Blue Crystal Literary Magazine Proudly Honours to The Eminent Editors:
Current Editors
Vesna Prodanovska-Poposka
Bitola, North Macedonia
Vesna is an academic and associate professor at St. Kliment Ohridski University – Bitola, specializing in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, English for Specific Purposes, and linguistics. With extensive experience in teaching and researching language education, Vesna also has professional expertise in translation and interpreting between English, Bulgarian, and Macedonian. A lover of written words, including poetry and prose, Vesna is the author of many poems published nationally and internationally. Vesna is actively engaged as a language editor and reviewer for several international scientific journals focused on linguistics, Vesna is committed to nurturing literary creativity and cross-cultural dialogue while supporting emerging writers and encouraging expressions of diverse voices.
Edited:
Winter Poetry, Short Story & Photography Challenge Issue 23
Tirza Valeria Garcia Olivares
Illinois, USA
Tirza Valeria Garcia Olivares is a writer and editor studying Creative Writing. For the most part, she enjoys writing emotional poetry, speculative fiction, magical realism, and several subgenres of creative nonfiction. She has previously been a Poetry Editor and an Editorial Assistant. When not working, she enjoys reading and spending time with loved ones.
Edited:
Sea Poetry Short Story & Photography Contest Issue 22
Ainara Fernández
Barcelona, Spain
Ainara recently completed her Master’s degree in Contemporary English Literature at Utrecht University. During her internship at Amsterdam Publishers, she strengthened her editing and writing skills and translated an entire novel from English into Spanish. She also has experience teaching English as a foreign language. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, dancing, and playing video games.
Edited:
Halloween Poetry, Short Story & Photography Challenge Issue 21
Spanish Poetry Short Story & Photography Contest Issue 24
Lauren Bizaoui
London, UK
Lauren Bizaoui is a recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology. Throughout her studies, she worked for student-led publications as both a columnist and editor, cultivating her longstanding passion for writing and literary exploration. Since graduating, Lauren has delved deeper into creative writing while expanding her reading list to subcultural fiction and poetry. Her main interest lies in literature that creatively uses fiction as a vehicle for political and cultural commentary, with works like Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho being one of her favourites. Lauren believes that writing serves as a timeless form of expression and is excited to bring her editorial experience to the literary field.
Ashly Tenini-Rodkey
Texas, USA
Ms. Tenini has always had a deep passion for writing, from poetry and short stories to creative expression in all its forms. She finds inspiration in life’s complexities, weaving emotions and experiences into words that resonate with others.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with Honors, Summa Cum Laude, along with minors in Business and Spanish.
Beyond her love for writing, she has built a career in marketing and sales, where storytelling plays a vital role in connecting with audiences. She believes that words have the power to move, inspire, and transform—and through poetry, she continues to explore that power.
Edited:
Spanish Poetry Short Story & Photography Contest Issue 24
Susan Hutchings
Minehead, United Kingdom
Susan Hutchings is an emerging writer living in Minehead, UK. Her work appears or is forthcoming in Boats Against The Current, Blue Crystal Literary Magazine, Voices Unbound, The Jawbone Journal and Sea Crow Press. Her poems were shortlisted at Burnham Book Festival 2024 and 2025, and she won third place in the Coleridge Poetry Prize 2025 (Exmoor Society). She is surrounded by sea and beautiful haunting countryside which inspire her writing. She enjoys walking, bird watching, gardening, folklore and gives presentations on Local and General History.
Instagram: @susanhutchings_
Edited:
Dream Poetry Short Story & Photography Challenge Issue 25
EDITH POWELL
Manchester, United Kingdom
Edith Powell has recently finished her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Art History at the University of Manchester. Her interests lie in contemporary and modern literature, and how the body and body horror can reflect broader misogynistic attitudes. Edith is a blog writer for Written Off Publishing and is in the process of starting her professional career in editing and publishing. She has worked editorially for Comma Press, Polyphony, and Stars and Sabers Publishing and is excited about what the future holds for her career.
Edited:
Erotic Poetry, Photography & Story Challenge: Issue 19
Vandana Vikashni Nath
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Vandana Vikashni Nath is an academic and PhD. scholar majoring in English Literature, with a specific focus on Pacific Literature from a feminist lens.Vandana has also taught foundation and undergraduate courses in English Literature and Language at the University of Fiji and is now residing and teaching in Australia. She has written several poems, book chapters on education, literature, and indenturship. She has also edited several poetry collections at Blue Crystal Literary Magazine and is one of the Eminent Editors. She feels that we can express alot through poetry and hence devotes time in providing opportunities for young poets to express their concerns and emotions in her social media platform, Poetry Hub Fiji.
