Tag Archives: Fiction

The Delmarva Review…so many choices. So many talented writers.

24 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by in Inspiration, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Writing

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Choices come with the weight of decision and responsibility, never to be taken lightly. That is what we feel as editors of The Delmarva Review.  It’s decision time.

Cover - The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

Cover – The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

While our literary journal is young, at seven years, submissions are beyond expectations.  Over 1,000 writers submitted poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction for the coming issue.

We created the Review as a new publishing opportunity for literary work in print, offering writers permanence and readership beyond borders.  Standards are high as we welcome all authors.  Our goals are to select writing that inspires and encourages writers to create their finest work.  Literary writing is often considered the far end of the writing spectrum, reserved for the most skillfully created prose and poetry.  Through the journey comes discovery, giving significance to the pursuit. . .for literature and for the writer.

As editors, we will do our best to make thoughtful decisions, knowing we can only publish a sample of the work submitted.

Editors will finalize selections over the next few weeks and contact the authors. Publication of Volume 7 is October 2014.  On behalf of the publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association, we thank all the authors who have considered The Delmarva Review for publication.

This is a privilege.  We do not take it lightly.

The Delmarva Review is published annually in print.  A downloadable digital edition is available at Amazon.com. Website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

A wonderful task for an editor. . . Pushcart Prize nominations!

03 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by in Inspiration, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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DR-6-Pushcart

 

The Delmarva Review nominated the writing of six authors for The Pushcart Prize. It’s one of the greatest pleasures an editor can experience, recognizing the writers among the best, all in contention with other selected authors around the nation, their work competing for the coveted Pushcart Prize.

Being nominated for a prestigious literary prize gives authors more than recognition.  It propels their work to another level of discovery.  It’s a powerful incentive for writers to seek the best in literary writing, one of the primary purposes of the Review.

Personally, this caps a long year of hard work.  A gifted team of editors, all skilled volunteers, can appreciate our selection of poetry and prose, all over again.  We’ve gone through the difficult task of reading hundreds of submissions, making tough choices, accepting and rejecting the words that so many authors have labored over, sometimes for years.

The selection process was followed by the careful eyes of our copy editor, proofreaders, and designer.  All of us felt an obligation to print a quality journal that respected the words of our authors.  This often goes unnoticed, but a fine literary review is not just glued together and haphazardly sent to readers or posted online.  It takes time, and a creative, caring hand.

The pleasure we feel today is from knowing that our authors appreciate their opportunity. It’s now up to another set of editors to make their choices. We’ll know next year.

The Delmarva Review nominations include:

–       “Writing My Way Home,” a personal essay by combat veteran Ron Capps

–       “Melissa,” a poem by William Peak

–       “Immigrant,” a poem by Holly Karapetkova

–       “November Morning,” a prose poem by Devon Miller-Duggan

–       “Dioscuri,” a poem by Paul Otremba

–       “Flowers Scarcely Withered,” a short story by Nancy Ford Dugan

Thank you to Pushcart Press for its continued support of literary work published in the small presses.  And, thank you to a gifted team at The Delmarva Review…and to our sponsor, the Eastern Shore Writers Association.   For more about the Review, copies, and submission guidelines, please see the website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

 

The Delmarva Review’s sixth edition honored by a reading at The Writer’s Center

11 Monday Nov 2013

Posted by in Maryland, The Delmarva Review, Writing

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The Delmarva Review, Volume 6 - print and digital editions

The Delmarva Review, Volume 6, 2013 in print and digital editions – Cover photograph by Christopher Woods   click on image for larger view

There wasn’t an empty chair as five authors took to the podium and read their writing from the new edition of The Delmarva Review, a journal publishing compelling literary prose and poetry. The venue was perfect. The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda, Maryland, is known as a special “home” to many writers. As one of the premier writers’ centers in the country, it welcomes and supports literary work (www.writer.org).

The authors had never read together before, but their performances were so complementary that, taken together, one might think they were choreographed.  They read to an attentive, responsive audience that packed the house.  It was a memorable literary event.

As executive editor, I am thankful for our five reading authors: fiction author Margaret Adams, of Baltimore, poet Judith Bowles, of Chevy Chase, MD, fiction author Ru Freeman, of the Philadelphia area, poet E. Laura Golberg, of Washington, DC, and essayist Ron Capps, Of Washington, DC.

There is something magical to all of us as editors when we experience a reading. The words jump off the page as we hear the author’s unique voice…live.  It often reveals a new dimension of the author’s deepest intentions.

The event was Sunday, the day before Veteran’s Day.  Appropriate to the occasion, the last presenter was Ron Capps, a soldier, Foreign Service officer, and a combat veteran of five recent wars. He founded the Veterans Writing Project (http://veteranswriting.org).  Mr. Capps delivered his stirring personal essay, “Writing My Way Home.”

