Impspired : Assistant Editor
Mary Farrell took up the position of Assistant Editor of Impspired in September 2024
What is Impspired?
~ adapted from an Interview between Steve Cawte (Editor) and Nik Perring ~
Impspired, the Publishing House, began as an online literary magazine, based in Lincoln, England. We released a new online issue every two months, and then produced a print anthology every four months which combined the work from the previous two online magazines.
Accepting submissions from writers on any topic, we so far have had writers from every continent and it’s amazing how varied the styles, genres and voices are.
We now also offer our skills to be able to help produce books for writers who want to see their work in print.
It really exists to provide writers with a chance to showcase their work and a platform to be able get some recognition outside of their own circle of readers and friends. The kindness and courage of the writers we work with could not be more evident in their work, their attitude and their bravery to put themselves out there to be read by the world. The community part is where Impspired does its thing. Providing a home and sanctuary for writers all over the world. A place to come together and meet new people, see new things and just be a part of something, I at least like to think, is pretty special.
How did you start it and why?
I started it with two other writers from my creative writers’ group, Ed and Shirley , who sadly for different reasons, both had to step aside. At the time I was still in recovery from heart failure. Wheelchair bound, the way I was going to have to work creatively needed to be different, so when Shirley and myself had started talking about the prospect of an online journal or magazine I jumped at the chance.
What have you learned from running it?
That there is a world of writers out there all like me just looking for somewhere to give their writing a home. Also, it has kept me in conversation with like-minded people, kept me writing and reading. The more we read and the more we listen to people outside of our own circles the bigger that circle gets. The more we understand the way things work, the less we have to fear.
What tips would you give to someone hoping to get their work published?
Write about something you know, or feel. People trying to force something that’s not them very rarely works. Be prepared to edit your own work. Read it aloud. Does it say what you meant it to say?
If you are submitting to any publication check their rules on submissions. There may be word counts. I say 4,000 is about the limit that I will accept. Anything beyond that may be difficult for the readers to digest in one sitting.
Publications may also ask, like we do, for a biography or photograph. They may even be asking for specific styles, genres or themes at any one given time. Check out what they are looking for before you submit. It saves editors lots of time and nobody likes sending or receiving a rejection letter/email.
Sadly, Steve Cawte died in August 2024, when his son Charlie took up the position as Editor
~ adapted from an interview with Charlie Cawte by Carl Scharwath for ILA magazine, March 2025
1. Can you tell us about your father’s legacy with this literary journal and what it meant to him?
My father had dedicated his heart and soul into Impspired Publishing from 2019 until the week of his passing. When he wasn’t being an incredible family man, you could be almost undoubtedly certain that he would be working away, building the Impspired empire. It was very clear that this literary journal gave him great joy and pride.
His legacy with Impspired Publishing goes beyond the journal itself - it’s embedded in the countless writers he supported, the community he built, and the tireless dedication he poured into every aspect of the work. My father’s passion for literature and his firm belief in its power to connect people will continue to live on through the books that he has brought to life, and I’m confident that this influence will be felt for years to come.
2. How did you prepare to step into this role after your father’s passing, emotionally and professionally?
Taking on the mantle of Impspired Editor has been an incredibly tough decision. While I had previously helped my father with various business tasks, I remember being in awe of how he managed to run such a well-oiled machine, especially given the many constantly moving cogs involved. The thought of letting this ever-growing journal slow down felt wrong. Yet, it was clear that I wasn’t fully prepared to step into the role at the level my father had reached after five years of hard work. I knew that, like him, I would face many of the same frustrations and challenges he once did at the start of his publishing journey.
Fortunately, I have a strong network of support to guide me. Most notably, my Assistant Editor, Mary Farrell, who has embraced this challenge alongside me. With her help, and some external support, I’ve been able to better understand the processes needed to keep Impspired ticking. She also consistently reminds me that Impspired is mine to lead, and encourages me to make the changes I see fit. This support has been invaluable as I’ve prepared for this role.
Given that my academic background is in Business and English Language, I had faith in my ability to be a competent editor. However, the hardest challenge I’ve faced is accepting that I cannot perfectly replicate my father’s work - I have to find my own way forward and make it my own. My father initially started Impspired as a hobby, but it quickly grew far beyond that. It became a meaningful outlet for him during his challenging health journey. My aim is to build on the foundation he created, evolving the business into a sustainable venture that continues to honour his legacy while allowing me to shape it into something meaningful.
3. How do you hope to honour your father’s memory through your leadership of the journal?
All in all, I truly believe that the best way to honour my father’s legacy through the leadership of Impspired would be to make it my own. While I will always hold onto the core values he instilled - authenticity, a passion for the written word, and a genuine connection with writers - I also know that I must bring my own perspective and vision to the journal. I aim to continue growing the community he nurtured, while also exploring new ideas and opportunities that can keep the journal evolving and thriving. By staying true to what he built, but also allowing it to adapt and flourish in my own way, I hope to keep the Impspired name alive, not just through the work we publish, but through the support and encouragement we give to the writers who contribute to it.
Keep being Impspired,
Charlie Cawte
impspired@gmail.com
impspired – the literary magazine for all writers and artists
