his soft feet scream at their release from the hard leather prisons. He turns to the star as it flickers. His campfire crackles, pining for his attention. The woods whisper back to the campfire to stop- the man has business to do.

The fire spits, twisting one of the logs in its depths. But the man does not look away from the star. He closes his eyes, but can still see its brilliance. He covers his ears, and the distractions are drowned out by the star’s song; clear and brilliant. He tells himself that he cannot let it go.

Far, far above, the open sky keens for its lost child. He opens his eyes, and starts to close his fingers, protectively, around the star- caging it with his fingers- but then he stops. The stars call to the man again; plaintive.

The wind sighs with him. Then, he uncurls his grip, and the star drifts away.

In the distance, his car alarm blares.

Basically Bobbi- Chapter Three

Rebecca Hodge

‘Basically Bobbi’ is a creative writing project written by Edge Hill student Rebecca Hodge. Please enjoy the first chapter and look forward to more as we delve into the world of Bobbi…

Dear Roberta Henry,

Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list! Expect to be first to know about our offers and deals with codes delivered straight to your inbox. As a thank you for signing up, here is an exclusive offer just for you!

Get any starter or desert for FREE when you buy any Main Meal via our Time To Eat! takeaway app with the code: MYSTARTDES

Hope to feed you soon,

Time To Eat!

That’s tea sorted for tonight after my first gym session! I route through my wardrobe, searching for something exercise appropriate before Will gets home from the station and freaks out about the lack of floor space.

I’m not sure I’ve told you that there’s two Bobbies living under this roof, have I? That is my favourite joke. Will cringes every time which makes it even better!

As much as it looks like the contents of my draws have been tossed about like pancakes, it’s an organised mess- much like my ‘naughty and nice nook’ behind the fridge; no relation to Christmas. Well not anymore anyway. It’s an all-year-round thing! Once you find the perfect spot by getting rid of a few unnecessary items, like, the iron, you might as well give the new nook a permanent use. I’m not one to waste space! I rummage around the top shelf of the wardrobe near the back of my trousersection and grab what feels like a pair of leggings.

“These will d-”

I look up and realise I’m tugging at a leg of a pair of bright orange tights.

“-oh! Not quite the look I’m going for!”

“And what look is that, ripple?” (‘Ripple’ is Will’s most recent nickname for me ever since he woke up to find melted flakes of the scrummy but oh so crumbly Galaxy treat all over the bed sheets two months ago.)

Will squeezes through the tight gap between the bedroom door and the pile of hoodies accidentally acting as a doorstop.

“I’m not exactly sure, Will, but have you ever seen me wear these?”

I’m trying to recall a time that I would have worn something so hideous- or a time in my life they would have been even remotely acceptable- and really hoping that my legs haven’tbeen seen dressed as two giant Wotsits.

“No, but my mother had a pair identi-“…

I let them ping back to their rightful, hidden position behind the jeans. They seem to be the closest thing I own to sports leggings, and apparently the mother-in-law’s attire! I should really have a sort out. Orange tights! Ew. I bend my knees and lower myself down to the floor slightly less smoothly than I was aiming for- getting some, what do they call it, ‘plank’, ‘squat’ practice in before my big gym session later!

When I first met Will he was in much better shape than I was, maybe he might have some old gym clothes in the back of his wardrobe from when he used to do parkour on Thursday nights with Jack in the old school building. I never could understand how he thought running and jumping over a few obstacles was a productive way to spend an evening when it meant missing out on The Great British Bake-off. Though I do remember thinking how trim and slightly, (dare I say) built Will looked at the alter in his navy tux- which did make walking up that dreaded aisle a tad bit easier. I shuffle a few feet over to the right towards his wardrobe…

“Don’t even think about it Bobbi.”

He hates me stealing his clothes. One time…

“ONE TIME WILL!”

… I tried on Will’s jumper that his Nan bought him for Christmas one year in the Marks and Spenser’s sale. Only she’s apparently never heard of Marks’ men’s range. He wasn’t too impressed with his salmon pink cable knit present…until months later I tried it on with my new jeans and spilt ketchup from my hotdog down the front, then, of course, he was devastated that his Christmas present from his beloved Nan was “ruined forever!” (That reminds me, we need more ketchup, we used the last of it on the cheese toasties for last night’s supper.) He hated the jumper in the first place and didn’t even bother trying it on for her- he came up with some petty excuse about having hurt his shoulder free running over a pommel horse thing with Jack, and pulling it on over his head would only aggravate it more.

