In anticipation of our Volume II launch on Nov. 8, over the next two weeks we will be running a series of interviews with some of the people involved in its production. To kick things off, we have a short interview with substantive editor (and Journalism major) Courtney Bettin.

How would you describe your experience as a substantive editor?

I found it really engaging, especially as a journalism student. I don’t have the opportunity in my normal classes to be able to work on pieces outside of journalistic articles, so it definitely broadened my skills as an editor and let me work on writing that was creative and unconventional.

What challenges did you face?

I think there can be a lot of ego involved in the writing process since as writers we put so much of ourselves into our work. It was very useful learning how to work with copy and help writers “kill their darlings,” if you will, and learning how to help them separate themselves from their work while still keeping their personality in it.

What did you learn from this experience?

I found it immensely fascinating to work with so many different writers, each of whom has a totally unique writing style and idea of where they want to take their story. It challenged me as an editor and inspired me.

Any thoughts on the Bolo Tie Collective, as a club?

I think it’s a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in the writing process and just wants to be in the company of like-minded individuals. The Bolo Tie Collective has created such a warm community that I feel so proud to be a part of. It’s impressive that there is a place at MacEwan where writers/poets/editors can come together and create this beautiful collection of literature that is all our own.