Editor Interview: Constellations

Poetry, fiction

I don't have a short list of publications I admire, but look for strong, subtle, non-stereotyped writing, intense and sensitive at the same time. I don't accept pieces that are sexist or have political agendas that preach or over-ride artistic sensibility. Please see my web-site, www.constellations-lit.com for examples, or our first issue available on Create Space and Amazon, plus a link to a written interview on what kind of writing fits Constellations.

I do publish fiction. Again no ideals. In poetry, some of my favorites are not contemporary. That said I avoid heavily regular meter and exact rhyme as they feel stilted and dated, and few writers can pull it off these days. Free verse that's integrated and well formed often works as a vehicle.

It's a unique gathering of voices with a related sensibility, though no party line.

Please check the web site and look at our first issue. Check the interview I gave for a general over view. That should help determine if Constellations is a likely place for a writer.

Oh, please!!!

I think they send blindly, not checking us out first. I understand the process of figuring out where to send is tough, so no judgment.

I need a brief bio. I appreciate a brief list of publication credits, but not a massive onslaught, etc. If the person has published in a larger journal, I'd like to hear that. Then, whatever is most recent.

I read the whole poem, usually twice. Fiction, I'll read at least three to five pages slowly. If I am bogged down then, I'll stop. I've read some stories three times before making a decision.

My other reader, a poet/tech consultant, sometimes weighs in, but the writing has to register positively with me or it's not going to happen.

Are you kidding? Okay, I also work, and I doubt you have many other ballet teacher/writer/editors on board. I spend many hours on my own writing, teaching, etc., and do editing daily, screening submissions sometimes fairly late in the evening, but always with positive anticipation. I feel it's a special thing to be able to put together a journal.