Well, it's ALMOST October...

So I'm posting this:



Drunk pumpkins!

(Thanks to Jen for making me laugh this morning!)

***

Now, on a more serious note...

I've been looking through the posts on this blog, and it seems that I am always apologizing for how long it takes me to get things done! I suppose I just want those writers who are so generous with their talents to know we appreciate them! I know how frustrating it can be when editors hold on to your work for extended periods of time...

Of course, that's just the nature of the beast, I guess. My desire to be prompt and the reality of getting it all done aren't necessarily compatible.

That said, I am almost finished with fall submissions, but not quite. I have responded to the bulk of them by now, with only a small number remaining. I know I said we'd respond to them all by September 30th (today). I tend to get ambitious, setting deadlines for myself...but I also want to give these last few the attention they deserve, so I'm going to hang on to them a little longer.

These last two weeks got a little busier than expected.

I'll post the fall lineup soon.

From the "there's never enough time in the day" files...

These last few weeks have been very hectic. We're still reading and responding to fall submissions. If you sent us a manuscript, I thank you for your patience! We're getting there.

***

On a more personal note, I have been juggling several projects at once (who isn't??), including a web project that I need to have finished in less than a week, some writing I'm trying to get done--which ALWAYS gets shifted to last on the list, and (of course) still looking for a new job. I don't want to rant about the messed-up state of the U.S. Economy, because I'm sure everyone already knows the whole thing is pretty sucky in a variety of ways. I rarely go out, because I don't want to use up the fuel in my tank, which (one would think) should leave lots of time for literary pursuits. I wish.

It's been a stressful time. Perhaps I should learn to knit, like Melissa. Instead of gnomes, I would make a series of little smiling Buddhas, to improve the general feng shui around here.

Last Thursday, Melissa and I had the pleasure of visiting some writing classes at Lewis. Thank you to Simone for inviting us to speak to her creative writing students!

We also got a chance to pop in to visit Missy, who provides the gorgeous artwork for blossombones. The three of us are planning on putting together an art & poetry project for the Spring! I am thrilled by the idea. I LOVE mixed media & collaborate creativity :)

I think I hear the muse waking up from her nap!

***

I won't get into the whole political thing today, but I hope everyone is watching the debates. I stayed up to watch them last night, and thought Obama was pretty good--but somehow, I was expecting more. I wonder if the structure of televised debates only allows for sound bites. I'm always hoping to get more details, and never do...

Now, since I've done the good citizen thing, I'm going to curl up with a glass of wine and a copy of Blue Velvet this evening...because I can't watch CNN every night.

I've been feeling very emotional about this election. It's exhausting.

Save Bitch Magazine!

Thanks to Laura for bringing this to my attention!

If you have the means, please donate or subscribe to Bitch. I promise you, it is money well-spent!

Spread the word.

Submissions for the fall 2008 digital chapbook issue

are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who submitted work. We plan to respond to all fall subs by September 30th.

Cheers,

Susan

flu bug

Yep. I guess it's been going around. Been really, really sick for about a week. So--of course--I am woefully behind. Since I didn't get around to updating the website, we're allowing fall subs through September 15, as originally intended. My fault, of course. I apologize for any confusion.

If you've submitted to the fall digital chapbook issue, expect to hear from us by September 30th.

Responses to the winter issue might be a bit slow this time around, due to the extra project. Generally, I like to reply more quickly (within a month or so) but it's just going to take me a little longer this time. *sigh*

***

I am very excited about the upcoming issue. Submissions have been absolutely fabulous! It's proving extremely difficult to make final selections. I wish I could do more...

***

P.S. Melissa has a poem up at Sharkforum this week! Go visit :)