MLP, [PANK] and us are doing it up at AWP again. It was a fantastic time last year, way better than I expected it to be, and that’s saying a lot because I usually expect these things to be great. Some new names on the bill this year. I’m very excited to see Scott McClanahan and Brandi Wells. I saw Scott last year and no joke almost cried and Brandi is a rad writer. You will be bummed if you miss this.

{image by Chase Heavener via}

Annalemma Issue Nine: India – Call to submit

As America and Europe begin to recede into the background of global superpowers, new forces step up as the leaders of the democratic world. Among these powers, is India. With the die of globalization now cast, the geopolitical, economic, technological & environmental landscape is more connected than ever. It is important for people in the West, young people especially, to claim an understanding of how their world intersects and affects Indian culture, and vice versa.

But how can you expect to cover an entire country in one go? And in 104 pages of a literary magazine no less? Agreed, that’s somewhat impossible. The purpose of this issue is to allow a point of entry for Western readers and writers, to forge a new mental pathway to understanding.

What we are humbly asking of Indian writers is this: show us your country. Show us the micro and the macro, show us the beauty and the horror, the power, the corruption, the injustice, the triumph, the enduring beauty, the infinite feedback loop of suffering, all the wonder and terror your country brings to bear.

A lot of American/Western writers might be upset about this, maybe feel left out. So we offer this appeal: If you are a writer who has some connection to India or can offer some informed opinion of your experience as it pertains to the topic, we’d love to read it.

We’ll accepting creative nonfiction, fiction, personal essay and interviews. No poetry, please. Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please keep submissions under 5000 words. Any submissions over 5000 words, please submit a query letter. Please send only one submission at a time. We’re finding creative nonfiction more compelling these days, so the more of that you send, the more likely you’ll get published.

Click here to submit.

Deadline is January 13^th.

Big ups to Issue Six: Sacrifice contributors Anne Valente and Jim Ruland for snagging a “Notable” mention in Best American Nonrequired Reading 2011. Anne got the hat-tip for her story “A Very Compassionate Baby” and Jim was recognized for his story “Fight Songs”. Both Anne and Jim are fantastic writers and these are great stories. Click here to check out Issue Six where the stories first appeared.

You probably already know about BANR, but if you don’t, I highly suggest picking up a copy. Significantly less dry and stodgy than its series forebears Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays, BANR attempts and often succeeds in showcasing writing equal parts provocative, energetic, inspiring and downright fun. Congrats to Anne and Jim for getting recognized by what is clearly a committee with a keen taste for quality and talent. And thanks to the BANR committee for giving it a read!

Issue Six: Sacrifice contributor and all-around great dude Jim Ruland is competing in Reader’s Digest Your Life Contest. From what I can tell, the competition gets people to write 150 word memoirs, other folks vote on their favorites and the winner gets 25 large and published in RD.

Click here to read and vote for Jim’s entry, a salty tale about a sailor sinking to the depths of a metaphorical sea and, well, I won’t ruin the ending for you. Go read and vote for it! Like I said, Jim is a good man and a great writer and if anyone deserves to win a huge chunk of change for a minimal amount of words, it’s him.

If you’re looking for a new lit mag that will stoke the fires of your brain check out Cousin Corinne’s Reminder.

It’s a powerhouse of a lit mag, serving up everything you might possibly be interested in, from big names like Jhumpa Lahiri, Nick Flynn and Jonathan Lethem to internet superstars like Emma Straub and Rachel Glaser.

Not to mention the visual quality is fantastic, a commendable effort of the idea of the book as an artifact, something to be treasured: full color, superb attention to design and layout, and extensive coverage of contemporary fine artists and photographers.

And they have comics! The whole idea feels like a throwback to an arts almanac, a big ass book with plenty of information and stimulation to tide you over for a long winter on the farm. Click on over to their site to check them out, I heard they just reduced their prices, take advantage!

