Finding Poetry in the Funniest Places, by Daniel Schauer
As a poet I am a bit of a language geek. The structure of language from diction to syntax is fascinating and playing with it makes me feel a bit like a mad scientist. However, examining language I think is key to improving writing in general and is not something...
The Voice of the Undergrad: Why We Are Refreshing, Ready, and Relevant to Today’s Literary Journal, by Tamara Johnson
When a 20-something signs onto their social media accounts, what do they see? What I see is a mixture of things; pictures from a friend’s spring break trip, a horrifying debate about what color a certain dress is, and fairly common rants from my passionate political...
Unity In Collections, by Matt Swenson
Unity in a collection of literature is an often overlooked aspect of putting together a literary magazine. I've seen numerous times in literary magazines, particularly college- and university-run magazines, where the content of the magazine seems to be an amalgam of...
Literary Twin Cities Spotlight: Krueger & The Broiler, by Sarah Basil
Situated on the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Snelling Avenue, the St. Clair Broiler opened its doors in 1956. The display sign boasts classic neon letters and flames, a callback to that decade of monogrammed blouses, stylish eyeglasses, and rock & roll. While...
Five Poets Who Do The Internet Right, by Lukas Hall
#1 Steven Roggenbuck Steven Roggenbuck is the master of combining hilarious-absurd YouTube comedy and inspiring/very serious poetry. Not only can you find the majority of his poetry online, but he truly encourages free poetry for the masses, such as with his...
Tips For Being A Better Writer, by Jody Peters
Do you want to be the best writer around? Well, as the song in The Karate Kid goes, nothing’s gonna ever keep you down if you follow these tips.1. Bring a notebook with you. Put a notebook in your purse/bag to be prepared when inspiration strikes. Also, putting a...
Why Lit Journals are Necessary, by Paul Patane
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in a Caribou Coffee and peer editing a friend's fiction short story. During a break to refuel, we started to chat about literary journals and how necessary they are to read, support, and ultimately, submit to. You're widely encouraged to...
How Do I Turn My Idea Into a Story? by Keith Lasser
So, you've got this brilliant idea and you think it will make a great story, do you? Well, where do you go from here? That's a difficult question. You see, everyone's creative process is different. Writing is not a science. There is no one guaranteed way to get a...
Three Reasons Why Writers Should Probably Rule the World, by Allison Nordman
Writers get that look. You know the one with raised eyebrows and pursed lips once you tell them that you want to be a writer? Why not be a businesswoman? How about a doctor? I told them instead I wanted to rule the world. A politician? they said. No. A writer, and...
Interview with Twin Cities Author: Sherrie Fernandez-Williams (part 3 of 3), by Deziree Brown
[ Read part 1 of Deziree's interview with Sherrie Fernandez-Williams here ][ Read part 2 of Deziree's interview with Sherrie Fernandez-Williams here ] DB: As a poet, I find that titling my work is one of the hardest parts of finishing a piece. How did you come up...
Interview with Twin Cities Author: Sherrie Fernandez-Williams (part 2 of 3), by Deziree Brown
[ Read part 1 of Deziree's interview with Sherrie Fernandez-Williams here ] DB: Knowing that you struggled with choosing content, is there anything you wish you could go back in time and change about Soft? SFW: The book has been revised numerous times and some stories...
Interview with Twin Cities Author: Sherrie Fernandez-Williams (part 1 of 3), by Deziree Brown
Sherrie Fernandez-Williams holds an MFA in writing from Hamline University and is a recipient of an Artist Initiative Award through the Minnesota State Arts Board, a Beyond the Pure Fellowship & SASE/Jerome Award through Intermedia Arts and the Jones’ Commission...