Kensie Kiesow
During a time when each drop of sunlight is scarce and precious, yet venturing outside to see it could send you to one of the maxed-out emergency rooms in Eau Claire, finding beauty and new perspectives in the world is more challenging than ever. We are isolated in our homes from our friends and family, forced to eat our Christmas cookies ourselves, and each day the whipping winds sting our pink cheeks a little harder. It is during these dark times that we all must remember the Chippewa Valley writing community is still alive and kicking out some great hits.
To beat back the darkening winter cloud above our heads, I spoke with Eric Rasmussen, the editor in chief of Barstow & Grand, about their exciting new issue that just released this fall! In this issue, expect to see work from some nationally known writers as the team behind B&G seeks to expand the Chippewa Valley writing community. The voices and artistic eye of midwestern writers and creatives, locally and nationally read, are combined in the fourth release of B&G’s latest journal.
Editor Eric Rasmussen
Kensie Kiesow: What is the process like to compile and edit one of these issues?
Eric Rasmussen: We take submissions in March and April each spring. From there, teams of readers read through each story and poem (usually about 200-300 total submissions), and they nominate pieces for round two. The editors read the round two pieces by early summer, and select what goes in the journal shortly afterwards. This allows us to edit and lay the issue out by August and September, all in preparation for the issue release in fall!
As for submissions, issue #4 was our first issue open to any upper-Midwest author (the first three issues focused on Chippewa Valley writers exclusively.) As we attempt to expand the Chippewa Valley literary community, this felt like the next natural step!
KK: What do you look for/encourage in the submissions for B&G?
ER: So far, word of mouth and our social media marketing has produced most of our submissions. In previous cycles we did a little better job with local outreach, and we hope to do more of that in the future. At the moment, the lit journal world is in a unique spot. There are A TON of journals out there (despite numerous big-name losses due to the pandemic), and as always, lots of writers who are trying to find audiences for their work. But finding the right pieces and maintaining a quality publication from year to year is harder than ever.
As for writing elements, we want to see whatever drives an author’s passion! We have no preference for any particular theme, genre, or idea. As a Midwestern journal, we do receive a lot of work tied to Midwestern themes - the land, agriculture, family, aging. Those pieces often have a harder time standing out, as we see so many. But we are open to any type of writing.
KK: What challenges has the COVID-19 pandemic presented to B&G and the making of this issue this year? How have you and the B&G staff overcome these challenges?
ER: Most of the challenges have been personal. No one involved in the process is financially compensated, which means B&G is essentially a hobby for its readers and editors, and prioritizing such work this year has been quite challenging. Also, many of our staff members are involved in different levels and aspects of education, and that field experienced some unique stresses this year. But, we all managed to find the time, even if the issue came out a little later than usual!
The biggest pandemic challenge, however, is revenue. We essentially sold enough issues at our release party each year to fund the following year’s issue. Without that release party, we’re in a tough financial spot.
The biggest pandemic challenge, however, is revenue. We essentially sold enough issues at our release party each year to fund the following year’s issue. Without that release party, we’re in a tough financial spot. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Chippewa Valley literary community members will keep ordering issues online, and perhaps this spring we can put together an event to sell a few more!
KK: What is different or unique about this issue?
ER: First, we welcomed Dorothy Chan as our Managing Editor, and her experience, knowledge, and connections have been transformative. Her assistance helped Barstow & Grand take some big steps this year!
The inclusion of authors from farther afield (upper Midwest, in addition to Chippewa Valley submissions) definitely affected the character of the issue as well. Our first three issues were VERY midwestern - lots of nature stories and imagery, farming, gardening, and other pastoral work. This time a few more stories and poems set in more urban environments, with a little more action perhaps, help balance the work with gentler themes, and makes for a really compelling reading experience.
KK: What sort of message or feeling do you want your readers to take away from this issue?
First and foremost, B&G exists to support the writers of the Chippewa Valley, and I think B&G helps writers and readers everywhere understand that the inspiration found in our Midwestern fields and backyards is just as powerful and profound as the writing that comes out of the coasts or the big-city college campuses.
ER: First and foremost, B&G exists to support the writers of the Chippewa Valley, and I think B&G helps writers and readers everywhere understand that the inspiration found in our Midwestern fields and backyards is just as powerful and profound as the writing that comes out of the coasts or the big-city college campuses. Our authors are doing fascinating things, and we are thrilled to help highlight that!
New writers can submit their work for the next issue in March by visiting Barstow and Grand’s website and following the link to Submittable! As for you readers, local businesses need your help now more than ever. If you like art, poetry, and short stories written by Midwesterners just like you and you want to see more, consider purchasing a copy of this issue and support your local creatives!