Tag Archives: Memoir

Black and White Magazine, Red Ochre Press – “Je Vais Bien”

Black and White is defunct, but you can read the story here.


“Je Vais Bien” was published in Black and White – a journal published by Red Ochre Press.

The story is a gem.  It’s about a man who traps himself so deeply in a web of lies that he doesn’t see any escape. It’s a street wandering story, because there are times at which, faced with nothing else to invest one’s time in, the only thing to do is simply go outside and pretend that you have a destination.

Unfortunately Red Ochre Lit has become defunct, and the publication is no longer available for purchase. It was an admirable publication and is missed.


About RED OCHRE PRESS:

“It is a mysterious and complicated business, bringing together muscles and brain, memory and desire, and a rhythm of motions and subconscious impulses…No wonder most good writers approach writing with just a twinge of terror in their bones.”  –Richard Marius

RED OCHRE PRESS exists as a publishing house and a community advocate for all things literary. We publish premier, contemporary literature. This includes poetry, fiction, nonfiction, interviews & essays. While our primary goal is to showcase the work of experienced authors, we feature emerging writers as well. A multicultural organization, we venerate voices from around the world, taking pride in writers whose work is both innovative and captivating.

This press was founded on the belief that reading and writing are becoming dying pastimes. In a world where people choose daily to flip through 1,000 channels instead of pages, writers must perfect their work and present it via widely accessible media venues. First and foremost, however, we, as writers, must lose our fear of rejection and submit polished pieces for publication.

Until next time,
Editors of RED OCHRE PRESS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Mimi Ferebee is the editor-in-chief of RED OCHRE PRESSoverseeing the publication of RED OCHRE LiT, ROLiT NEWS, and BLACK&WHITE.
While originally from California, she resides in Virginia with husband, Melvin, and son, Melthias Jai.

A graduate of the College of William and Mary, she received degrees in both English (emphasis in Creative Writing and Literature) and Psychology (emphasis in Behavioral and Developmental Science).

She recently retired a career as a clinical therapist to pursue her primary passions of writing and editing full-time. When not working on completing her novel “In the Distant Marshes” and various other literary projects, she diligently works to complete applications for doctoral programs. She wants to obtain a PhD in English Literature.

Mimi also works with at-risk youth, refining their reading and composition skills. She spends many evenings in detention centers and twice as many weekend mornings at libraries working with this population. She prides herself on being an advocate for her students, helping them not only perceive, but achieve their potential.

Her literary work has been featured recently in several journals, magazines and reviews, including Onè? Respè!Contemporary World Literature, Decanto Magazine (United Kingdom), Both Sides Now, Flutter Poetry Journal, Leaning House Press, Caper Literary Journal, ChickenBones: A Journal, Menopause Press, Taj Mahal Review (India), Black Magnolias Literary Journal Houston Literary Review. 

Look for upcoming publications in the award-winning journals, African American Review and phati’tude Literary Magazine. She will also have features in the revered Obsidian: Literature in the African Diaspora, James Dickey Review, Reverie: Midwest African American Literature, Pirene’s Fountain, among others.

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Mosaic Art & Literary Magazine – “The Brave Man who Lives in my Gullet Whispers”

This issue is no longer available for purchase, but the story can be read here.

“The Brave Man who Lives in my Gullet Whispers” was published in issue 52 of Mosaic Art and Literary Magazine. I had been waiting for a publication to pick this one up for a while, and I believed all along that it was a story with more merit than most of what I end up writing. The story is about cowardice in so many of its manifestations.

Mosaic Art and Literary is the University of California, Riverside’s undergraduate literary journal. In 1959, Mosaic began as a small group of poets, and we’re still going strong nearly 60 years later, having expanded into a home for all writers, musicians, and artists. They are completely undergraduate-run, and publish one volume of prose, poetry, and art every year. But that’s not all–we also host a number of community outreach events (including our popular Open Mic Nights) in order to promote and nurture the Riverside art and literary scene.

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Pisgah – “The Memoirist’s Christmas”

Pisgah Review is defunct, but read the story here.

“The Memoirist’s Christmas,” was published in the Summer 2012 issue of Pisgah Review. I think that sometimes, when someone’s in a particular mood, a mood that leads that person to feel as if the world cannot accommodate them, then she or he might also be led to conclude that the world is unaccommodating in general.  This piece was certainly written from a place of misanthropy and the fear through which that distrust is derived. 

“Pisgah” was wonderful enough to publish “The Memoirist’s Christmas,” but has since ceased publication. They operated out of the creative writing department at Brevard College, in Brevard, North Carolina. 

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Temenos – “My Portrait in the Memorial”

Though the story is no longer available through the publisher site, you can read it here

The short story titled “My Portrait In the Memorial”, published in the Winter 2013 issue of Temenos, relates an incident that traumatized my community while I was in junior high school.  I had a lot of issues writing this piece, and was even more conflicted when I began submitting it for publication.  But I believe that I was as honest as I could be (as if honesty is an excuse for publication), and I believe that it accurately reflects the ambiguities and ambivalences of unimaginable tragedy, so I hope that I acted reasonably here. 

