The first issue of MUSE, the quarterly literary e-zine from the pioneering Litopia Writers’ Colony, is out now - and can be browsed above (just click anywhere on the graphic) or you can download it from this link.

With big-name contributions from the likes of Lee Child, Bernard Cornwell, RJ Ellory, international YA success MG Harris and Charlaine Harris, the first issue of Litopia's MUSE magazine makes gripping reading.  Written and produced by members of Litopia, Muse contains author interviews, articles, reviews and short fiction – not to mention a writers’ agony column with the irate (and somewhat batty) Granny Bates!

Holding the editor’s reins for the first issue of Muse is John Quirk, a former journalist now working in PR and advertising. He said: ‘It’s been a fascinating project to be involved with, particularly as the editorial team has been on board from the very start and we’ve all watched Muse grow from an initial throwaway comment within the Litopia forums. The finished product has been a real team effort and I’d like to thank everyone within Litopia who has contributed in any small way.

‘We were also very lucky in that one of the editorial team, Jamie Mollart, is an associate director at Leicester-based PR, marketing and design company Rock Kitchen Harris, which kindly offered to look after the design. I was knocked out when I first saw Muse in all its glory. The designer, Matt Laws, has pitched it spot on.’

Litopia members who would like to assist with the next issue should post a note in the MUSE area within the Colony.