Welcome!If this is your first issue of Blue Penny, I'm happy to have you joining us. If you've been here before, I'm happy you're back.
I thought I'd use this space to talk a little about the changes that begin with this issue, despite the fact that it's been a major objective of mine to keep myself out of this journal as much as possible, or at least in the background. A literary editor's personality, so goes my logic, should be evident certainly in the type of work chosen for a journal, in the look of the journal, maybe -- if said editor is as controlling as this editor can be -- in the overall tone certainly. But aside from that one should keep his/her mouth shut, unless talking to agents or writers or to people with money to give.
The last thing you're here for, I expect, is to download a picture of my rather unremarkable face.
So I'll type quickly.
Here on our first anniversary, I think we've done some good things. But looking ahead, I see more things, even better things than before. This issue begins both the Readers' Choice Prizes and the Editor's Choice Prizes. Specific details for these are available from the Kudzu, The Morpo Review, In Vivo, and CrossConnect. While each site has its own personality, and each may appeal to a different audience, all of these journals--large and small--speak well for the literary publishing scene online.
I've taken up enough of your time, I expect. Thank you for stopping by, and for taking the time to read this. I hope you enjoy Blue Penny, and please let me know your thoughts. I'd be interested in hearing from you via email or our Cafe Blue mailing list.
Sincerely,