So I call myself a writer...

But I haven't given you much to read. That's a shame, and it's about to change. Let's kick things off with a rant and e-q (email interview):

Know what bugs me about most Canadian women’s magazines? They don’t get it. We’re an intelligent, multiethnic bunch. Yet most Canadian publications—with offices located in the world’s most diverse city—present very monoethnic images on their pages. Not to mention that many seem Canadian in name and staff alone. From the celebrities to the designers, virtually every feature focuses on an American.

A while ago, a media organization launched a promotional campaign. The problem? It seems that when it comes to sales, Canadian periodicals can’t keep up with their foreign counterparts. Sure, Canadian magazines offer information on trends—what’s hot now, and what will be in the future. But Canadian readers are looking for more than that. We don’t want the same old same old. We want to hear about what’s hot at home. As I recently said in a letter to a woman’s monthly: “Canadians are proud of who they are. It’s time for the media to catch up.”

So where was I…?

Ah yes. Let me introduce you to marlo. I’ve been known to write and proofread articles for them. But that’s not why you should read this upcoming web publication. Marlo magazine talks to and about Canadians. It’s owned an operated by a Canadian. Not to mention the fact that the featured images reflect our country’s multicultural population.

Here's the 411 from the lady herself, founder and publisher, Joanne Brathwaite...

How long have you wanted to publish your own magazine?
Since high school. In college the bug really bit, and I knew it was just a matter of time before I made things happen.

What inspired you to create marlo?
The lack of magazines that focused on the needs/issues of women from all ethnicities. The fact that there weren’t ANY magazines on Canadian newsstands which predominantly featured ethnic models and “talent”.

What’s been your biggest challenge on this journey?
Finding content is always a challenge; but even bigger than that is to find a way to keep the magazine going without a drop of outside funding or advertising.

What do you see in marlo’s future?
Quarterly special print editions – perhaps summer patio guides, or fall or spring preview guides, the all-men issue… things like that. Or, um, Marlo TV – marlo-inspired segments produced by WTN or some other female-centric network.

What is/was the most difficult thing about starting a magazine?
Just to do it without a lick of publishing or magazine experience. To have a dream is one thing; to put it into motion despite criticism and odds and lack of support is something completely different.

What is the most rewarding…? (see previous question)
When people actually read marlo. When I get feedback from people saying that they love the magazine. When people subscribe. When they send our URL to a friend. When we put out another stellar issue. : ) The rewards far outweigh the drawbacks.

What advice would you give others who have a bright idea but are too afraid to get started?
Just do it. You’ll never know what will happen unless you try. Stop thinking and just do. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do for yourself.

What do you hope your readers get from reading marlo?
I hope they come away from an issue of marlo feeling like they learned something, or that they felt better about themselves because they realized one of my writers was going through a similar experience. I hope that they like it because it’s a magazine for women, about women, by women – just like them.