Lorraine and James

Effective Immediately

2006-04-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Effective immediately, Lorraine and James is on hiatus. We are not sure how long this break will last or if we will have to simply call it a wrap - that remains to be seen.

As Editor, I appreciate all of the support and encouragement that I encountered along the way.

Best to all of you on your journey - Writer, may you find the prefect rhythm in your voice. Reader, may you discover and be changed by these worlds within great stories; worlds we might only dream of otherwise.

Yours,

Jasai
Wordjunkie/Editor/Friend
Lorraine and James

*If you purchased a subscription to Lorraine and James and would like to request a refund please email business@lorraineandjames.com. If you are a writer with a story on hold with our publication and have questions, please send an email to editor@lorraineandjames.com

say something. do something. read something. always.

Luminous

2006-02-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

Curiously Missing Issue

2006-02-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

Needless to say - well perhaps not needless but it's as good a way as any to start a note like this - Lorraine and James, Vol. 1 Issue 2 is going to be late.

DUH.

But not just a tad late, which would have been late January/early February, or even slightly later, say, mid to late February. No. I mean super, detention-until-the-end-of-the-school-year, late.

Now, there is a perfectly good explanation for this: I goofed. I fouled up the line-up which fouled up the layout which made the issue too damn long and so... we're fixing it; as fast yet as accurately as we can while taking care to observe the beauty and quality you have come to expect. If you don't know what to expect that means you have not purchased Issue 1. Now THAT'S curious. To everyone else, please bear with us and we thank you for your patience and support. You won't be disappointed.

*wordjunkie/editor/designrookie
Lorraine and James

*Please direct all comments, questions and requests to pull it together, to my attention.

2, 4, 6, 8 who do we appreciate!

2006-02-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Check out the generous write-up that Lorraine and James received in the University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ *Literary Magazine Review

*scroll to the bottom of the page.

What's New/Next - No. 012706

2006-01-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

This little kitty is clever. Enjoy.

*Lake Street Get Down

Wordjunkie/editor/piedpiper
Lorraine and James

*Lorraine and James is in no way compensated for endorsing any particular blog/writer/book. Please do not email requests for endorsement. If it is good, we will find out and inform the appropriate authorities.

Excuse me, what is that you’re reading?

2006-01-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

I get asked this question, literally, every day. By friends, family, friends of family members and strangers who refuse to observe basic fundamental rules of personal space: 1) leaning their shoulders in just a tad too near or 2) craning their necks over my shoulder just an inch or two too far, wanting desperately it seems, to know the name of that book.

Well, if you would give me some room, I’ll tell you:

Just finished - Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho. It will change the way you have (or don’t have) sex. Enough said.

Re-reading - Big Cats by Holiday Reinhorn. Because she is perfect at the short story and I have to try to be when I interview her in a few weeks.

Latest, greatest recommended title - Woman Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I found myself having what I feared was a sacrilegious thought while reading it (I have since decided that the gods will forgive me.) Note to all creative women: Own a copy of this text. If you pick it up and it doesn’t move you, DO NOT BE DETERRED. Place it on your shelf/nightstand, back away and come back to it 365 days. But get yourself a copy TODAY.

Body of work study: Joan Didion – I am reading both The Year of Magical Thinking and The White Album. The simplicity and precision that she employs in her writing is something to aspire to.

On again, off again - Salvation: Black people and Love by bell hooks. This is information I can use over and over and over again.

Right now some of you are thinking “No wonder it’s taking her so long to get back to me.” Hush. Your letter is on its way.

Wordjunkie/editor/storyeater
Lorraine and James

By the way, have you checked out the new site? What do you think?

2006?

2006-01-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

On New Years eve I was surprised to learn that we were headed not into 2007 as I had been thinking all week, but 2006. Really? Why do I feel like I've done this year already?!

You all keep a girl buzzin' and whirlin'. So much so that she can't tell her head from a hole in the plot (just kidding, so don't get cute!)

It has been a year: busy, hilarious, exhaustive and too much good fun. Thanks to all of you who played along.

I imagine that 2006 (is that right?!) will be more of the same.

best and better,

wordjunkie/editor/editor/editor/editor....
Lorraine and James

Imagine my surprise!