Temenos is the Central Michigan University graduate literary journal, founded in 2000. The magazine has no philosophical or esthetic allegiances. They publish poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and art by new and established writers and artists.

The Greek word “temenos” refers both to the ancient Greek concept of sacred space and the Jungian ‘safe spot’ where one may bring the unconscious into the light of consciousness. Temenos’ mission is to bring to light works that are engaging, memorable, and fearless.

They accept submissions year round. Please see their submission guidelines for more information.

who we are

We seek outsider, clout-less, non-standard work that gleams.  We want to celebrate our contributors; both the artist and their art. For us, that means that upon publication, your submissions will appear in a journal that has been conceived by a team of caring and meticulous editors; it will look good. Ultimately, our goal is to publish catalysts of transition for the observer, to lull, or to instigate. We want work that encourages the appreciation of craft and the desire to create. 

The Greek word “temenos” refers both to the ancient Greek concept of sacred space and the Jungian ‘safe spot’ where one may bring the unconscious into the light of consciousness. Our mission is to bring to light works that are engaging, memorable, and fearless.

As of 2021, Temenos publishes one online edition in the spring, and one in the fall. Please see submit for our current Call for Submissions and submission guidelines. Past and current issues of Temenos can be accessed for free on this website, on both the home page and in the Archives. We can be contacted at temenoslit@gmail.com

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who we’ve been

Temenos is a literary journal that originated from Central Michigan University (CMU), founded in 2000 and run entirely by graduate student volunteers. The magazine has no philosophical or aesthetic allegiances. We publish poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and art by new and established writers and artists. Since 2020, Temenos operates entirely independently.

where we’re going

After a long period of tumult, the Temenos staff is happy to announce that we are back! We are so happy to be doing this and we’re excited to read and view your work.

Our submission fee is $5. Submission inquiries can be directed to temenoslit@gmail.com. If funds are lacking, we are willing to accommodate. Incarcerated artists and writers may submit for free, by email, as long as it is noted in the subject of the email.

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Constellations – “Turn into the Skid”

Constellations - Banner 2

“Turn into the Skid” is the story of a young manfailing to heed that sage piece of wisdom.  When you’re veering out of control it’s counter-intuitive to turn into the skid, but que sera, right?  This story also happens to be about the fleetingness of objects.

While the piece is not available online, you can order Volume 2 of Constellations, titled Upheaval, from Createspace for the totally reasonable price of $10.  Just click this link to be redirected to the order page.

Constellations - Cover - artsy copy

About Constellations’ editor:

Nina Rubinstein Alonso, editor of Constellations, has published in Ploughshares, The New Yorker, Sumac, Avatar, Women-Poems, U. Mass. Review, and New Boston Review, among other places, and her first book This Body was printed by Godine Press.

She taught English literature at Brandeis University and U. Mass., Boston, while continuing training in ballet and exploring modern dance.  (Crazy enough, and in my opinion her greatest achievement, is that she might – totally incidentally – be related to me.  The Petaluma Jewish community was somewhat incestual not too many generations back.)

Saturated with academia, she taught at Boston Ballet for eleven years, and performed in their Nutcracker, until sidelined by injuries. She makes her living teaching at Fresh Pond Ballet in Cambridge, MA. She says, “Now is the time for fresh voices in poetry and fiction. I’m looking for a new constellation.”

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Santa Clara Review – “My House of Cards”

Read the story here.

“My House of Cards.”  It is about terrible roommates – including the narrator – and it was published in the Spring 2012 issue of  The Santa Clara Review . an accomplishment that I’m proud of.  Having spent most of my life in Northern California, and having lived for a couple of years in San Jose, Santa Clara Review felt like a home coming.  The publication is professional looking, their layout is great, the featured artwork is beautiful, and I’m published beside a number of talented authors and poets.

For the online version of the magazine, click here.

For the free eReader download, click here.

For the free iPad edition, click here.

You can also order yourself a physical copy of this magazine – just get in touch with the editors.  Back issues are $7.50.  Ask for Spring 2012.

Mail:
Santa Clara Review
500 El Camino Real, Box 3212
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Phone:
(408) 554 – 4484

Email:
santaclarareview@gmail.com

Santa Clara Review:

Santa Clara Review is a student-edited literary magazine which publishes poetry, fiction, non-fiction, visual art, and music. The magazine is published biannually in February and May, drawing on submissions from Santa Clara University students, faculty, and staff, as well as from writers around the nation and globe. The Review is entirely student run by undergraduate students who are actively enrolled. The Review promotes the literary arts in several spheres: the student and alumni writing community within Santa Clara University, the academic literary community, and the national community of writers outside of SCU.

The Review is committed to the development of student literary talent, both in editorial and creative writing skills. The Review provides Santa Clara students an opportunity to gain knowledge in the practice of contemporary writing and criticism, and creates a forum for faculty, students, and alumni to express their creative energy.

