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The Rose & Thorn February 2009 Newsletter
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barbara quinn
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Feb 01, 2009 15:04 PST
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THE ROSE & THORN NEWSLETTER
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From: The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine
http://www.theroseandthornezine.com
February 2009
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"Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things,
literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich
treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." -
Henry Miller
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This mailing is available only by subscription and is never sent
unsolicited. Subscribers' addresses are kept strictly confidential. The
Rose & Thorn showcases emerging and established writers and provides a
resource for writers, media professionals, and readers.
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intact. Go to: http://www.topica.com/lists/theroseandthorn/read
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SPONSOR SPOT
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TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID SHORT STORY CONTEST –
CLOSING NEXT MONTH
Postmark Deadline: March 31
17th year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,350. Top prize $2,000. Seeks
short stories, essays and other works of prose, up to 5,000 words.
Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished work
accepted. Fee per entry is $15, payable to Winning Writers. Judges: J.H.
Reid, D.C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: Tom
Howard Short Story Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton,
MA 01060. Winning Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Websites for
Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2008). More information:
www.winningwriters.com/tomstory
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NEWSLETTER CONTENTS
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* From the Newsletter Editor's Pen
* From the Co-Managing Editor’s Pen
* Special Announcements
* Of Literary Note
* The Buzz
* Markets & Contests
* Book Reviews
* The Readers' Mailbag
* What We Are Up To
* Masthead
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FROM THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR'S PEN
Kathryn Magendie
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Dear Readers,
How many times have I heard that February is the unfavored month? Well,
my birthday is in February, so why doesn’t everyone love it at least for
that reason? Oh, too self-indulgent huh?
February is a transition month. A hop, skip, and a jump from all those
fun- and food-filled holiday parties, forming the habit of writing a new
year, and the cold days before slipping right on into March; where in
March at least everyone has their minds set on April and spring. Of
course, maybe you live where it’s warm all the time? Even so, February
gets no respect.
So far, 2009 has been kind to me. There’s much to look forward to (see
“what we’re up to” for my news!). How about you? How has your year gone
so far? Too early to tell? I challenge you to read, to write, to enjoy
each success that comes your way; whether you feel it is something small
or whether it is the dream of a lifetime, you can’t get back the initial
moments of excitement and wonder before things move move move on.
Like our friend February, I will be brief. Use these “inside days” to
shine up your passions, to read a good book, to sip a cup of hot
chocolate and dream about the coming warmth, flowers, and green growth.
Drop me a line any time, or visit me at one of the links below and let
me know how your writing or reading life is coming along.
And by the way, R&T’s winter issue is up; stop by and read the latest
prose, poetry, and interviews. Our prose submissions are now closed, but
poetry submissions remain open year-round.
Kat
Co-Managing Editor/Senior Newsletter Editor
http://www.kathrynmagendie.com
http://tendergraces.blogspot.com/
Feel free to email me: kmtr-@hotmail.com
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FROM THE CO-MANAGING EDITOR’S PEN
Angie Ledbetter
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Dear Readers,
Thanks to all of you who voted for The Rose & Thorn in several different
categories of the newest Preditors and Editors poll. We think our
readers and writers are the biggest part of what makes the zine
successful, so hats off to you. The number and quality of both poetry
and prose submissions have been lovely lately, so we’re in a nice
win-win place.
In the spirit of keeping this short & sweet, I hope you are setting up
your new year writing resolution pins and knocking them down one at a
time. Please pass on the newsletter and e-zine link to your friends so
we can continue growing.
Best in all your endeavors,
Angie
Co-managing Editor
http://www.angie-ledbetter.blogspot.com/
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THE ROSE & THORN SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS
Send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel overseas:
http://www.letssaythanks.com
Want to send help to our soldiers who do not receive mail or goodies?
http://www.anysoldier.com
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CHECK OUT OUR NEW MASTHEAD
After all these years, you finally get to look upon the roses & thorns
of your favorite online publication. Check out our new masthead page at:
http://pratt.edu/~cgarza/
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R&T IS A PAYING MARKET
For each piece of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction The Rose &
Thorn publishes, we will pay $5 via PayPal. Yes, we'd love to pay more.