2005-12-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

Do not panic - although god knows I did! Lorraine and James is alive and well. The site will be back up by the end of today. This is what happens when you have too many tasks and not enough elves (they're all out helping the big guy in the red suit this time of year)

If you are trying to order copies of Lorraine and James as holiday gifts, simply go to Paypal and type in the email address: business@lorraineandjames.com. This will take you to our page. Individual copies are $12 + $4 shipping and handling. Subscriptions are $27 + $4 shipping and handling.

For all of you that panicked briefly and said one or more Hail Mary's for our speedy return, thank you.

Best to you and happy holidays

wordjunkie/editor/freakedoutfrannie
Lorraine and James

My solemn pledge

2005-11-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

Not sure how many of you know that along with publishing Lorraine and James I am also a writer; novels, short stories and the like. Except, I haven't been doing very much writing (read: any) because I have been doing, well....this. That is causing no small dilemma with my artist self. She is getting antsy and acting out in some very strange ways, the least of which is causing her to burst into wild screaming fits in the night (by the way, do say a short prayer for her frightened family)

And so, I am going to make a public pledge to write something. Something good (this is sure to be subjective, I know) and publish it. Okay there I said it. I am going to write something and publish it and not be afraid to turn my face to the sky for fear that hot stones will rain on me. Or, I might be afraid but that won't stop me.

Anyway, thanks for listening.

wordjunkie/editor/fraidycatnomore
Lorraine and James

Thinking out loud

2005-11-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would stop by more often but jeesh! who knew this publishing-a-journal-thingie would be so much work? (I'm sure some clever corn nut is out there waving his hands over his head like a wild bat shouting “me! me! I knew!”) Well, I didn’t. Nonetheless here I am. I actually stopped by to drop off some important info:

1) Lorraine and James rocks! (If you don’t know, now you know)

2) Vol. 2 Issue 1 is going to be a themed issue. The theme is PLACE. Take us there. Wherever it is; and do not disappoint.

3) Lorraine and James will run its first contest in Vol. 2 Issue 2. The prize will be hefty, the judges will be brutal and the final product will be one for the ages. More details will follow. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.

4) I’m tired.

Good night.

Wordjunkie/editor/bearerofnewnews
Lorraine and James

2005 Pushcart Nominations Are In!

2005-09-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Lorraine and James editorial staff is proud to announce our 2005 Pushcart Nominees for Fiction and Poetry:

Jess Stuart, "Blood of the Lamb"
Max Sparber, "A Gift For Effective Language"
Cathleen Richardson Bailey, "The Mutilated Woman"
Kristi Swadley, “Too Many Saltine Crackers Will Dry Out Your Mouth"
Daniel M. Jaffe, “Modern Times”
Pamela MacIsaac, "Sweet Potatoes and Coconut"

Congratulations and good luck!

editors/staff/litlobbyists
Lorraine and James

Here's what they think about us......

2005-09-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

From The BackList | www.thebacklist.net

New issues of Mosaic Literary Magazine and Lorraine and James have published. Not only do both issues look good, they are filled with literary substance.

I have to congratulate Jasai Madden, editor of Lorraine and James on the first issue. It is absolutely wonderful.

Also note that both magazines are looking for contributions. Visit their websites for more info.

From Erika Dreifus, editor of The Practicing Writer
www.practicing-writer.com

Dear Jasai:

Thank you so much for the copy of Lorraine and James, which arrived a
few days ago. It's a wonderful journal; I'm very impressed! I
especially enjoyed the interview with Nicholas Montemarano and the
stories by Pamela MacIsaac, Daniel Jaffe, and Debbie Ann Ice. I also
appreciated having the contributors' comments on the "stories behind
the stories" (and poems and essays), so to speak. That's a lovely
addition to a contributors' notes section.

Katrina and our brave neighbors

2005-09-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

There are not adequate words in our feeble language to describe how I feel. My heart is heavy and my head is exhausted with worry. Please pray. Please help.

Say something. Do something. Give something

wordjunkie/editor/daughterofthedust
Lorraine and James

Some praise for Vol.1 Issue 1

2005-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

The following is a post/review from www.williamvandegrift.blogspot.com

Yesterday my issue of Lorraine and James arrived in the mail and I spent this morning reading Anita's wonderful essay! I'm so proud of her! I read A Slight Case of Hypomania in its early stages and am so moved by the progress she has made with it- not that it needed much improvement- but I'm astounded by the amount of depth she's added to her voice in the rewrites. The inaugural issue of this journal has a wonderful story by Debbie Ann Ice called Sculpting. I read this piece thinking it was an essay (non fiction) and was disappointed to find out that it is fiction. Not that being fiction dilutes the quality of the story, but I really believed it and it was somewhat a letdown for me, although this is perhaps the highest compliment to pay a fiction writer.

