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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Sneak Peek at Cover for Star 82 Review, Fall 13.3

Be in the moment, but always look ahead. Here is a sneak peek at the cover for the fall issue of Star 82 Review , issue 13.3. And, as usual, I am always reading and viewing for this and future issues. Guidelines are here . If you are looking for detailed feedback on your work, consider Editor's Eye .

Star 82 Review Celebrates 50 Issues

We had a lively reading and small art exhibit after hours at CoRo coffee room to celebrate the publication of Star 82 Review 13.2, Summer Reading Anthology . Thanks to the prose writers included in the latest issue who read: Elaje López, Deepti Nalavade Mahule, Shira Musicant, and Kimberly Sweeney, and local poets: Sarah Kobrinsky, Daniel Ari, and Heikki Huotari. Local contributing artists to past issues who had wonderful art on display: Kay Bradner, Carole Jeung, Bryan Kring, Lauren Ari, David Johnson and Dianne Ayres. (You can look all of them up at star82review.com .) I've always wanted Star 82 to be a kind of oasis, a place of connection and renewal, perhaps a place to recharge in order to go forward, and it was a joy to celebrate in person. Even though I have no staff, I cannot do it alone. Thank you for contributing, for reading, for supporting the magazine.

Star 82 Review Summer Reading Anthology 13.2 Is Live Online!

It's here! The collection of 50 prose pieces plus black and white art is now available online and in print. Enjoy it on your travels or read while reclining on your staycation. Entertaining and thoughtful, these pieces are a delightful revisit to work previously published in *82 . Thank you to ALL contributors and supporters of the magazine as we celebrate this 50th issue and thirteen years of publication. Summer Reading Anthology 13.2 online is freely available here . Summer Reading Anthology 13.2 in print, from LULU here . (Celebratory price of 9.95 now until June 9. List price: 11.95). And always reading and viewing for the next issue! Response time is within ten days, usually sooner. Contributor's guidelines are here . As usual, you read mine, I'll read yours.

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