I guess a trek into town seems necessary if making it to the gym in anything other than jeans or florescent carrot coloured tights is a requirement. Now what was it we needed from the shops? Ketchup, brown sauce, vinegar, prawn crackers (extra for tonight- the free bag they give you in the Chippy for spending over £20 never quite feels like enough between us), erm,strawberry laces and… mint matchsticks!

Five Female Crime Authors I Admire

George Appleton- Treasurer and Editor

Author: Agatha Christie

Image result for agatha christie the pale horse

My Personal favourite: The Pale Horse

Agatha Christie is the true Queen of crime fiction and is responsible for publishing over 60 crime novels as well as creating iconic sleuthing characters Miss Marple and Poirot. Even if you aren’t a fan of the genre you will have heard of Christie and her iconic works. Christie is able to craft such interesting and complex crimes using such ordinary people in quaint English settings. With so many novels and short stories, the world of Christie is large and there’s so much to choose from!

Author: Ruth Ware

My Personal favourite: The Woman in Cabin 10

Ruth Ware is probably my personal favourite author from the list and even though I only discovered her work a couple of years ago I am completely obsessed with her writing style. Having published five novels so far (with a sixth out later this year), Ware is famous for using isolated settings were the protagonists are unable to leave. With locations such as a cruise ship, a boarding school and a cabin in the woods, Ware creates tense settings and such interesting plots. Whenever I read a new Ruth Ware novel I always end up finishing it in one sitting because I always have to know what is going to happen next.

Author: Gillian Flynn

My Personal favourite: Sharp Objects

Flynn is probably best known for her 2012 novel Gone Girl but I actually discovered her through her other novels, which I much prefer. What I love about Flynn’s work is that she isn’t afraid to create unlikable female protagonists, some of her main characters are downright nasty but always incredibly complicated. She also crafts very bleak and hopeless settings that fit perfectly with her gruesome plots.

Author: Liane Moriarty

My Personal favourite: The Husband’s Secret

Moriarty is responsible for creating the wonder that was Big Little Lies but I have also fallen in love with her other novels as well. Whilst not as dark as some of the other authors on this list, Moriarty is able to create intrigue and mystery in seemingly nicer places like Suburban towns, Health Spas, beaches and islands. Her characters are always so interesting and complex and whilst her style isn’t necessarily murder mystery, she still always writes such page turning work.

Author: MC Beaton

Image result for agatha raisin love, lies and liquor

My Personal favourite: Love, Lies and Liquor: An Agatha Raisin mystery

The Agatha Raisin series is a personal favourite of mine when I still want to read a mystery but don’t want to be overloaded with gore or dark themes. Agatha Raisin is the perfect mix between Miss Marple and Bridget Jones and the series never fails to make me laugh. MC Beaton creates a ‘cosy crime’ mystery in a Cotswolds setting and has Agatha blunder through the murder, smoking and drinking until she eventually solves the crime.

Visitation – by Megan Scott

You visited in my sleep one night

Injected in a dream

An embrace between the space of memory

In a body of faces I didn’t know

I felt the same fear as in the hospital

a corridor perfumed by chemicals.

Your mother’s knees threatened to cave

lost on the longest

walkway.

Holding her like I wished to be held.

You looked so cold.

Wire buried

Bones.

filling your make-shift lungs

I couldn’t remember your eyes

as green or blue

yellowed by your nicotine.

You came to me in my sleep last night

strong again as you held me.

You told me everything was okay

you could breathe again.

Meet The Editors – Emily, Arts and Culture Sub Editor

Hello, I’m Emily. I am a third year English Literature student at Edge Hill. I am originally from Blackpool. I have a strong interest in reading, going to gigs and the theatre. I recently saw a production of Animal Farm and saw Jason Mansford perform in the murder-mystery comedy Curtains. Moreover, I run a blog on Instagram where I post original writing pieces and articles about my fortuitous escapades.

I joined The Quack because I have never worked collaboratively with other writers or been a part of a student magazine, so I was eager to experience something new. I also needed some more writing and editorial experience for my CV. My role at The Quack is Arts and Culture Sub Editor. As the Arts and Culture Sub Editor, I focus on local events, shows and gigs along with lifestyle ‘hacks’. Therefore, my writing usually includes reviews and easy lifestyle changes.

Q&A:

Do you have any Nicknames?

Emily is a very common name – in fact it was the most common girl’s name the year I was born -so I’ve always had nicknames. My housemates call me Curly because of my hair.

Where is your favourite place in Ormskirk?