Donate, take out an ad, and fill our coffers.
Do submit. Guidelines are at the site—
http://www.theroseandthornezine.com
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HELP WANTED
Seeking strong, upbeat individuals who love all things literary.
Volunteer for a great site. Why? For the experience, for the pleasure of
learning and doing something you love; but most of all, to enhance our
global literary community of which you are an important part. We have
several staff positions available at The Rose & Thorn.
Want to help us become a presence on youtube? Or facebook?
We need YOU!
Contact Barbara Quinn at BAQu-@aol.com
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WHY NOT DONATE?
The award-winning Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine welcomes YOUR donations.
No amount is too small and all funds are used to keep this site going.
Did you know that we've been listed as one of Writer's Digest's Top 30
Short Story Markets, as one of their 101 Best Places for Writers, and as
an "Internet Envy" Site too? Or that we've been a Preditors & Editors
Truly Useful site? (Visit our awards page to see more.)
Please donate by clicking http://tinyurl.com/2zxn63
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GIFT WITH DONATION
Make a $10 or more donation to The Rose & Thorn and receive a gift copy
of Adnan Mahmutovic’s starkly moving collection of prose and poetry
entitled REFUGE[E]. While supplies last!
A review of REFUGE[E] can be read at The Roses & Thorns:
http://tinyurl.com/aqquq2
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
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PREDITORS AND EDITORS POLL RESULTS
What would we do without our friends, colleagues, staff, and readers and
writers?
Thanks to everyone who voted and helped spread the word for P&E 2008!
Preditors & Editors Poll results:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/tally.html
The Rose & Thorn finished a spectacular second in the Poetry ezine
category. Way to go!
Fiction ezine and nonfiction ezine, we finished an amazing fourth.
Editor category, we are a respectful 7th.
All in the top ten: and all thanks to your votes.
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THE ROSE & THORN PODCASTS
Stop reading, rest your eyes, and LISTEN to The Rose & Thorn's stories
and poems.
Who says thorny flowers can't speak? The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine
has entered the podcasting age. Beginning with its Pushcart nominees
from years past, R&T offers you its best fiction, poetry, and essays as
downloadable podcasts. Visit our official podcast directory at
http://rosethorn.podbean.com to listen as authors and staffers bring to
life our best publications.
Also, don't forget to subscribe using iTunes, RSS feed, or any other
option available at http://rosethorn.podbean.com.
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TWITTER—WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Want to know when submissions reopen or a new issue is posted? Follow us
on Twitter. Want to know when we are looking for essays or flash or a
particular genre? Follow us on Twitter. Want to know who we are
nominating for the Pushcart or other awards? Yep…Follow us on Twitter
at: https://twitter.com/RoseandThorn
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NEW DISCUSSION FORUM
"The times," as America's Poet once sang, "they are a ‘changing."
Everything seems to be up for grabs. A generation formed in the womb of
hedonism has suffered the cold slap of reality. Those of us old enough
to “know better” are facing our own “ah-told-ya-so.” What is next? What
does all this mean?
Do not despair. All is not lost. Troubled times are a boon to the
serious writer. With all our cherished assumptions up for grabs, a new
opportunity to sound off has been set up over in The Rose & Thorn
Community Folders.
How does all this social turmoil affect us as writers? Even romance is
twisted by such for it has been said, “where no money is, love flies out
the window.” So, join Wil, our own social heretic coyote, as he pokes
and prods under a multitude of scabs in search of unique subject matter.
Any subject, whether of finances, religion, politics, or even the very
meaning of life, is fair game for debate and postulation.
As always, folders are available for the various genre of writing.
However, a forum for serious discussion on whatever threatens to
“capsize your boat” is now available to one and all. Do NOT let such an
opportunity to "speak out” slip by.
Wil Hough
Senior Editor & Community Forum Manager
http://forum.uponfurtherreview.com/
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OF LITERARY NOTE
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POETRY READINGS
Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 6:30-9:30 pm - Juanita Torrence-Thompson
joins Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Yusef Komunyakaa, to celebrate Black
History Month by reading & signing at the American Association of
University Women, 111 E. 37th Street, NYC. $15. Creole Dinner.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - Juanita Torrence-Thompson reads poetry with
Hal Sirowitz & Louis Reyes Rivera at The Fall Café 307 Smith St.
