ABOUT US
The Ocean was established on 1st March 2024. The Ocean’s goal is to provide the finest selection of literature in the world and provide a wonderful literary magazine experience. We publish writing based on the quality of the language and the execution of the idea. We currently only accept competition entries for publication in The Ocean. Winning entries are awarded the seasonal prize title plus a course credit at our creative partners. However, all entries will promptly receive expert feedback on their individual work. All entries will be considered for publication in the rolling online magazine and our quarterly print publication. We publish 4 print editions each year on 1st June, September, December and March.
The Team
Guest Editor 1.1
Lauren is an award winning poet, musician, and Creative Writing lecturer who grew up in Manchester. She graduated from Keele University with a PhD in Creative Writing with English funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, United Kingdom. The AHRC is a prestigious funding agency supporting research excellence and innovation for postgraduate Doctoral study in the field of arts and humanities. She graduated from Keele University with a Masters degree in Creative Writing. She graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Bachelors Honours Degree in English and American Literature. She graduated from The University of Manchester with a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) funded by The University of Manchester. Her debut collection, ‘Lucy’s Evening’ featuring a selection of her Masters research was awarded The Roy Fisher Prize for Poetry, by Keele University, a prize endowed by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and, an award given in honour of distinguished poet and former lecturer Roy Fisher – who taught at Keele University from 1971 to 1982. Singular poems from Lauren’s AHRC Doctoral thesis, ‘4:23 PM, Relaxant’ have been published internationally, culminating in performances and readings at the Basquiat: Boom for Real exhibition at The Barbican Centre in London, performances at the Downtown Music Gallery, Max Fisch and Ceremony in New York, performances at OTOOTO and Permian in Tokyo, Japan. Her work won the Creative Manchester Poetry Competition at The University of Manchester. She was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize for Poetry, as well as the Bare Fiction Prize for Flash Fiction. Her poetry has appeared in journals and anthologies since she was 15 years old such as Bare Fiction Anthology, Milk & Honey Zine, SWAMP journal, Samarbeta Music Residency, among others.
Consultant & School Executive
Dr Martin Keaveney provides operations support, literary consultancy and school liaison for The Ocean. He is a non-voting member of the board. His fifth book of fiction was published by Penniless Press in 2023. His current film project ‘Superhurl’ is in development with The Film Fountain. He completed a Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Textual Studies (John McGahern) at NUIG. He is Director of Studies at Writers’ Isle and at MKCW, a highly regarded provider of creative writing and literature courses worldwide.
Publishing Executive
Shelley Goffe-Caldeira is the Publishing Executive at The Ocean. Shelley chairs the editorial board. She operates the day-to-day running of the magazine. She writes under the name Valentine St Aubyn and she has had many years working in the arts and entertainment industry.
Market Executive
Mahima Kasal has B.A in Business Administration from the Kingdom College, Bangalore, India with a specialism in Marketing. She is currently attending a MSC in International Business at the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK. Mahima will develop The Ocean’s national and international presence. She will provide a casting vote for the board at The Ocean when required.