The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, is published by the Eastern Shore Writers Association to encourage and inspire literary writing.  Print issues can be ordered through the website: www.delmarvareview.com.  A digital edition for download to popular electronic reading devices is available at www.Amazon.com.

The submissions period for Volume 7 is open until February 28, 2014.  All writers, please see the Guideline page on the website.

Ron Capps, founder of the Veterans Writing Project, reading his essay in The Delmarva Review

Ron Capps reading his personal essay, “Writing My Way Home”                                    – photos by Wilson Wyatt

Fiction author Margaret Adams reading "Undertow"

Fiction author Margaret Adams reading “Undertow”

Fiction author Ru Freeman reading "Departure"

Fiction author Ru Freeman reading “Departure”

Poet E. Laura Golberg reading "The Solitary Farmer"

Poet E. Laura Golberg reading “The Solitary Farmer” and “Lockport Caves for Vita”

Poet Judith Bowles, who read "The Instrument" and "My Parkinson's and I attend my 50th Reunion"

Poet Judith Bowles, who read “The Instrument” and “My Parkinson’s and I attend my 50th Reunion”

Celebrating “The Delmarva Review’s” sixth year

02 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by in Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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The Delmarva Review

The Delmarva Review, Volumes 1 – 6

Writers gathered on the Eastern Shore for poetry readings and a special thank you to the 135 authors published in The Delmarva Review over six years. As executive editor, I was pleased to announce the official opening of the submission period for the 2014 issue, Volume 7 (see the website to submit work: www.delmarvareview.com).

Last night’s festive crowd of writers met the editors and the publisher, representatives of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, at a public reception held at The News Center bookstore, in Easton, Maryland.

All of us at the Review believe the best writing has no borders. We have published compelling new literary prose and poetry from 135 authors over the first six years. In all, writers have come from 23 states, the District of Columbia, and eight other countries. About two-thirds are from the Delmarva and Chesapeake region. Twenty-four have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Primed with cider, light refreshments, and home-baked cookies, the audience was treated to readings from the Review’s Poetry Editor, Anne Colwell, from Milton, Delaware, and poet William Peak, of Easton, one of the contributing authors to the 2013 issue. It was a delightful way to start the new writing season.

The literary journal is published in print and digital editions. The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, downloadable edition is now available on Amazon.com. The link is: http://www.amazon.com/The-Delmarva-Review-Vol-6-ebook/dp/B00G390V0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383423047&sr=8-1&keywords=the+delmarva+review+vol.+6

For those who could not attend the celebration, I’ll share some photos by my photographer wife Katie Wyatt:

Poetry Editor Anne Colwell reading at the Review's Sixth Annual Celebration

Poetry Editor Anne Colwell reading at the Review’s celebration of six years of publishing – click on photo for larger image

Author William Peak reading his poetry in Vol. 6, The Delmarva Review

Author William Peak reading his poetry in Vol. 6, The Delmarva Review – click on photo for larger image

Co-Fiction Editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson discuss the current Issue of the Review

Co-Fiction Editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson discuss the new issue of the Review    – click on photo for larger image

Co-Fiction Editor Amy Abrams talks to poet Sue Ellen Thompson, a contributing author to the Review

Co-Fiction Editor Amy Abrams, left, talks to poet Sue Ellen Thompson, a contributing author to past issues of Review – click on photo for larger image

Editorial Advisor Gerald Sweeney, president of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, welcomes writers to the event

Editorial Advisor Gerald Sweeney, President of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, welcomes writers to the event – click on photo for larger image

Executive Editor Wilson Wyatt with Kimberly Bushey, Manager of The News Center bookstore

The Review’s Executive Editor Wilson Wyatt with Kimberly Bushey, Manager of The News Center bookstore – click on photo for larger image

The Delmarva Review Announces Sixth Literary Journal

24 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by in Poetry, Writing

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The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6 - 2013

The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6 – 2013

The Delmarva Review announced its sixth annual literary review presenting new prose and poetry from 23 authors. In all, they come from nine states and the District of Columbia.

“From the hundreds of submissions, we selected stories and poetry expressing the human themes of healing, aging, independence, loss, love, and a sense of place,” said Wilson Wyatt, executive editor. “The cover photograph, Coming, Going, by Christopher Woods, suggests a metaphor of opening the door to imaginative writing.”

The nonprofit literary journal publishes distinctive poetry, short stories, and nonfiction in print and digital editions. It also reviews a selection of new books.

The editors selected Ron Capps, founder of the Veterans Writing Project, as this issue’s featured writer for his powerful personal essay, “Writing My Way Home.” The essay will relate to the many thousands of veterans who have returned from combat with physical and psychological wounds, while it shows how writing can help everyone to heal from the scars of adversity.