Edited:
Sigh of Humanity Poetry Contest: Issue 10
Christmas Poetry, Art & Photography Challenge: Issue 14
Summer Poetry, Short Story & Photography Contest: Issue 18
Lucy Ross
MANAGING EDITOR
STOKE ON TRENT, UNITED KINGDOM
Lucy Ross is a literary persona who is an author, Editor, Entrepreneur and critique of contemporary literature. She has suffered the pains of women society and in her works the reflection of the life of “Women Society ” can easily be seen.She is free minded and spends her spare time by listening songs or reading books. Her research interests include the Ancient Greek and Roman Literature. A view towards contemporary literature and its effects of society. Feminism and Culture etc.
Edited:
Erotic Poetry, Photography & Story Challenge: Issue 19
Open Theme Poetry, Art & Short Story Contest Issue 20
Halloween Poetry, Short Story & Photography Challenge Issue 21
RICHARD PHILIPS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
STOKE ON TRENT, UNITED KINGDOM
Mr. Richard Philips is a visionary persona who is a Fashion Expert, Author, Editor, Keen Researcher, Short Story Writer and Novelist by passion. He has contributed himself to paint the panoramic picture of the sufferings of “Women Society”. He has sought solace in the lap of nature and in his works the core relationship with nature can easily be seen.
Mr. Richard has composed many poems & short stories which have been published in various eminent journals and magazines like Kind Writers Literary Magazine, WILDsound Festival, Poet’s Choice, Wingless Dreamer, Mercury Retrograde, Blue Crystal Literary Magazine, Nyra Publishers, JJ Crown, JEC Publishers etc.
He is free minded and spends his spare time by listening songs or reading books. His broad research interests include the Growth & Structure of American English, Globalization of English language, a view towards Greek and Roman Mythology and the influence upon the classical author, Feminism and Culture, Humane Psychology in Literature etc.
Follow him on Instagram @saheb_soyuz
Edited:
Cultural Verse Contest: Issue 13
Christmas Poetry, Art & Photography Challenge: Issue 14
Fantasy Poetry & Short Story Challenge: Issue 17
Open Theme Poetry, Art & Short Story Contest Issue 20
Winter Poetry, Short Story & Photography Challenge Issue 23
MANPREET KAUR
The University of Fiji, Fiji
Dr. Manpreet Kaur Is a senior academic leader, researcher, and education executive with over twenty years of experience across secondary education, university teaching, research leadership, and higher education management in Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
She currently serves as General Manager Operations at Australian Pacific Management and Training PTE Ltd (APMT), Fiji, a registered Higher Education Institution under the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Fiji. This is a senior executive leadership role, reporting directly to the parent body, Australian Vocational Management (AVM), Australia. In this capacity, Dr Kaur provides strategic, academic, and operational oversight for AVM’s Fiji and Pacific education and training portfolio, leading institutional governance, academic quality assurance, programme implementation, compliance, and regional education initiatives across higher education and vocational education and training (VET).
Dr. Kaur previously served for twelve years as a Lecturer in English at The University of Fiji, within the Department of Language, Literature and Communication, where she made sustained contributions to teaching, curriculum development, research, and academic leadership. In addition to her teaching role, she held key leadership appointments as Director, Diaspora Studies, and Co-Director, Foundation Studies, contributing to programme development, interdisciplinary curriculum design, academic governance, and student progression strategies.
Her teaching portfolio spans the full undergraduate curriculum and includes English Literature, Women’s Writing, Creative Writing, Writing Fiji in the Pacific, Postcolonial Literature, Poetry, English Language, and all Linguistics courses. She also taught academic writing and research skills courses and mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a strong focus on research development, creative writing, and scholarly publication.
Dr. Kaur holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English Studies, with her doctoral thesis titled “Borderlands of History and Imagination: An Indo-Fijian Woman’s Perspective.” Her scholarship is grounded in feminist, postcolonial, and diasporic studies, foregrounding women’s narratives and marginal subjectivities.
A committed and productive researcher, Dr. Kaur has been the recipient of numerous Higher Education Commission, Fiji (HEC-F) research grants, serving as Principal Investigator on funded projects and as a collaborative researcher on interdisciplinary teams. Research outcomes have been actively disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations at local, regional, and international levels.
Her research and publication interests are distinctly interdisciplinary, extending beyond literary studies to include gender and women’s studies, diaspora studies, climate change and climate mitigation, language and education, women’s engagement in sustainable practices in vulnerable communities, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and linguistic landscapes. She is deeply committed to research impact, community-engaged scholarship, and knowledge translation.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Kaur is an accomplished creative writer and poet, with an anthology titled Echoes of My Footprints, and has co-edited poetry collections with Blue Crystal Literary Magazine. She strongly advocates for the integration of creative practice with critical inquiry. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Kaur spent nine years as a Senior Language Teacher in leading secondary schools in Fiji, an experience that continues to inform her pedagogical and leadership practice.