My favourite bar in Ormskirk is Liquid, its nice and chilled and the staff are always lovely.

However, my go to place for lunch is Cobble – their oat milk lattes are heavenly.

What’s your go to meal deal?

My go to meal deal is plain cheese sandwich (it has been described as sadness in a sandwich many times). I fully aware it is a poor choice, but old habits die hard. This sadness sandwich is paired with either an apple bag or sweet chilli sensations and a bottle of orange juice.

What’s your favourite film?

My favourite film is Dead Poet’s Society. The 1989 film is a must see classic that will have you sobbing.

One piece of advice I’d give freshers:

Ignore the reputation Back Halls has. It is probably the most sociable halls. The Common Room makes it really easy to meet people and it is great for parties or Netflix binges. The small greenery outside is great in summer; just get yourself a speaker and a few drinks and it acts as your very own beer garden.

For more of my writing check out: https://quackehu.design.blog/2020/02/14/review-paul-sinha-hazy-little-thing-called-love/

Meet the Editors- George, Treasurer/Editor

Hi, I’m George. I am a third year Creative Writing student at Edge Hill and I come from St Helens. I am an avid reader and also love binge watching TV Shows, with a particular interest in the crime fiction and murder mystery genre. In addition to The Quack, I also run by own personal blog where I review books, films and TV Shows (find me at georgeapp137@wordpress.com). As a Creative Writing student I’m also trying to write my own murder mystery novel and would love one day to get published.

I decided to join The Quack because I wanted some editing experience and some more writing experience to put on my CV. I had worked for student magazines in the past and enjoyed the experience so was keen to do it again. As the team Treasurer I am responsible for The Quack’s budgeting, I also lend my hand to the editing side and write some of my own pieces.

Q&A:

Where is your favourite place in Ormskirk? I live right above a charity book shop where you can buy loads of books for cheap and I love going in there. I’m also a big fan of MacDonalds

What’s your go to meal deal? I don’t tend to get meal deals, I prefer just stock buying the cookies and donuts from Mcolls

What is your favourite book? Definitely The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, I love a good mystery and the isolated cruise ship setting was really cool.

What is your favourite film? A Simple Favour, starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. It’s my guilty pleasure watch

One piece of advise you would give to an Edge Hill fresher? The library is your friend! It’s open 24/7 and has some really great resources. Also there’s a bookshelf upstairs in the hub with free books for the taking- I’ve found some really great reads up there.

For more of my writing check out my advice of student moving!

Meet the Editors – Alice, Joint Editor-in-Chief.

Alice Cattell – Joint Editor in Chief

I am your Join Editor-in-Chief here at the Quack, responsible mostly for getting the website up and running, or at least trying to. I’m a first year studying Marketing living on Campus at the uni. Home to me is just outside of Birmingham down south so I sacrificed my home comforts to come to Edge Hill. I mostly help with the running of the Quack and writing my own pieces whenever I have the chance. When I was younger I ran a website completely of my own centred around Video Game Journalism, but the website is dead and buried to avoid anything cringe worthy I wrote resurfacing. I also write blogs for the Inside Edge here at Edge Hill.

Quickfire Interview

Do you have any nicknames?

Absolutely not.

Where is your favourite place in Ormskirk?

Spoons or Starbucks.

What is your go-to meal deal?

Tesco: Ham and Cheese sub, fruit pack and diet coke.

What is your favourite book?

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.

One piece of advice you would give to an Edge Hill fresher would be:

Accept every offer from your friends to go out.

If you want to check out some of my writing, I wrote a piece about Academic vs Pleasure reading!

Meet the Editors: Daisy Lewis – Joint Editor-in-Chief

Hello, I’m Daisy! I’m currently in my second year here at Edge Hill studying English Language with Creative Writing. I love my course as it fuels my passion for short story writing, as in my spare time that’s what I enjoy doing. I’m hoping to go into a career in journalism but I’m also very interested in forensic linguistics…I guess I still have a little time to decide. While at university I also work at the SU bar, serving your Pornstar Pitchers and two-for-£5 VKs at social. When I’m not here I’m at home in Blackpool, usually out walking my dog, Bob, or spending way too much money on going out for food with my boyfriend.

My role at The Quack is Joint Editor-In-Chief. Along with Alice, I have the final say as to what goes into the magazine and when. We have meetings lead by the two of us when we set out our upload schedule and decide what needs writing by ourselves in order to complete our goals for the week. Like everyone on the team, I proof-read submitted pieces as well as write for the magazine myself. I applied for the role because, aforementioned, I’m interested in a career in journalism and thought it would be a great way to get some experience in leading an online magazine. As well as this, I wanted to expand my writing experience and leave my comfort zone of short story writing.