(between Union & President Sts.) Brooklyn, NY 11231. Patricia Carragon
will host and read a few poems. Tel. for The Fall Cafe: 718-403-0230,
Take the F or G train to Carroll St. & exit at President St. $3 Donation
from audience, Food/Drink - Limited Open Mic. Curated by Patricia
Carragon.
For more information on the above events, go to:
http://home.earthlink.net/~poetrytown/
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OUR VOICES: BOOMERWOMEN SPEAK
Our Voices is a growing collection of fascinating stories that shares
what is on the hearts and minds of women born between 1946 and 1964. The
stories of triumph and self-discovery give hope and inspiration to those
who feel like they are alone. Be ready to laugh, cry, and empathize with
your fellow boomers. I hope you will see your best friend, sister, even
yourself revealed as you click through the stories.
My prayer is that Our Voices will help women across the world connect.
Many women feel trapped and lonely because they are holding everything
inside. Laura Pappano, author of The Connection Gap: Why Americans Feel
So Alone, believes our frenzied lives keep us from engaging and
connecting in our relationships. Paring down our interactions is causing
us to lose opportunities to listen and share, leaving American women
feeling alone, and lonely.
For submission guidelines and more information, go to:
http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com/stories.php
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THE BUZZ
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THE POET SETTLE
Winners & Losers: Award winning stories, essays, rejections and a
treatise or two. Purchase at http://stores.lulu.com/thepoetsettle
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POETRY COLLECTION
R&T short story contributor Shurooq Amin’s book of poetry, “The Hanging
of the Wind” will be published spring 2009 with Finishing Line Press,
Chicago USA. http://www.finishinglinepress.com
Her story A Crescent Charm was in the fall 07 issue of The Rose & Thorn:
http://tinyurl.com/cyrk6m
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MARKETS AND CONTESTS
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Readers should make sure to check sources carefully and to inquire about
references when appropriate. The Rose & Thorn cannot assume
responsibility for the sites and services mentioned below.
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ANTIOCH REVIEW
The Antioch Review, founded in 1941, is one of the oldest, continuously
publishing literary magazines in America. We publish fiction, essays,
and poetry from both emerging as well as established authors. Authors
published in our pages are consistently included in Best American
anthologies and Pushcart Prizes.
The best answer we can give on inquiries relating to what kind of
material the ANTIOCH REVIEW uses is, "read the magazine." Look through a
few representative issues for an idea of subjects, treatment, lengths of
articles, and stories we have used; it will be far more rewarding than
any theories we might try to formulate.
Please note that we do not read simultaneous submissions, nor do we
consider electronic submissions. Review [the guidelines for] style,
lengths, and payment [and for] more information about submissions.
Payment is upon publication at the rate of $15.00 per printed page
(about 425 words) plus 2 copies of the issue. Authors may buy additional
copies at an authors' discount of 40% off the cover price. For more
information, go to: http://review.antioch.edu/
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OPEN SPACES, VIEWS FROM THE NORTHWEST
Open Spaces Quarterly Magazine provides a forum for voices that speak
with knowledge and insight to issues affecting people in every region of
the United States and around the world. Created in Seattle, Washington
and Portland, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, Open Spaces is dedicated
to an openness of attitude, intellect, and approach. In this spirit,
Open Spaces offers perceptive articles on politics, publishing, culture,
law, science, music, business, art, education, health, sleep, food,
travel, and gardening, as well as thought-provoking stories, essays and
poetry.
For more information and guidelines, visit:
http://www.open-spaces.com/
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WHITEFISH REVIEW
The Whitefish Review is a new literary journal based in Whitefish,
Montana that publishes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, photography,
and interviews, with a slant toward mountain culture.
The Whitefish Review is looking for original fiction, non-fiction,
poetry, cartoons, art, and photography of both established and emerging
writers and artists that captivates and illuminates.
While there are no content restrictions, the pictures, images, and words
that appear on our pages should make you question, look at matters of
truth, and be work that commands your attention. The ideas unearthed
should give you pause and keep you searching. Writing style isn't as
necessary as thoughtfulness or consideration.
