APJ

Thank You for stopping by to check out our first edition!

The Anthracite Journal has been a vision for close to two years. From researching and branding our name to selecting the work, the website, and all the nuts and bolts that go along with it, every step has been thoughtfully constructed, torn down, remodeled, and polished.

Lorrie and I wanted to create a free-form network for Poets, Writers, and Artists of all calibers to share their work and experiences without having to worry about fitting anyone's or any publication's definition of image; our image is belief; the belief that the only bad writing or creating is none at all! We'll strive to provide feedback and acceptance, and to look at all the work we receive, not just the ones with clever “hook and tag” lines that draw the reader in and leave them wanting and wondering. There are times that what lies beneath the surface makes the most thought-provoking work. An example that comes to mind is “The Writing Life,” by Annie Dillard. Good title, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, but a jagged and jumpy start, in my eyes, which, if it wasn’t required reading for my Master’s degree, I would’ve tossed aside. Fortunately, I struggled through three-quarters of the book, and then the EUREKA light went off! From process to discipline and sacrifice, to ruthlessly “killing your Darlings,” the ability to toss out the very best lines if they no longer serve the entire piece's intent. The book taught me writing and reading are not spectator sports; you need to roll up your sleeves, dig in, get dirty, and do the work!  We’ll attentively read every piece written through the artist's eyes. 

You’ll find a calendar of what's going on in and around our area, information on submission calls, and …well, who knows what will pop up, so swing in from time to time. There is also an area where you can leave comments. Please let us know what you think, what you liked, and what you’d like to see. This is very important to us and to the Journal's future. Also, our next adventure, “The Anthracite Press,” will be coming this Fall. Oh, one more thing: if “construct, tear down, remodel, and polish” doesn’t work for you in your process, try:

Write, Edit, Revise, REPEAT!

- Jc