New on newsstands

It wasn’t long ago that new local publications shared closer ties to chapbooks than to periodicals. But those thin, inky newsprint rags have gone the way of other rough-around-the-edges Asheville staples (spoken-word hot spot the Green Door, co-operative restaurant Stone Soup, DIY community center ACRC). These days, premier issues actually mean glossy pages, full-color print and high-budget advertising.

Such is the case with the two newest publications to hit stands: Breathe (by the publishers of Blue Ridge Outdoors) and Verve (from the publishers of Bold Life).

Both are geared toward women (Breathe‘s motto is “Inspiring active women to explore their passions” while Verve bills itself as “Western North Carolina’s smartest magazine for women”) and both hit the ground running with slick, intelligent text aimed at the interests of the fairer sex. But don’t pick up either publication expecting the typical women’s magazine litany of sex tips, lipstick roundups and Memorial Day cake recipes. Breathe and Verve, respectively, offer articles on “Yoga vs. Pilates” and how to build an “Earthship” house from discarded car tires.

What does the future hold for these two debuting reads? Time will tell, but both seem to suggest a growing and varied readership in the area.

— Alli Marshall, A&E reporter

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

5 thoughts on “New on newsstands

  1. I was going to comment on the forums about this. I fully understand one’s desire to follow your dreams (I’m on a slow path to insanity myself), but if I was in this market I would think twice about starting yet another magazine or publication. I like a lot of them and want to help everybody, but our advertising budget is spread too thin as it is.

    All of this I’m sure is a bonanza for you writers and photographers out there, as long as you’re getting paid!

  2. jen

    If you have the cash to carry through with more publications..more power to you. As long as neither of the above magazines have fund raisers every month to create an issue..I’m all for it. Do not start a project if you do not have the funds available to continue it on your own.

  3. “why do you have to advertise with them?”

    I don’t, but they sure want me too. The battle for advertising dollars is fierce in the print world. Right now I am looking at radio, tv and other forms besides magazines, so my ad dollars for print is limited.

Leave a Reply to jen ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.