Buying books and magazines can get expensive. Not only cash-wise, but time-wise. There’s a lot of risk there. You may not know if a publication is good or bad until you’ve already invested $25 and three hours of your life. How can you tell if you’re going to be getting the value for what you’re giving up? I hear you. While I could sit here all day and assure you a print subscription to Annalemma is well worth your time and money, you know I’m biased. So don’t take my word for it. Listen to what satisfied subscribers have to say…

“After poking around at the Annalemma site, I came across #6 at a bookstore. I took a chance and purchased it, and really enjoyed it — not just the consistently excellent writing but also the accompanying artwork and layout, which created an entirely enjoyable reading experience. I ordered #7 and was blown away by that, too. It was a no-brainer to go ahead and subscribe after that! I can’t wait to see what’s in #8.”

–       Jenny Hayes, Seattle, WA

“Annalemma is that rare breed of lit mag that is as beautiful to look at as to read. In a world of bits and bytes, I find comfort holding Annalemma in my hand. I’m not a wealthy person, but my subscription to Annalemma is the best damned money I’ve spent in this recession.”

–       Chad Pollock

“The first time I ever saw Annalemma, I knew it was something special. It is a journal that begs to be touched, that makes it worth your while on every single page. Each issue is unique and beautiful, and I’ve been introduced (and reintroduced) to a lot of great writers, photographers, and artists via its pages. Such a damn good journal.”

–       Lindsay Hunter, author, Daddy’s (featherproof, 2010)

“I wish I knew how Annalemma gets the art and the words to play so nicely together, each enhancing the other without competing or distracting. If I knew, I’d steal the technique for my own mag. As it is, though, Annalemma stands alone. Every issue’s a beauty, to hold and to read.”

–       Bryan Furuness, author, The Lost Episodes of Revie Bryson (Black Lawrence Press, 2012)

Click here to subscribe to the print edition of Annalemma Magazine.

Last night Issue Eight: Creation contributor Blake Butler rolled into Brooklyn to promote his new memoir Nothing: A Portrait of Insomnia. I found out about it at the last minute, grabbed my camera, hopped on my bike and high-tailed it to BookCourt to catch the dude.

Here’s the thing: Blake knows how to read. If he ever comes to your town or remotely near you, it’s in your best interests to check him out. Reading in front of people is performing and there’s no two ways about it. You need to give as much of a shit about reading your words aloud to people as you do putting them on paper. Blake knows this, that’s why I like watching him do his thing. He knows how to spit fire.

Here’s some video from last night. My card ran out of space about halfway through, just as it was getting very good. Apologies for the abrupt ending. You’ll need to pick up a copy of his new book to see how this piece ends. Judging by what I saw last night, you won’t regret it.

You’re not alone, friend. Many people have been in the position you’re in now: unsure, hesitant, maybe even a little scared,  as your mouse hovers over the “add to cart” button. Let the sweat bead on your forehead no longer, feel the freedom of clicking that button. Subscribing to the print edition is a great decision. You’ll be getting plenty of value for your dollars. But don’t listen to me, I’m irrevocably biased. Check out what these satisfied customers have to say…

“As a freelance designer, and someone who started a small press in an effort to bring quality design to great writing that deserves a readership, I feel a distinct kinship with Annalemma, which has consistently proven the same commitment. It is a great joy to see, to hold, to read an issue of Annalemma. They are literature’s closest thing to a living, breathing, art museum.”

-Ryan W. Bradley, publisher and art director at Artistically Declined Press

“Many think of the internet as a time-waster, both for its ‘performers’, those posters of animated gifs and lolcats, and the consumers of same. I agree, but only while pointing out that the internet is so much more than that. One of its aspects I value most is knowledge-sharing. For instance, my knowledge of the existence of Annalemma would be far less likely were it not for the internet. And knowing Annalemma is not like knowing how long is a piece of string according to a search engine. It is knowing its smooth denseness in your hands, knowing the smell of its paper and ink, contemplating its beautiful layouts with no regard for electricity whatsoever! It is knowing the human who mails it to you, just a little bit, by the expressions of his handwritten note on the package. Annalemma increases my enjoyment of life, yet I found it amongst the lolcats. Which actually increase my enjoyment of life too, now that I think of it.”

-Joanne Kerrigan

“As a writer, receiving the silken tactility of Annalemma at home, has become an eagerly anticipated event of delight, and an indispensable part of my literary and visual enrichment.”

-M. Hage

“I know I hesitated before I took the plunge and subscribed, but now I don’t even remember how much I paid for my subscription to Annalemma.  The money was in that sense meaningless—but I go back to the stories again and again.  The voices and the vision of the magazine have more than repaid my investment.”

