Rabbitbrush, a literary journal. Photo by Elisa Carlsen.
Because it is October, already.
Because the days pass faster than my mind can track.
Because of . . . everything, today is Thankful Thursday on Friday.
Whatever the day, let’s pause to appreciate the big and small, the puny and profound.
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This week I’m thankful for outsiders and underdogs, fringes and frays, all of us standing on the edges peering in and turning away.
Is this you? If you’re here now, reading this, you’re likely an outsider, too.
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My newest favorite outsider is Rabbitbrush, a literary journal.
First, I was taken by the name: rabbitbrush. My favorite autumn plant! And a colorful shrub featured in Forecast, my artist-poetry collaboration with painter Tracy Weil!
And then I caught this tagline: “catering to outsiders with a connection to the American West.”
Ding, ding, ding! Right away, Rabbitbrush called me.
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What’s an outsider? In the creative world, outsiders are typically self-taught artists who create for personal expression rather than commercial success, who lack traditional training, and who have limited access and inclusion.
Rabbitbrush wants all that — and more:
“We want to publish people writing about their life in rural or isolated areas; experiencing poverty and or who grew up poor; people experiencing housing instability; people living with disabilities of any kind; people with mental health challenges; our elders; communities of color; people in the queer community; people in recovery; people who have experienced extreme spiritual communities; the youth, etc . . .”
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But, wait, there are more reasons to love this new journal.
Instead of including writer bios dripping with achievement, contributors have to dig deeper:
“Your bio is your story, your personal struggle, your triumph, your vulnerability . . . DO NOT send a list of your publications, awards, residencies, workshops or your creative writing education. If your bio contains such information, your submission will not be considered.”
I love this approach.
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For a variety of reasons, I rarely submit work to literary journals. For years I did, had some success, and it felt good to see my work in the world.
But the satisfaction was short-lived, the sense of credibility I thought I needed was fleeting, and the process and system left me desperate and empty.
But this time felt different. Rabbitbrush resonated.
I sent a few poems, and a letter of appreciation.
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The first issue published this month, and I’m delighted to read a journal packed with poetry, fiction, and nonfiction works that showcase a mix of voices and experiences — from truck drivers to teachers, nomads to homesteaders, and more.
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“Hardship is not the price of admission, vulnerability is,” writes Editor Elisa Carlsen, in the debut issue.
“If my journal accomplishes only one thing,” she says, “I hope it will be to encourage people to reflect upon their story, the one that plays out in their head, and to consider how it drives who they are and what they write about.”
Right on, and write on!
For many of us, writing is the vehicle to explore our lives, the world, and how and where we fit — inside or out.
I’m thankful for people and places encouraging the drive.
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It’s Thankful Thursday (on Friday), a weekly-ish pause to express appreciation for people, places, things, and more. Attention attracts gratitude, and gratitude expands joy. Please join me.
What are you thankful for today?