About Town visits cyberspace in this issue, highlighting four locally run literary e-zines.
three candles
www.threecandles.org
Steve Mueske, an MFA graduate from Hamline University, created three candles in November 1999. The publishing of new work is fluid. Mueske states on three candles that he, "posts poems when poetry compels him to do so." Book reviews, however, are published biweekly. Despite the odd publishing schedule, three candles is a noteworthy literary journal.
three candles is more than what most poetry readers would expect from an online journal. The website itself is well structured, attractive, and easy to navigate. Mueske's journal encompasses many aspects of the literary world. The journal contains poetry, prose, book reviews, and has a featured poet section. Also, there is a resources area that contains a list of other online literary journals (including Whistling Shade), grants, writing centers and retreats. For what seemingly is a one-man production, I am amazed at the professionalism and amount of information the journal contains.
The writing chosen for the publication speaks of memories and everyday experiences that become epiphanies. Mueske says that he looks for poems that "speak to the human experience" and prose "whose images, pacing, and artfulness capture the reader immediately." I think the work featured in the journal would appeal to casual poetry readers and academics alike.
Unarmed: Adventurous Poetry Journal
www.unarmedjournal.com
Unarmed: Adventurous Poetry Journal has the proletariat poet and anarchist in mind (I saw print copies at Mayday Bookstore). This monthly, free, online journal publishes short collections of poems and chapbooks. Also, there is a section devoted to visual poetry. The content director and Webmaster emphasize that this journal is for the people.
The website design is crisp and aesthetically pleasing. Though the content director is probably trying to get away from stereotypical web journals, Unarmed looks professional. One thing that bothers me is that I do not see any names listed for the editorial staff. I am not sure if there is a set reason for that or not, but I find it a little odd. Also, it is hard to tell when the publication is put out because no due dates are given for submissions. It looks like Unarmed might be a monthly publication, however that is not stated on the site.
Unarmed produces well-written experimental poetry. In the most recent issue, #42, I enjoyed reading "Yassir Wept" by Mary Kasimor and "the descisionistic" by Michael Mann. Both poems are well crafted. They speak of terrorism and how the media portrays the issue. Also, I like that they publish poets' chapbooks online. It is good to see that previously unpublished poets have a newbie, open-minded publishing source. Not only does the online journal focus on giving new poets a chance to be heard, it also tries to build a grassroots literary community. Unarmed exudes the true spirit of literary freedom.
The Wayfarer
www.wayfarer.umn.edu
It has been sometime since I have looked at a copy of The Wayfarer. It was first published in 1997 (I was on the editorial board), and I am glad to see that it is still published annually. This university literary and arts journal publishes only registered University of Minnesota students' writing and artwork. Also, the journal's editing board is made up of all students from English 3711. I hope that the student editorial board has as positive an experience as I had back in 1997.
In the latest issue, which looks like it is from 2003, most of the poetry and stories deal with the pains of everyday life. Love, death, pregnancy, obesity, and similar subjects in can be interesting as long as they are well-written. Of course, some poems and stories were stronger than others. Noteworthy poems are "Fall in San Diego" by Jenny C. Blaine and "You Peel Fruit" by Josie Sigler. Also Gladys Mambo's "The Visitation", a non-fiction story, shows she is a talented writer. This work transcends most students' writing and shows the writers have found their voices. I hope that The Wayfarer continues to show student talent.
Double Dare Press
www.doubledarepress.com
Double Dare Press provokes the daredevil aspect of all writers and artists to submit lively and unique work. Even their online submission form seems to test uncertain writers by giving them a chance to cross the line. Who doesn’t like to take little literary or artistic leap every now and then?
As I perused the latest issue, I enjoyed reading a story about a farm princess pageant and a blind date going horribly wrong (on a few different levels). Also, I was very impressed with the artwork in their gallery. Check out John McCray’s and Lisa Kimmell’s work—their images are haunting and engaging. Double Dare Press also is the on-line home of Suzanne Neilson’s “Cool Dead People”. I think having a little shrine for our literary ancestors is respectful and educational. (Yes, even the article from issue #24 about Rozz Williams touched my gothic heart.)
What really rose my eyebrows is the “True Crime Corner”. What a surprise—I have never seen a section like that in a literary journal. Now I know where to get my dose of spookiness and a little distraction from this upcoming election.
I think both twisted and conventional minds would appreciate this journal. I urge you to read it—I double-dog dare you!