In October's issue...Janet Reibstein remembers a childhood marked by her Aunt Fannie's struggle with breast cancer and her mother's subsequent diagnosis with the same disease, Jeffrey Eugenides sheds light on the why's and how's of writing Middlesex and Laura Treneer describes completing her father's book (C.S. Lewis at the BBC )and seeing it through to publication after his death. There's also our horribly unforgiving literary quiz, new fiction and more.

Keep a look out for new articles throughout the month. And don't forget that the Magazine is a good place to look for discounts on featured books.

Reading group choices
Ash Wednesday by Ethan Hawke and The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides are our featured titles for October. Talk about them on our new improved discussion forums.

Reading groups
* Do you want to know How to set up a reading group?
* See the Readers' guides with plot synopses, discussion ideas, author biographies and suggestions for further reading.
* Take part in the debate with our on-line Discussion forum and Readers' noticeboard. 

Writers’ area
* The Guide for unpublished writers provides expert advice on getting published.
* Keep up with literary news with In the press and Literary grapevine.
* In The law, a lawyer recommends books to help writers stay on the straight and narrow.
* Share your views (or writing) on the Writers' noticeboard.

Calendar
* A digest of essential dates in the literary year.
* Keep track of awards, festivals and competitions from the Booker to the Hay-on-Wye festival.

Research centre
* Your own personal on-line reference library powered by Bloomsbury’s acclaimed reference books, including the Good Word Guide and Thesaurus.
* Search for information on literature, quotations, human thought, myth and art.

Bookshop
* We can offer titles from all UK publishers.
* Snap up your favourite titles at discounted prices.
* See the Bookshop main page for the Book of the Month and other recommendations.

Courses
* Courses on a variety of authors and literary genres, such as Shakespeare's history plays, Magic realism and Modernist poetry.
* Read at your own pace, without the commitment of a weekly class or exams.
* Available in the Bookshop for only £20 each.

Greetings centre
* Send a free e-card — whether you want to say Happy Birthday, Congratulations or just plain Hello, we have e-cards to suit.
* Write your own message, and have the option to remain anonymous.

This is the beginning of what we hope is a place of enjoyment, entertainment and enlightenment filled with well-crafted, informative and unusual writing that is constantly updated and continually developing.

What the people say
Heartfelt thanks to all the writers, researchers and Bookshop customers who've emailed us with words of support and helpful feedback during the past year. We really appreciate the encouragement and with your help we'll keep getting bigger and better.

Click to view comments from our customers and to send us your own.