– Daniel Ellis

Click here to subscribe.

Have you been thinking long and hard about subscribing to the print edition of Annalemma? Has it been keeping you up at night? Do you pace the late evening streets, the decision weighing heavy on your soul? Do you shake your fist at the heavens, crying out to a stormy sky, “Why won’t someone tell me whether or not this is a good idea?!” Rest easy, fellow lover of good things. Many people have crossed over the threshold of subscriber-hood and many people are reaping the robust benefits. Don’t take my word for it, listen to what they have to say…

“As a student in Australia, I enjoy engaging with the inspiring and vibrant scene of art and literature in America. Since my subscription with Annalemma began, I have been consistently impressed with the vibrancy, quality and creativity featured within the magazine. The editorial team maintains a high level of commitment to achieving balance, focus and innovation within Annalemma’s pages. I encourage anyone thinking to subscribe to Annalemma to not hesitate, as the rewards contained in each issue far outweigh the initial financial outlay.”

– Naomi Riddle, 24, Australia

“I love holding this magazine in my hands – the graphics are beautiful, it smells good, and there is something great about feeling the physical weight of the words. It reads beautifully cover to cover, and can be a conversation starter with my kids or my non-literary friends.”

– Lissa Franz, Concord, MA

“There’s so much happening in the literary world, and so many new developments occurring all the time, that a subscription to one magazine feels like a huge commitment. It’s the decision to invest in one effort rather than explore every new experiment. With Annalemma, I don’t feel that I’m missing anything. Annalemma is my scout and my teacher. Annalemma is a gambler that knows the game well enough to win.

– Jac Jemc, author, My Only Wife (Dzanc, 2012)

“Out of the thousands of lit mags to choose from, Annalemma stands out because of its attention to detail. Every issue is beautifully designed, which elevates the already excellent content. Not only am I an Annalemma contributor, I’m also a subscriber–because I enjoy reading it, as well as displaying pretty things on my coffee table and bookshelves.”

– Ryan Rivas, editor, Burrow Press

Click here to check out our subscription plan.

Have you subscribed to the print edition of Annalemma yet? I would highly recommend it. $25 gets you two issues, that’s $5 of savings, were you to buy two $15 issues individually. If you’ve been thinking about subscribing but you’re not sure if it’s worth your time or money, don’t take my word for it. Here’s what some satisfied customers have to say about the print edition…

“I subscribed to Annalemma to support my friend, Eliza Tudor, who was published in the fall 2011 issue.  I thought I’d only read her piece and set the magazine to the side but I couldn’t stop reading it.  I was hooked!  I read it cover-to-cover in one evening and can’t wait to devour my next issue when it arrives.  As a mother of two young girls I rarely find time to read anything beyond children’s books.  This is my dose of the adult world and I feel smarter after each issue.”

– Jennifer Rawe, Inidanapolis, IN

“When the latest issue of Analemma arrives at my house, there’s no question in my mind that this is exactly the kind of magazine I want to see around for a long time. In print. On shelves. I never know who’ll be contributing, never know what outstanding art will grace its pages, until it’s in my hands. I honestly feel as I did when I was encountering, for the the first time, The Paris Review or Story in its heyday: happy to be knocked off my feet by the indescribably good contents. So what are you waiting for: SUBSCRIBE!”

– Tom Williams, Chair of English, Morehead State University

“Annalemma’s quirky style and vibrant approach is nothing short of inspiring.  The art and photography is gorgeous, the presentation beats every magazine out there, and the essays and stories radiate the kind of thoughtful creativity that reinforces my belief that the literary arts are, in fact, very necessary.  I read Annalemma, and I feel a glimmer of hope that, yes, maybe I can be creative too.”

– Jeff Moscaritolo, MFA Candidate, George Mason University

“Each issue of Annalemma is a treasure, a collector’s item.  A beautiful literary arts journal, that arrives in the mailbox, and makes you feel as if you have received a gift. The issues are stunning, a book to hold onto and keep, long after you have read it!”

– Helen Vitoria, author, The Sights & Sounds of Arctic Birds (Gold Wake Press)

Click here to check out the subscription deal. Your order will begin with our most recent issue.