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.
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