Dear readers of the European Journal of Life Writing,

With the recent batch of publications, we rounded up the fourteenth volume of our journal. This year, we published seven regular academic papers, two clusters (Life Narrative and the Digital containing seven papers and an introduction, and Life Writing in Times of Crisis containing six papers and an introduction), eight book reviews and three pieces of creative non-fiction and an interview. We also started a new section, In Conversation, with conversations with founding figures in the field of life writing. 

Looking back on the 614 pages that make up this volume , I think we can say 2025 was a fruitful year for the European Journal of Life Writing. You can find the entire volume here.

2025 was also the year that we saw the people who made up the journal’s board for many years step down. Please join me in thanking Monica Soeting, Marijke Huisman and Ernestine Köhne for all the time and effort they spent on the journal throughout their time on the board. And please join me in welcoming Dennis Kersten (chair), Marleen Rensen (finances) and Babs Boter as the new board! We also said goodbye to Alexander Williams, our assistant journal manager, who I also would like to thank for his years of service. I propose a virtual round of applause for the work and dedication to the journal of all these people.

In this respect, you may enjoy reading the conversation with Monica Soeting we published recently, which also touches upon the journal’s history and Monica’s work in the field of life writing.

I am already looking forward to starting volume 15, for which the first batch of publications is expected in late January. For the coming weeks, responses to emails and submissions may be delayed somewhat, for which we hope for your understanding.

Last year, we adopted Chicago Style referencing (endnotes+bibliography). From 1 January 2026 onwards, the journal will switch completely to Chicago Style. Another change stating with the new volume, will be that clusters will henceforth be called special issues.

I wish you a restful summer or winter break, depending on the hemisphere in which this email finds you, and happy holidays for those who celebrate.

Sjoerd-Jeroen Moenandar
Journal Manager