Comments for TMR Blog http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog Managed by staff members at the Missouri Review Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:40:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Book Plate Maven: by Richard Schimmelpfeng http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/book-plate-maven/#comment-2485 Richard Schimmelpfeng Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:40:41 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7378#comment-2485 It was a real pleasure to see the interview with Lew Jaffe. I've read his blog for years. I did want to comment on "The DaVinci Code" -- a lot of people say how terrible it was, what trash, not literature, and so on. Well, of course, it's not literature , never meant to be but as a mystery story goes it was a true page turner and that's the point, don't knock the jalopy because it isn't a Cadillac. It was a real pleasure to see the interview with Lew Jaffe. I’ve read his blog for years. I did want to comment on “The DaVinci Code” — a lot of people say how terrible it was, what trash, not literature, and so on. Well, of course, it’s not literature , never meant to be but as a mystery story goes it was a true page turner and that’s the point, don’t knock the jalopy because it isn’t a Cadillac.

]]> Comment on On The (Not So) Fine Art of Literary Rejection by Dawn. http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/on-the-not-so-fine-art-of-literary-rejection/#comment-2480 Dawn. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:32:05 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7334#comment-2480 What a thoughtful post. I know a lot of writers can get really touchy about rejection feedback, but I prefer feedback to form, as long as it's constructive. If I disagree with it, I disregard it. Simple as that. Thanks for sharing, Michael. What a thoughtful post. I know a lot of writers can get really touchy about rejection feedback, but I prefer feedback to form, as long as it’s constructive. If I disagree with it, I disregard it. Simple as that. Thanks for sharing, Michael.

]]> Comment on On The (Not So) Fine Art of Literary Rejection by Michael http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/on-the-not-so-fine-art-of-literary-rejection/#comment-2475 Michael Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:12:23 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7334#comment-2475 @Jess: I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "tier" system - we don't use a numbering system of any kind (?). We keep it pretty simple - pass (to another reader or a senior editor) or reject. We're sophisticated like that. And thank you for the kind words about Kent Nelson story. We've published several of his stories over the decades, and always hear great things from our readers about his work. @Kathleen: I'm really happy to hear that you've posted "What do I love about this piece?" I think we often overlook the strengths of a poem or story without appreciating the story's strengths. In many arenas outside of publishing, it seems wise to focus on what a person does well rather than what a person does poorly. Easier on the stomach ulcers, too. Thank you both for reading and commenting! @Jess: I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “tier” system – we don’t use a numbering system of any kind (?). We keep it pretty simple – pass (to another reader or a senior editor) or reject. We’re sophisticated like that. And thank you for the kind words about Kent Nelson story. We’ve published several of his stories over the decades, and always hear great things from our readers about his work.

@Kathleen: I’m really happy to hear that you’ve posted “What do I love about this piece?” I think we often overlook the strengths of a poem or story without appreciating the story’s strengths. In many arenas outside of publishing, it seems wise to focus on what a person does well rather than what a person does poorly. Easier on the stomach ulcers, too.

Thank you both for reading and commenting!

]]> Comment on On The (Not So) Fine Art of Literary Rejection by Kathleen Cassen Mickelson http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/on-the-not-so-fine-art-of-literary-rejection/#comment-2474 Kathleen Cassen Mickelson Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:27:21 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7334#comment-2474 This post is wonderful for looking at both sides of the issue. I just shared this with the wonderful people I work with at <a href="http://www.everydaypoets.com/" rel="nofollow">Every Day Poets</a> as we also try really hard to give meaningful feedback to those who submit poetry to us. Some days, it goes better than others. I can relate to your comments about how, even with the best intentions, we can get pissed off. That's what made me write, in big hot pink letters on the white board above my computer, "What do I love about this piece?" Thanks for that shift in attitude. This post is wonderful for looking at both sides of the issue. I just shared this with the wonderful people I work with at Every Day Poets as we also try really hard to give meaningful feedback to those who submit poetry to us. Some days, it goes better than others. I can relate to your comments about how, even with the best intentions, we can get pissed off. That’s what made me write, in big hot pink letters on the white board above my computer, “What do I love about this piece?” Thanks for that shift in attitude.