Poetry editor Anne Colwell expanded the poetry in this issue. Thirty-one poems from 11 poets represent a wide range of poetic voice and form. Many of the poems are about how life experiences, art, or even age change the way a person perceives the world. “They lead us to unexpected moments of beauty and insight,” said Colwell.

The fiction section contains seven short stories. Beginning with “Undertow,” by Margaret Adams, readers are offered a penetrating view of self-esteem and misunderstanding. A flash fiction piece probes the subject of personal identity. In all, the stories explore freedom, aging, loss, and life’s unanticipated consequences.

The editors selected three books by regional authors to review, including a current novel by John Barth, poetry by Jehanne Dubrow, and a trilogy of stories by Sophie Moss.

In addition to Wyatt and Colwell, the editorial board includes: Harold Wilson, Margot Miller and Amy Abrams, as fiction editors, George Merrill, nonfiction editor, Mary Ann Hillier, submissions administrator, Melanie Rigney and Gerald Sweeney, editorial advisors, Jeanne Pinault, copy editor, Charleen Marcum, proofreader, and Laura Ambler, for layout and design.

The Delmarva Review is produced with the support of subscribers, contributors, and the publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association. The association is a nonprofit organization supporting writers and the literary arts across the Delmarva Peninsula.

“We are indebted to the remarkable talents and spirit of the writers, editors, and designer as we present this volume to the eyes of your imagination,” said Wyatt.

The editors encourage writers to consider submitting their best work. The next submission period opens November 1 and closes on February 28, 2014. Submissions are competitive. Publication of an author’s work in The Delmarva Review represents a significant literary achievement.

Single issues of the Review are $10 each plus $2 for postage. Two-year subscriptions are $20 postpaid. An order form is available on the website: www.delmarvareview.com, or by writing: The Delmarva Review, P.O. Box 544, St. Michaels, MD 21663.

A digital edition of The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, for download to electronic reading devices, is available on Amazon.com.

The Value of a Literary Review…along the road to good writing

07 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in The Delmarva Review, Writing

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The Delmarva Review, vol.5 – 27 authors, nine states, D.C., and three other countries

The Delmarva Review published its fifth annual edition of prose and poetry this week, rising competently at the far end of the writing spectrum, known to discerning readers as literary writing.  I say the “far end” of the spectrum, because it is the place reserved for literature as an art.  This is the place where art and craft combine in the writer’s quest for excellence…aspired to by many, but attained by few.

That sounds intimidating, and perhaps it is to some writers.  But to others it is a rewarding journey.  A literary journal like The Delmarva Review attracts hundreds and hundreds of submissions for the few that are finally published.  Of course, there are space limitations.  For the aspiring and persevering writer, publication in the review is a well-deserved achievement.  Even the best writers receive rejections, but selection for publication is always an occasion to be celebrated.

The Delmarva Review is one of some 3,300 literary reviews around the world.  That sounds like a lot.  But, when you consider there are over 200,000 commercial magazines in production, literary reviews are, indeed, at the small end of the spectrum. It’s interesting that they are growing in numbers, not diminishing.

For those who would like to know more about literary reviews, their purpose and history, I recommend an excellent article by an experienced editor-writer, Paul Soderberg, “The Secret World of Literary Journals,” available to read online at: http://thefeatheredflounder.com/2012/05/the-secret-world-of-literary-journals/

Today, as I and my talented editorial associates stuff envelopes with copies of  The Delmarva Review, to be on their way to readers, this concludes a year of difficult work. “Difficult” because it has been a year of choosing the final stories, essays, and poetry to publish in our fifth edition.  However, like for the authors, it is an occasion to celebrate.  The reward is treating our writers with the respect they deserve and producing a literary journal of quality for readers with high expectations.

We will now wait…and wait…for the comments…for our own critical review.  For you see, even the editors can face rejection.

Of interest to writers, the submission period for the sixth issue of the Review is from November 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013. We publish a print edition as well as a downloadable digital edition, available at Amazon.com. You can see the website for copies, guidelines and a submission link: www.delmarvareview.com

As executive editor of The Delmarva Review, I am thankful for the remarkable talent and generous spirit of all the people who worked on this edition.  All contributed as volunteers.  They include fiction editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson, nonfiction editor George Merrill, poetry editors Amanda Newell and the late John Elsberg, managing editor Mala Burt, designer Laura Ambler,  copyeditor Jeanne Pinault, and our prose readers, who help to discover the best work. Thank you, as well, to our publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association, a nonprofit organization that supports and believes in the literary arts.

Back and front cover – The Delmarva Review, vol. 5  (Click on image to enlarge)