Gutter welcomes a new Editor!
Gutter is delighted to announce the appointment of a new editor. Shehzar Doja joins the team as Poetry Reviews Editor, taking over the role from Calum Rodger who will remain on the editorial team at large.
We are so pleased to welcome Shehzar who has a wealth of experience in writing and editing. Poet and Founder / Editor-in-Chief of the literary journal, The Luxembourg Review, Shehzar’s work has appeared in publications such as New Welsh Review, Pratik, Voice and Verses, Fresh from the Fountain anthology and Fundstücke-Trouvailles. He was on the Jury Panel for the Literary Prize at the Printemps des Poètes festival in Luxembourg from 2018 to 2020. His poetry collection Drift was published by UPL / Monsoon Letters.
A student of Glasgow University MLitt and current DFA candidate in Creative Writing, Shehzar also co-edited the first anthology of Rohingya poets in English with fellow Poet/Editor James Byrne which was launched at the Ledbury Poetry Festival in 2019.
In passing the role of Poetry Reviews Editor to Shehzar, Calum says,
“I first met Shehzar at a Gutter event for MLitt students at the University of Glasgow and was immediately struck by his warmth and enthusiasm not just for the magazine but for all things literary; later, I discovered his considerable talents as a poet, editor and scholar. Shehzar combines a keen critical and editorial eye with a rare generosity of spirit and an omnivorous appetite for poetry in Scotland and beyond, both on and off the page. I could think of no better person, then, to take on the role of Poetry Reviews Editor at Gutter, particularly after having had the joy of working with Shehzar on poetry submissions and reviews for our forthcoming issue. Whilst I'll be remaining on the Gutter Editorial Board for the foreseeable future, it is my great pleasure and privilege to pass on the Poetry Reviews Editor baton to Shehzar from Issue 24 onwards (onwards!). I have no doubt that Gutter, and indeed the Scottish literary world as a whole, will be all the richer for his involvement, and it is an absolute delight to welcome him to the team.”
Gutter Editors Henry Bell and Kate MacLeary add their comments on the new appointment:
“Since Shehzar first introduced himself at a Gutter night some years ago, he’s been a good friend of the mag and a pillar of the Glasgow poetry scene. I’m delighted that he’s coming aboard and am sure that his own poetic outlook will bring great new things to the magazine.” – Henry Bell
“The time is right to introduce a new voice to the editorial team. I welcome Shehzar’s experience and fresh perspective and I’m excited to work together.” – Kate MacLeary