Dr. Kaur is also actively engaged in community service, notably through the Ba Sathya Sai Service Organization, where she has served in various leadership roles. Her professional ethos is grounded in integrity, service, and authenticity, guided by her personal motto: “Be true and sincere to yourself, and everything will fall into place organically.”
Edited:
Halloween Poetry Contest: Issue 06
Monsoon Verse Challenge : Issue 11
Open Theme Poetry Contest: Issue 15
Glenis Moore
Lode, Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom
Glenis is a relatively new writer working in the flat lands of the Fens near Cambridge, UK. When she is not writing she makes beaded jewellery, knits, reads and runs 10K races slowly. She has been previously published by Dust Poetry, The Galway Review, Infinity Wanderers and Cosmic Daffodil.
Past Editors
Laura Robinson
Essex , United Kingdom
Laura Robinson from “Laura Robinson Writes” was born and raised in South Africa but now lives in the UK. After working in education for 14 years she left the industry to start her own business and apply her skills to a new environment aligned with her vast experience. She is now an editor and social media marketer. Laura is also a published author and illustrator, and a Cambridge Alumni. She loves words, both reading them, writing them and improving them! Laura has made a commitment to never stop learning and she is happiest when she is outdoors going on long walks or at her allotment planting vegetables.
Edited:
Sabrina Alicia Sgandurra
University of Waterloo, Canada
Sabrina Alicia Sgandurra (HBA Toronto Metropolitan University, MA University of Waterloo) is a PhD Candidate at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. She has also been the Editor-in-Chief of First Person Scholar for two years, and has extensive background in creative writing and research. She is currently completing her dissertation, focusing on the storytelling methods in single-player Role-playing games. She has published her academic work in publications like Simulation & Gaming and First Person Scholar, and her creative work with The Continuist and The Indie Ryeters. Sabrina is extremely passionate about storytelling, writing, and research, and how we make meaning through play and works of art.
Edited:
Winter Poetry Contest: Issue 03
R.M.S Samudika Rathnayaka
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
R.M.S Samudika Rathnayaka is an undergraduate from University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka and currently specializing in English. She is an aspiring poet and she has published few works. Her passion resides somewhere within literature. She is currently posting her literature pieces in her poetry account in instagram. Samudika hopes to write more in the future.
Edited:
Winter Poetry Contest: Issue 03
Viktoriia Medvied
University of St Andrews. Scotland, United Kingdom.
Viktoriia Medvied (she, her, hers) is a Ph.D. student in Creative Writing and Modern Languages at the University of St Andrews. Her research is about writing Ukrainian children’s literature after February 2022 and the translation of the unspeakable into language through cognitive metaphor, narrative psychology, fairytale, and bibliotherapy. Other research interests include multilingualism in Ukrainian children’s literature, specifically the use of surzhyk, a speech practice* mixing Russian and Ukrainian that is underrepresented young adult prose. Viktoriia is a published author for children in Ukrainian and translates contemporary Ukrainian children’s literature into English.
Edited:
Summer Poetry Contest Issue 04
Halloween Poetry Contest: Issue 06
Thisandi Weerasinghe
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
Thisandi Weerasinghe is a published poet based in Sri Lanka who writes confessional, semi autobiographical poetry on growing up, love, friendship and living life. She is fond of and hoards pieces of arts. She’s an undergraduate of liberal arts, reading for her BA and BSc by day and a juggler of her career in writing by night.
Edited:
Summer Poetry Contest Issue 04
Adelaida A. Figueras-Lucero
University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
A ‘scholar ng bayan” [scholar of the people] turned “professor ng bayan” [professor of the people]; a University of the Philippines(UP) Department of English and Comparative Literature loyalist from A.B. to Ph.D.; a lover of language and literature, arts and culture, gender studies and general education; Prof. Adelaida F. Lucero counts thirty-six years of full time teaching marked with a few professorial chairs, teaching and research awards, and seven language and literature books .
She may have retired but she remains retire-less, actively involved as Centennial chair of the oldest and biggest department of the university, the Department of English and Comparative Literature; Chair of the Humanities Division of the National Research Council of the Philippines; vice-president of the U.P. Folklorists; corporate secretary of the UP Association of University Women; secretary of the UP Child Study Center Council; and president of the U.P. Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Edited:
Nature Poetry Contest: Issue 12
Riddhima Sen
Kolkata, India
Riddhima Sen is currently studying comparative Literature at Jadavpur University. She is an author, artist and host. She has self published 20 books so far , and loves to host literary events .
Edited:
