winter issue update

Hello, and sorry to keep you all waiting.

I've been busily putting together the winter issue. It's taking more time than I had anticipated, but I assure you it's getting there (check out my other blog for more details).

I'll keep you posted as the launch date draws nearer. Should be soon.

All Acceptances/Rejections Sent

Well, I've now officially sent out all the rejections and acceptances.

Sending out rejections is the part I like least. In fact, I dread it, because I know what it's like to be on the receiving end. I held on to a lot of poems for a long time because it took some serious deliberation for me to come to a decision, and even then there were some I was sorry to let go. I received far more poems responding to paintings than anything else, but all in all, those I accepted represent a variety of works of art, including dance, music, sculpture, and assemblage, alongside a range of paintings by well-known as well as little-known artists. One of the most exciting things for me, in putting together this issue, has been my own education: I've learned something about art from each and every submission.

The next issue that I have planned will focus on formal verse, so get ready to send me your best sestinas, villanelles, pantoums, etcetera... whatever you've got, send it in -- but not yet! I need to give my head a rest, and get to work putting the issue into final form!

New Look, Plus (Most) Acceptances Sent

Hi all.

Well, the submission deadline has passed. I have spent the last couple of weeks finalizing selections, and, with the exception of a select few that I am still considering, all of the acceptances have been sent out. Because of other family obligations, I won't begin sending out the official notices until next week. Thank you all for being so patient, and please do consider submitting again if you weren't' selected for this issue. The next will focus on poems written in form -- both traditional and experimental. Stay tuned for more info at a later date.

Some of you might have noticed that the look of the journal has changed. I did this mostly because I wanted to address the issue of readability, but also because I wanted to try something different this time. I would love to get some feedback regarding the new look. If any of you would like to comment I have re-instated the "tell us what you think" page, or you can send me an e-mail.

Thanks again to everyone who submitted. I'm pleased with the quality of work I received and look forward to another successful issue.

Four More Days!

Only four more days until the submission deadline, so if you're still planning to submit, please do so. I will say that I have most of this issue filled now, but the beauty of the internet is I can always make room for really great work!

Ekphrastic Issue

I just thought I'd post a couple of links to sites that give examples of ekphrastic poetry as well as detailed explanations. In short, if I haven't already said this elsewhere (which I may have), ekphrastic poetry is poetry that responds to, evokes, or is informed in some way by another work of art. It doesn't just describe the artwork, it explores it; illuminates it.

I'm hip-deep in the process of selecting work for the ekphrastic issue. Lot's of good stuff, I'm afraid. It's going to make it tough to choose.

Anyway, here are links. Happy reading.

Some examples, including classic works like Keats' "Ode on Grecian Urn"

Examples and explanation by Jennifer Bosveld of Puddinghouse Press