Atalissa Wells
Within the Upper Midwest, there are many opportunities to share stories about the region we call home. From the bluffs to dairy farms, to large cities and unincorporated ones, to each cheese curd and local distillery, this region has much to offer to inspire local writers. These lived experiences describe the people, places, and pride that exists here, and Barstow & Grand, a literary journal based in Eau Claire, is looking for those stories to share.
“The hope was that B&G ‘felt like the bigger national publications, but was a little more approachable.’ ”
Barstow & Grand was started about eight years ago, following the inspiration of BJ Hollars and the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild. The literary journal was created by Eric Rasmussen, a high school English teacher and Eau Claire native. He used his experience as a submitter and editor for other literary journals to build B&G into something unique. Rasmussen recognizes that learning the processes of submitting creative writing can be difficult. The hope was that B&G “felt like the bigger national publications, but was a little more approachable,” he says. Rasmussen wants the journal to be beneficial towards the Guild’s mission of education and support.
Grace Schutte
B&G models after many other literary journals, ensuring that writers’ experiences and stories vary, while also supporting local authors. The local emphasis is a significant aspect of what makes B&G special. As Grace Schutte, current intern for the journal, says, “the Midwest in one of the cornerstones of Barstow & Grand– it’s an identity we all share, it’s what unites us as a publication.”
If you’re a seasoned submitter or brand new to the process, don’t worry! Eric Rasmussen and Grace Schutte put their heads together to come up with some excellent advice for the submission process in general as well as tailored to B&G. Rasmussen acknowledges that submitting is hard. “Rejections are inevitable and dealing with discouragement is definitely the most challenging part of the process,” he says. “If you keep at it, if you keep working, the publications will come.”
“We’re looking for the voices of the Midwest, so come tell the stories of our home,” she says. “The honest, funny, uffda-inducing ones, and everything in between.”
As for Schutte, she looks more towards the submission guidelines of B&G, honing in on the aspect that makes this literary journal unique to the Upper Midwest. “We’re looking for the voices of the Midwest, so come tell the stories of our home,” she says. “The honest, funny, uffda-inducing ones, and everything in between.”
B&G, Fall 2020
Between now and May 1st , Barstow & Grand is accepting fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and hybrid texts that contain any sort of connection to the Upper Midwest. Barstow & Grand is looking for work that showcases engaging stories skillfully told, regardless of type or genre.
To submit, head to the Barstow & Grand website and sign in/create a Submittable account. Take care to read submission guidelines, such as prose pieces with up to 4,000 words and only 3-5 poems in a single document. Once you’ve submitted, trusted Barstow & Grand readers will select the pieces for Issue No. 7. If you have any writing related to the Upper Midwest and you’d like to try your hand at submitting, head to the Barstow & Grand website and submit.
If you’d like to support B&G but have creative talents outside of writing, get in touch! There are social media, marketing, design, and visual art opportunities, so reach out to support this local literary journal. You can also support the journal and its contributors by purchasing a copy. “Nothing validates the work of writers and artists as much as finding new audiences and making connections with new communities,” Rasmussen says.
Whether you submit, purchase a copy, or get involved another way, Barstow & Grand appreciates you supporting their local literary journal and voices for the Upper Midwest.