Acceptance Is Subjective

We chase our tails. Over and over we ask, "Why wasn't this piece accepted?" And when the answer comes that it's "subjective," we may look at our shoes in despair. What does that mean? For *82, it usually means, believe it or not, the subject. I read many stories about dates in cafes, restaurant conversations, break-up stories, bad relatives, and dying relatives. Most are heartfelt, but don't tell me anything new. They need to both translate an experience and transform it, show something the reader probably hasn't thought of, and something unique to the person who wrote it, yet universal enough for other readers. Tricky, but it can be done. Mostly, I look for a new setting, some fresh dialogue or strong voice, some imaginative comparisons or metaphors, or at least some variation on the themes. And for *82, a positive direction that encourages compassion and empathy.

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Interview with AI Re: Star 82 Review Content

A friend of mine is interested in how AI/Large Language Models work. For our amusement, he asked it about Star 82 Review . It was not good at details, but it proved remarkably astute at generalities after he cautioned it not to make things up. For contributors: I think it will prove helpful regarding subjects, tone, and the types of humor I publish; I felt it captured the essence of the magazine. However, at the end when it suggests authors, I would add E.B. White and Grace Paley. Below is an unedited transcript. > After looking at the work that has been published within the period of your training data, please characterize they types of fiction that they publish. Based on my training data, which includes a snapshot of the literary landscape up to 2021, I can provide some general insights about the types of fiction published in Star 82 Review. Keep in mind that my characterization is limited to the data I've been trained on and may not reflect the magazine's current or evol...

Sneak Peek at the Cover for Star 82 Review 13.4 and Call for Submissions

Here is an early look at the cover for the upcoming winter issue of Star 82 Review . There is still some room for more wonderful writing and art, so please check the guidelines and consider sending something new!

Star 82 Review Fall Issue 13.3 Is Live Online!

In our fall issue we are falling and failing a little, but picking ourselves back up and transcending through simple understandings and little joys. Thank you to all the contributors for another wonderful issue, and thank you to everyone who reads the magazine. You are all appreciated more than you know! Star 82 Review 13.3 online here . Star 82 Review print copies at LULU here . I'm still reading for winter issue 13.4; guidelines, as usual, are here .

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