Quickfire Interview

Do you have any nicknames?

Nope, it’s quite difficult to shorten Daisy, but some of my friends take great pleasure in reminding me that my name is actually an archaic nickname of ‘Margaret’.

Where is your favourite place in Ormskirk?

It’d be easy to say Spoons but I’ll be a bit more out of the box. I love The Bagel Deli and have been a huge fan since they opened as it was just around the corner from my accommodation. Their Giant Yorkshire Pudding wraps are my favourite hangover food and their homemade ice-cream is amazing on a rare hot day in Ormskirk!

What is your go-to meal deal?

Firstly, I think we can all agree that Tesco is the reigning champion of meal deals so if it’s from there I would have to say: Falafel and Houmous wrap, Walkers Sensations (obviously Thai Sweet Chilli) and an Oasis.

What is your favourite film?

I’m going to bend the rules because I’m currently having a breakdown in The Catalyst trying to whittle it down to one out of the four I’m thinking of now. Matilda and The Aristocats because I was in love with them as a child so they’ll always remain on my ‘top films’ list. Get Out and The Shining also have a firm place on the leader-board because my favourite genre is psychological horror and I always go back to those two in particular.

One piece of advice you would give to an Edge Hill fresher would be:

Have fun! Everyone will tell you this but your time at university will fly by – I can’t believe I’m halfway through my second year already. Just enjoy your time as much as you can, work is obviously important but make sure you find a balance and spend time with your friends and make memories as well.

For more of my writing check out my piece on the history of Valentine’s Day: https://quackehu.design.blog/2020/02/12/valentines-day-who-was-st-valentine-and-why-february-14th/

Meet the Editors: Megan, Original Writing Sub-Editor

Hey, I’m Megan.😊 I’m a second-year student at Edge Hill and I study English Literature with Creative Writing. I’m an avid reader and I love writing fiction, in the future, I’d like to work within the publishing industry and eventually write short stories and novels myself. I enjoy going out for food and drinks, travelling and socialising with friends and family. I love makeup and have a slight addiction to buying and trying new hair product (my hair really doesn’t like Storm Dennis). As well as the Quack, I have a second account on Instagram where I share creative pieces and poetics that I’ve been working on; either independently or as part of my Creative Writing modules. I’d say my favourite things to write are short stories and poetry, I like how poetry can be used as an outlet and I find that the focus and concentration of short stories can sometimes leave a more lasting impression than a novel.

I joined the Quack because I wanted experience editing other people’s work which would help with my writing and future career. I worked as part of my school newspaper during high school and wanted to broaden and improve my skills by taking part in the experience at degree level. As the sub-editor for original writing, I oversee creative pieces which people submit to the newspaper, I find this enjoyable and also useful in inspiring me to write creatively. I also submit pieces to the newspaper either creatively or regarding my own university experiences. As well as improving my experience in editing, I like the social aspect of being a part of running the magazine, as we work collectively to publish content weekly.

Q&A

Do you have any nicknames?

My friends and family call me Meg!

Where is your favourite place in Ormskirk?

My favourite places to eat are either Barnyard, Cobble or The Fat Italian because the food’s always really good and the venues are really cute. Barnyard and The Fat Italian are cute for date nights and also reasonably priced, they have cheap deals which run during the week.

My favourite places to go out for drinks are The Green Room and Dinky Dory’s, the venues are really cute and both do really nice and reasonably priced cocktails. Spoons is also always a good option😉.

For nights out in Ormskirk, Alpine and the SU are always fun and cheap nights out, they both have a really good atmospheres and the SU has events on during the week like Quiz Mondays and Karaoke Fridays.

What is your go-to meal deal?

1. Chicken BLT or Hoisin duck wrap

2. Walkers Sunbites Sweet Chilli /or Kinder Bueno / Reese’s

3. Ribena Blackcurrant or Fanta Fruit twist

What is your favourite book?

My favourite books are Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, I think both books have such powerful messages behind them and the plots are really powerful and memorable. My measure of a good book is that I can’t put it down and I absolutely love them both, the film adaptions of both books are good too.

One piece of advice you’d give to an Edge Hill fresher?

Bring a mattress topper because student accommodation mattress’s as a general rule aren’t the comfiest, and personal your room with pictures etc. so it feels like home to you.

Thanks for reading!