So dust off your craft. Be the walk-on artist. Pull your ideas out of
the drawer and submit to the Whitefish Review. Art in all forms that
reaches and strives for excellence is the only criteria.
For more information and guidelines, visit:
http://www.whitefishreview.com/
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ARTIST TRUST
Grants for Artist Projects
Grants of up to $1,500 each are given annually to Washington State
poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers to support the
development of new work. Submit up to eight pages of poetry, fiction, or
creative nonfiction by February 20. There is no entry fee. Call, e-mail,
or visit the Web site for the required application and complete
guidelines.
Artist Trust, Grants for Artist Projects, 1835 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA
98122. (206) 467-8734, ext. 9. Monica Miller, Director of Programs.
http://www.artisttrust.org/grants/GAP
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BOOK AWARDS
Binghamton University
Two prizes of $1,000 each are given annually to honor books of poetry
and fiction published in the previous year. The Milt Kessler Poetry Book
Award is given for a poetry collection of at least 48 pages by a poet
over 40. The John Gardner Fiction Book Award is given for a novel or a
short story collection. Publishers may submit three copies of books
published in 2008, with a minimum print run of 500, by March 1. There is
no entry fee. Send an SASE or visit the Web site for the required
application and complete guidelines.
Binghamton University, Book Awards, Creative Writing Program, Department
of English, General Literature, and Rhetoric, Library North Room 1149,
Vestal Parkway East, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000. Maria
Mazziotti Gillan, Director.
http://www2.binghamton.edu/english/creative-writing/
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NEW WORDS POETRY CONTEST
Akron Art Museum
Only adult poets (at least 18 years old) currently residing in Ohio are
eligible to enter.
Submit a maximum of THREE poems not to exceed FIVE pages total. Please
include THREE COPIES of each poem (the copies of the poems do not count
towards the five page limit).
Since the poems will be judged anonymously, the poems and copies of the
poems MUST NOT have the poet’s name on them. Instead, please include ONE
cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, email address, and
the titles of all submitted poems.
Submissions will be accepted beginning January 2, 2009 and must be
postmarked by February 27, 2009. Poems submitted by email will not be
accepted.
Competition winners receive cash prizes of $125, $100 and $75. The top
eight finalists will have the opportunity to read their poems (or have
them read) at an awards ceremony during the New Words 2009 Poetry
Reading on Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 2 - 4 pm at the Akron Art Museum.
This event is free and open to the public. For more
information/guidelines, visit
http://www.akronartmuseum.org/calendar/details.php?unid=1001
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BOOK REVIEWS
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TOMORROWLAND
by Howie Good
Achilles Chapbook Series 2008
Reviewed by Kathryn Magendie
I was stunned by Howie Good’s collection of poetry entitled
“Tomorrowland.” From the first poem, “Lullaby for the Nameless,” he
lulls the reader into a feeling of nostalgic safety with an evening of
children, grandfathers, and shop windows, only to lead them to the
unexpected image of a firing squad listening to a ballgame on the radio.
And thus opens Good’s poems that will keep readers off-balance, between
the ugly and the beautiful, the good and bad, the dark and the light. He
will take you to a quiet neighborhood and then guide you to its alley’s
dark pathway where something horrid happened, where that alley remains
as both reminder and testament to the heart of people and events. For
the rest of the review, click http://tinyurl.com/cfqdld
Good’s poem “How to Write a Story” was published in the summer 07 issue
of R&T: http://tinyurl.com/cq43ay
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DISHING WITH THE KITCHEN VIRGIN
by Susan Reinhardt
Kensington, 2008
Reviewed by Kathryn Magendie
“Once you’ve done a meal, you have to be dead to get out of another…”
That’s just one of the many wise(-cracking) pieces of advice Susan
Reinhardt “dishes out” in her new book “Dishing With the Kitchen
Virgin.” This new collection of essays stands up beautifully quirky
along with her first two: “Not Tonight Honey, Wait Til I’m a Size 6,”
and “Don’t Sleep With a Bubba Unless Your Eggs are in Wheelchairs.”