]]> Comment on On The (Not So) Fine Art of Literary Rejection by Jess http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/on-the-not-so-fine-art-of-literary-rejection/#comment-2472 Jess Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:31:34 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7334#comment-2472 Great piece. Would've liked a bit more on the "tier" system I assume MR uses (from 1 being generic and 4 being specific). I think it goes without saying that the MR has maintained--despite the odds--a balance between publishing a quality journal and at the same time encouraging writers whom haven't been distinguished yet. No tmany take the time to comment as frequently as you guys do. Kudos! P.S. Loved "Race" in the most recent issue...great tension between the main character and the girl in his shop. Great piece. Would’ve liked a bit more on the “tier” system I assume MR uses (from 1 being generic and 4 being specific). I think it goes without saying that the MR has maintained–despite the odds–a balance between publishing a quality journal and at the same time encouraging writers whom haven’t been distinguished yet. No tmany take the time to comment as frequently as you guys do. Kudos!

P.S. Loved “Race” in the most recent issue…great tension between the main character and the girl in his shop.

]]> Comment on On The (Not So) Fine Art of Literary Rejection by Michael http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/on-the-not-so-fine-art-of-literary-rejection/#comment-2471 Michael Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:37:12 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7334#comment-2471 Craig, that's really great to hear. We try, we really do, to give everyone honest encouragement every chance we can. With all the submissions we get - and we receive tons - I'm really happy to know that our response mattered to you. Congratulations on publishing the story! Craig, that’s really great to hear. We try, we really do, to give everyone honest encouragement every chance we can. With all the submissions we get – and we receive tons – I’m really happy to know that our response mattered to you. Congratulations on publishing the story!

]]> Comment on On The (Not So) Fine Art of Literary Rejection by Craig Dowd http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/on-the-not-so-fine-art-of-literary-rejection/#comment-2470 Craig Dowd Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:35:15 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7334#comment-2470 Great post, Michael. I second the great rejection letter anecdote: A little over a year ago (or maybe late 2010) I sent out my first ever story submission, and, aiming high, Missouri Review was the first journal to whom I submitted the story. The story was unfocused, much too long, and full of rookie mistakes. However, my rejection letter contained a note from the Editors praising its use of language, among other encouragements, which I certainly didn't expect. I returned to the story a year later a wiser and much better writer, and rewrote it; shortly thereafter it found a home, marking my first acceptance. Due to its bevy of issues, I doubt that the story would've ever left the drawer and received a proper re-write had it not been for the nice rejection letter. Great post, Michael. I second the great rejection letter anecdote: A little over a year ago (or maybe late 2010) I sent out my first ever story submission, and, aiming high, Missouri Review was the first journal to whom I submitted the story. The story was unfocused, much too long, and full of rookie mistakes. However, my rejection letter contained a note from the Editors praising its use of language, among other encouragements, which I certainly didn’t expect. I returned to the story a year later a wiser and much better writer, and rewrote it; shortly thereafter it found a home, marking my first acceptance. Due to its bevy of issues, I doubt that the story would’ve ever left the drawer and received a proper re-write had it not been for the nice rejection letter.

]]> Comment on Violence of the Lambs; Or Why I Didn’t Write About That by Sara http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/violence-of-the-lambs-or-why-i-didnt-write-about-that/#comment-2462 Sara Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:07:17 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7197#comment-2462 "it was a recognizable state of discord, both in head and heart, that I wanted nothing to do with. I just wanted to read." <--- perfect “it was a recognizable state of discord, both in head and heart, that I wanted nothing to do with. I just wanted to read.” <— perfect

]]> Comment on What In The Doghouse Really Means by Trey http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/what-in-the-doghouse-really-means/#comment-2452 Trey Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:38:54 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7299#comment-2452 Train in the Snow is an amazing painting Train in the Snow is an amazing painting

]]> Comment on What In The Doghouse Really Means by Paul Lamb http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/2012/02/what-in-the-doghouse-really-means/#comment-2446 Paul Lamb Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:28:39 +0000 http://www.missourireview.com/tmr-blog/?p=7299#comment-2446 Regarding "in the doghouse" I'd always understood this to mean that someone was in trouble, disfavored, to the point where he (or she, I suppose) was not allowed in the house and had to sleep in the dog's house that night. I can't cite any specific reference for this other than the old George Thorogood song "Move it on over" in which the narrator tells his dog to make room in the doghouse because his girlfriend won't let him in the house (for coming home at half past 10:00 p.m.?) Regarding “in the doghouse” I’d always understood this to mean that someone was in trouble, disfavored, to the point where he (or she, I suppose) was not allowed in the house and had to sleep in the dog’s house that night. I can’t cite any specific reference for this other than the old George Thorogood song “Move it on over” in which the narrator tells his dog to make room in the doghouse because his girlfriend won’t let him in the house (for coming home at half past 10:00 p.m.?)

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