The Creator aka Penny Q and A

By readersbliss / March 28, 2025

The Creator aka Penny Q and A

1. What inspired you to start the magazine and what was the initial vision?

Many people often ask me if I have written a book because I run a book club. I’d considered it but it didn’t feel quite right. One day, while I was in line at the checkout with my groceries, I glanced at the magazine section and realized that there wasn’t anything dedicated solely to South African readers and book lovers. That moment sparked the idea. I knew I wanted to create something just for readers. I will get to writing a book one day, that’s for sure; I am a storyteller so it will be an amazing book, just wait a bit.

2. What do you hope readers will take away from the magazine?

I want readers to see that reading isn’t just a hobby but a lifestyle. Books influence so many aspects of our daily lives, from the inspiration they provide to the way they shape our thinking. The magazine explores what goes on behind the scenes, things like what inspires authors to write and the stories behind their books. It's a deeper look into the things which interest readers like me.

3. What was different about the process of launching a magazine from what you initially thought?

It’s been much more work than I expected. Coming up with the idea and planning is easy but bringing it to life is far more challenging. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to build a team and effectively communicate my vision to them. It's been hectic but I've learned a lot through the process.

4. How did you select the stories and features for the debut issue?

The theme for our first issue was Spring, which makes me think of new beginnings, growth, and love. I chose poetry and short stories which really capture these themes. Starting the magazine felt like a fresh start for me, so I wanted to highlight stories that are also about new beginnings and hope. The featured authors were selected to inspire upcoming authors and help them see that they too can be successful in their writing.

5. Which aspects of the magazine are you most excited for readers to explore and uncover?

I am especially excited for readers to dive into the author interviews, such as the ones with Jo and Angela. They are incredible writers, and that glimpse into their creative minds is fascinating. I am also thrilled for readers to see how books influence many areas of life such as health, travel, home decor, and community.

6. How do you see readers incorporating the magazine and its content into their daily lives?

I imagine readers taking some of our tips and ideas and applying them to their own lives. Whether it is finding new book recommendations, lifestyle inspiration or simply enjoying the reading journey we present.

7. If there was one quality you would like readers to associate with Reader’s Bliss what would it be?

Culture and community. The world of books is vast and diverse and I want our magazine to be seen as a part of the literary community, a space for readers to connect. Before creating Reader’s Bliss I often felt like I was reading in isolation. Now I can share my thoughts on books and bring together a community of readers to do the same. It is like having a big conversation with fellow book-lovers. I hope readers feel entertained, connected, and even challenged by our content.

8. How do you balance aspirational and achievable content in the magazine?

When I think of aspirational content, I think of people who set big reading goals like reading one hundred and fifty books a year for example. For those of us who are juggling busy lives with children, jobs, and running businesses, that is just not realistic. I want the magazine to reflect readers like me, people who love reading but may only manage one book a month due to busy schedules. It is about celebrating our love for books even if we can't read hundreds of them each year.

9. As the founder of Penny’s Book Club, the Bookmarked Conversations podcast and now Reader’s Bliss, why is literature such an important part of your life?

Literature has brought so much connection into my life. Through the book club, podcast and now the magazine, I’ve met so many wonderful people I would never have encountered otherwise. The stories I’ve read have expanded my worldview, helped me understand others better, and deepened my empathy. It is not just about the books, but the connections they create.

10. Do you see Reader’s Bliss providing a platform for aspiring writers and readers to connect?

Absolutely. In our articles we explore what has inspired some successful authors, giving readers insight into their creative processes. I believe this helps readers connect more deeply with the books they love. We also share what readers are thinking and what they are enjoying. This is about creating a dialogue between writers and readers.

11. How do Penny’s Book Club, Bookmarked Conversations and Reader’s Bliss work as an ecosystem?

They all work together as platforms which encourage conversations through books and literature. Whether through book club discussions, podcast interviews or magazine features, the goal is to connect writers with readers and spark meaningful conversations.

12. Nowadays most magazines have faces of public figures on the front. For Reader’s Bliss, what inspired you to use art instead of real people on the cover?

I chose artwork over photos of people because I want to celebrate different forms of art. I hope to showcase more South African artists according to each issue’s theme.

13. Are there any lifestyle topics or trends you wish to challenge or redefine, particularly in the literature space?

When I talk to people about books, many express a desire to read more, but they simply do not have the time. With demanding jobs and busy lives, long novels do not always fit in. I think there is a growing trend towards shorter stories. People want impactful reads without committing to 400+ page books. I believe short stories will become even more popular in the years to come.

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