For the rest of the review, go to: http://tinyurl.com/9o4upc
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More reviews by your favorite staffers are available
http://www.roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
(Under the label: Book Reviews/Author Interviews)
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THE READER'S MAIL BAG
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Your feedback is welcome. Letters to the editor should be sent by
clicking "Reply" to this newsletter.
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WHAT WE'RE UP TO
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When the staff of The Rose & Thorn isn't slaving away over prose and
poetry, or at their day jobs, they're scribbling their own musings and
submitting to other worthy publications.
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PUBLISHING SUCCESSES
Yu-Han Chao, co-blog manager at the Rose & Thorn, has a poetry book and
a short story collection forthcoming. Visit her writing and artwork at
http://chaoeugenia.googlepages.com/
You can also see what Chao is up to by clicking here:
http://tinyurl.com/bblurx
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Angie Ledbetter’s poem “Net Worth” is published in the “The Found Poetry
Project” at http://www.foundpoetry.org/blog/2009/01/net-worth/
Her poem “Beach Glass and Other Things” has been accepted by OCEAN
magazine for a future issue.
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Kathryn Magendie’s short story “Woman Inside Out” will be published in
the Winter issue of “Sotto Voce,” out 2/2/09.
Magendie’s novel, TENDER GRACES, will be released spring 2009 by
Bellebooks/Bell Bridge Publishing. Watch a trailer at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOjMJ8AnCkM
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YOUR AD CAN BE HERE
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Do you have a writing service, contest, publication, or product you'd
like to share with our sophisticated and talented readers? Why not take
an ad out in The Rose & Thorn? Our ads are most reasonable and start at
$20.
Advertise with The Rose & Thorn.
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FEEDBACK AND WORD OF MOUSE WELCOME
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If you like the e-zine and its contents, feel free to forward the link
to your associates and friends who might enjoy the same.
As always, thanks! Comments or questions? Email us. We love to hear your
feedback so drop us a line.
Until next time. Happy Reading!
The Staff of The Rose & Thorn.
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If this message was forwarded to you, then please do yourself (and me) a
favor by subscribing. It's easy and it's no charge. Just send a blank
email to:
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STAFF
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B.A. Quinn, Managing Editor and Publisher
Angie Ledbetter, Co-Managing Editor/Newsletter Editor
Kathryn Magendie, Co-Managing Editor/Senior Newsletter Editor
Cesar Garza, Senior Editor, Blog Administrator
W. Hough, Poetry Editor, Senior Graphics Manager, Community Forum Chief
Administrator
Sandra Merz, Poetry Editor, Book Reviews
Eric Giere, Chief Webmaster
Liam Wilkinson, Cover Commentator
Jason Fryer, Content Producer and Interviewer
Dallas D’Angelo-Gary, Editor, Announcement Newsletter, Procedure Manual
Nora Capocy, Prose Editor
Karen Reiser, Prose Editor
Andrea Middendorf, Prose Editor
Patresa Hartman, Assistant Prose Editor, YOG contributor
Erin McKnight, Assistant Prose Editor
Megan Roth, Assistant Poetry Editor
Cynthia Toups, Assistant Poetry Editor
Sheri Whitlock, MySpace Manager, Awards Staff
Samella McClary Brown, Community Forum, Award Staff
Deborah Laws, Blog Manager
Yu-Han Chao, Asst. Blog Manager
Adnan Mahmutovic, Asst Blog Manager, Podcast Manager
Maggie Grinnell, Assistant Blog Manager
Cathy Biribauer, Assistant Editor, Book Reviews
Laurel Fuller, Assistant Editor, Book Reviews
Michelle Wittle, Assistant Editor, Book Reviews, Awards Staff
Peter Kirchikov, Community Forum, Squidoo
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Tell a friend about The Rose & Thorn Newsletter.
It's available at no charge to all readers, writers, and media
professionals.
You're encouraged to re-circulate the newsletter in its
entirety.
________________________________________________
GO GREEN! READ THE ROSE & THORN E-ZINE
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________________________________________________
SPONSOR/ADVERTISING INFORMATION
E-mail Kat at: kmtr-@hotmail.com
________________________________________________
SUBMISSIONS
Contributions are encouraged! We welcome article
submissions related to reading and writing to
feature in our next newsletter. E-mail: BAQu-@aol.com
________________________________________________
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