My initial expectations for my internship experience were broad: that it would be “dynamic, thought-provoking, and fun” and, “my voice and ideas will be fully welcomed by the MeR staff.” So far, the experience has been productive. I was provided with an orientation packet of five documents which I downloaded, printed, and highlighted important information, like the Submittable password. I was initially surprised that the internship experience took a few weeks to get off the ground, but once it lifted, there’s been some positive momentum.
With each week of reading Submittable submissions, I’ve requested more essays to read. I’ve also decided to read each of the Nonfiction essays that have been published by MeR since its inception. It’s a relatively new literary journal, with its first issue published in May, 2020. Right now, I’m about halfway through the eight issues, having read twenty-six essays. By reading through each essay from each issue, I’m getting a good sense of the kinds of writing they decide to publish. I’ve met with both Editor AJ Bermudez and Managing Editor Chelsea Jackson to learn more about Maine Review’s working mechanics. I’ve also Zoomed with the CNF team of readers, lead by CNF Editor Emily Weinstein, and after introductions (‘m the only reader from Maine – that surprised me), learned about what readers look for in the essays that they select, which, if they give the piece a thumbs up, moves to the next level where MeR editorial staff then read the essay. At my supervisor AJ’s request, I’ve reviewed and extracted data from a compelling report on the current state of the U.S. literary arts field and presented that data to her for review. In my initial Zoom meeting with Chelsea, I was surprised by how quickly we developed rapport, expressed through a genuine curiosity about our lives. I learned that she lives in Richmond, Virginia with her partner and seventy-pound rescue pup. Chelsey studied Music Therapy, then she earned a Master’s in Divinity, then an MFA in Poetry. She is now a practicing Pagan. Chelsea was genuine, warm, and authentic, and I welcomed hearing about her writing trajectory, landing as Managing Editor at the Maine Review. Having learned from AJ that the editor roles at MeR were primarily volunteer, I asked her what she did to pay the rent. Chelsea shared that she is developing a new business venture where she provides “…writing, editing, and consulting services to creative writers, professionals, and nonprofits.” She also offers workshops to writers on jumpstarting their writing, including an eclectic “Tarot and Poetry” workshop that piqued my interest. In addition, Chelsey has a book of poetry forthcoming. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident as we spoke, and I imagine that the circuitous route to her MFA in Poetry has contributed to the breath and depth of her written word. When I learned that most MeR staff are unpaid (another surprise), my respect for the volunteer editors, like Chelsea, along with the dozens of readers who are the bones of the organization, deepened. They’ve chosen to share their time at MeR because they care about writing.
0 Comments
My first Submittable reading assignment tickles me. I’m finally a member of the Maine Review team, with orientation materials provided by Chelsea, the Managing Editor and a confirmation email from Adam, the Associate Managing Editor, providing the green light to begin reading Submittable essays. In my first weekly round of reading, I’m assigned just three essays, and because I’m over-the-top ready for my internship experience to begin, I immerse myself in the project with great fervor. One essay receives a thumbs up, the others I passed on. I’m careful to include positive words of encouragement for each of the writers. Although my internship has had a slow start, I’m thrilled to be reading other writer’s work and am hopeful about learning from each piece that I read.
I’m also delighted to have AJ Bermudez as my internship supervisor. She’s a generous soul, wanting to create a positive internship experience for me, curious about what I hope to learn. We’re starting from scratch with what I know about the apparatus that drives a literary journal, so during our first meeting I ask her to begin at the beginning. She’s relatively new to The Maine Review, and connects me with Rosanna, one of the journal’s founders, though she also shares the timing and mechanics that lead to the journal’s biannual publication. I learn that a mere .38% of their writer submissions are accepted for publication. I learn that there are many volunteer readers who ensure the journal’s successful trajectory, and that funding for the journal comes primarily from reader donations. I learn that nearly all the staff are volunteers, though editors receive a miniscule financial token of appreciation at each publication date. They are doing their good work because of a love for words. Beneficence. Then, because I’m curious and want to know more, we discuss AJ’s recently published book, Stories No One Hopes Are About them, a series of essays that won the Iowa Short Fiction Award. I’ve read the book, twice, and loved it. She is humble in discussing her work but shares a few anecdotes about the book’s cover design which she had a say in creating. Octopus arms with exaggerated suckers stretch from the book’s lower edge, reaching through a tiffany blue background. Menacing entitlement, much like the essay's themes throughout the book. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
March 2023
Categories |