Notes on winter 2009: The Mythology Issue

Welcome to the 2009 winter issue of blossombones!

While we didn't put out a call for 'themed' pieces during this submission period, a theme seemed to evolve during the process of selecting and constructing this installment. . . .

What do we mean when we call this "The Mythology Issue"?

We're talking about the sacred collection of stories that exists both for individual cultures and for humanity in general. In this issue, we find mythologies of identity and origin in texts that interrogate both ancient legends and modern pop culture. Where else could one find Cu Chulaind and P. Diddy in the same place?

We've got some amazing work in this issue! Don't miss the opportunity to check out Lana Hechtman Ayers's "Red Riding Hood Visits an Aquarium" if you enjoy revisionist fairy tales, or Susan Yount's "Socks of Fire" if you are a regular subscriber to the J. Peterman Catalog. Other highlights include Amy Pence's "A Face Before The Face" and Sarah Hilary's "Hibiscus" in our prose section. As always, we are delighted with the diverse and evocative writing we have the privilege to publish in our journal. Thank you so much to all our contributors!

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While we're on the subject of themes, I'd like to announce the upcoming theme for our summer issue: "Marked."

We'd like writers to be creative in their interpretation of the theme. However, to get you started consider the following: scars, tattoos, brand names, labels, and the various symbols women wear on their bodies that both create and deconstruct their identities. We are open for submissions from February 1st, 2009 through April 30, 2009. More details are available here.

We look forward to reading your work!

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As always, special thanks to Missy Frattini for contributing her original artwork (and for allowing me to take a few digital liberties with the design). She keeps us looking snazzy!

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Happy reading!

Susan Slaviero

poetry editor, blossombones