History and Vision:

Founded in 1869, Santa Clara Review–formerly known as The Owl and The Redwood–is one of the oldest literary publications in the Western U.S. Throughout its duration the publication has represented Santa Clara University’s commitment to the humanities, a tenant of Jesuit education. Because the Review shares in Santa Clara University’s commitment to the humanities, the Review will accept only the highest quality material for publication, material which echoes Santa Clara University’s dedication to the pursuit of truth, honesty, and social responsibility within the literary arts.

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Retort Magazine – “The Drive Home”

Retort is defunct, but read the short story here.

The Drive Home” is about a man somewhat confused in his spirituality.  It’s a weird little piece, the work of a disturbed man, but I love it, and I knew the folks at Retort would love it too, so I sent it their way.  To my delight, they accepted it. Unfortunately, Retort has since folded.

Retort Magazine is dedicated to the publication and presentation of new innovative, experimental cutting edge art + text in all disciplines. Retort Magazine publishes both fiction and non fiction. Retort has published some of the worlds best known artists and writers but is also a platform for new and emerging writers and artists. We favor the cutting edge over the blunt of the handle, the avant-garde over backward walking, the delinquent imagination over the hammered economic mind. We publish whenever something interesting arrives in the inbox.

HISTORY

Founded in the laundry of an old queenslander behind a gas station in Brisbane in 2001 by Australian poet/writer Brentley Frazer RETORT was originally conceived as a spinoff to a live poetry/music/art/performance event called The Vision Area. The Vision Area was a monthly ‘culture jam’ started by Brentley and poet Adam Pettet and hosted by Ric’s Bar in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia. The Vision Area ran from 1998 – 2000 and only ended when the co-ordinators felt they had drained the talent pool.

In the beginning Retort was published as a bi-monthly online magazine. In 2003 after receiving a development grant Retort moved to an experimental ‘live’ format with new content being published whenever something cool arrived in the submissions inbox. After the experiment was deemed impossible by the exhausted editor (without the budget of at the very least a mid-sized newspaper in a large city), Retort resumed publishing on a semi-regular basis and has continued, throughout a whole decade, reaching millions of individual readers.

Retort is now based wherever the Editor is – which is usually somewhere on planet Earth.

Retort Magazine is archived on site and since 2003 also by The National Library of Australia as part of the Pandora Project which aims to permanently preserve electronic publications based on their national and cultural significance.

Retort - store-closed-485x728

Sadly Retort Magazine has closed down.  In the words of the magazine’s Editor, Brentley Frazer:

12.5 years. Enjoyed a huge readership in the 00′s. Broke some ground (and a bunch of rules). Had a good time mostly. Would have loved to grow it into something huge, like an alternative to the old school greats that have become a parody of their former glorious selves. Retort stayed truly independent, never even applied for a government grant. I refuse to read government endorsed literature or view government endorsed art. Rest assured, the only propaganda you were exposed to while reading Retort was my personal agenda to champion the creative spirit of my fellow humans.

Have a nice life.

best

Brentley

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Grey Sparrow – “Packing the Wound”

Grey Sparrow is defunct, but you can read the story here.

“Packing the Wound” was published in Grey Sparrow Journal and is about the trials and tribulations of post surgery home-care. Frankly, it’s disgusting, but more than being about the horrible things that a human body does to a person, this is a story of the love it takes for someone to care for such a human body. Anyways, despite the wretchedness of the content, this was an emotional story for me, and I think that it found a great home in Grey Sparrow. Unfortunately, Grey Sparrow has since ceased publication.

(Incidentally, David Sedaris wrote a similar piece, “Old Faithful.” I only discovered this after the fact, while reading When You Are Engulfed In Flames.)  .

 

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Inwood Indiana – “Pyromaniacs, Bored and Young”

Inwood Indiana is defunct, read the story here.

I have another story out titled “Pyromaniacs, Bored and Young.”  Though the publication is defunct, you can still order a copy and check out page 335 of Inwood Indiana’s Summer 2012 issue, Harvest Time, then you can find out who I really am.

Inwood Indiana - Collage copy

Inwood Indiana Press is the smallest press in the world. They are officially located at latitude 41.318 and longitude -86.203 but they don’t have an office so you can’t find them. Inwood is, by census data, “a populated place,” which makes it less than a town and more than an empty lot.

Strange things happen in Inwood Indiana. Things come up missing, people see things and the old lady on the corner seemed to have secrets. This publication is the place to tell your stories, or shroud them in prose. We are interested in all things unusual. We are especially interested in poems and stories set in small towns.

Note from the editor: My name is Glenn Lyvers and I am the editor of Poetry Quarterly magazine. Inwood Indiana is a private publication that I produce personally. There is no set schedule for publication, and submissions are always open.

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Picayune Magazine – “Pyromaniacs, Bored and Young”

Picayune is defunct, but read the story here.


“Pyromaniacs, Bored and Young” is a touching little tale about a group of teenagers who like to set things on fire. It is the second story I’ve published under this title.

Picayune Magazine is a lovely little publication based at New Mexico Highlands University.  They produce a beautiful magazine over there, but unfortunately their limited operations budget ($500 per issue) precludes printing extra issues.  They make a few for staff, one each for contributors, and that is it. 

Picayune magazine is now defunct.



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