Click HERE to order a copy of this issue or to read a snippet of Anita's essay.

Also, I really like the last section of this journal called "Some of my all-time favorites" where the contributors name the books that have had the most influence upon themselves and their writing.

We like that. And we like you Mr. Vandegrift! Thank you for spreading the word.

wordjunkie/editor/litlobbyist
Lorraine and James

Come on, let's hear it!

2005-08-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the first fortunates to crack the pages of Lorraine and James Vol. 1 Issue 1, take a minute to tell all the boys and girls what you think. Go ahead, we can take it!

Now for a quick announcment.....

2005-08-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for so long. (And when I say we I mean me, but feel free to take a deep breath if you had been holding it.)

The wait is over. And had the wonderful unsuspecting passersby at the Woodland Hills Marriott known the significance of the wait finally being over, they would have been less perplexed by the sight - and sound - of a frantic brown girl sitting on a low brick wall, with what looked like a book clutched tight to her chest screaming repeatedly at the top of her lungs, “OHMYGOD!” until the back of her throat felt raw and useless.

This was my reaction to holding Lorraine and James in my hand for the very first time. It was a feeling loosely akin to what I felt like on the day that little-man and baby-girl were born. Pure magic.

Lorraine and James is here.

Immediately after all of the screaming, I thanked every writer who sent in a story to our little unknown literary project and held enough trust in their hearts to let us handle their most valuable works. But…..alas none of you were there to hear my tiny, choked offering and so here in front of god and all of mankind I say, thank you. Really.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

wordjunkie/editor/literarymama
Lorraine and James

*to hear more of my chattering go to www.thebacklist.net

Dear Writer,

2005-04-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

For me, a short story is like a first date, if I spend the first fifteen minutes wondering what I’m even doing there, the chances that things will progress much further are right around none.

wordjunkie/editor/eagerbeaver
Lorraine and James

-read something (for the second or third time)

where oh where has my L and J gone?!

2005-03-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

We've moved! My goodness have we moved! Even before L and J is off the ground good we have moved into a larger more beautiful, conducive space and so now (of course) things are crazy!!!! There are boxes and odds and ends and miscellaneous things from here to Uranus. So we've been working it out and staying up late and oh yeah, READING STORIES which are, by the way -- amazing!

Keep it coming and I will drop by on the occasional Sunday to say hi!.

A special thanks to Poets and Writers magazine and UCLA Extensions newsletter.

Writers Rock!

Wordjunkie/editor/busybee
Lorraine and James

Welcome to Poets and Writers

2005-02-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

To all of our visitors from Poets and Writers, the staff of Lorraine and James would like to invite you to visit our new home online at www.lorrineandjames.com where you can find all of the most updated submsission and purchase information.

Thanks for stopping by. We look forward to reading your work.

wordjunkie/editor
Lorraine and James

Buy One, Get One First

2005-02-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

Our inaugural summer 2005 issue is available for pre-sale at www.lorraineandjames.com.

Help us launch Lorraine and James as if it were the Eagle headed straight for the moon!

A single issue is only $12 within the US (this includes S&H) and a subscription is $27 (the subscription option will be available soon so keep dropping by) Prices for Canada and locations outside North America will be available soon.

* * * * * *

A note to all of you,

If I had a thousand tongues it would not be enough to thank everyone who has supported us on this winding, adventurous road to story sharing. Your encouragement, kind words and goodwill remain stunning. And now the grandest gesture can be made with your financial support (I sound like Renee Montagne during NPR fund-drive week, I know)

Tell a friend, and tell a friend to tell a friend. We did it! And we're doing a dance to celebrate. Come and join us!

wordjunkie/editor/storimerchant
Lorraine and James
www.lorraineandjames.com

Well Hello There!

2005-01-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, I know. We have been pretty busy over in the little Lorraine and James workshop. There are so many things to do, places to go and people to see and so little time to do it (even less when you sit around and tinker with a blog for twenty minutes). But I thought I would drop by and send a hearty hello to everyone who has made it their business to stop by and visit us every now and then. It turns our scrunchy, busy, scowls into silly, happy, smiles.

I am so glad to have exchanged emails with many of you and your comments here at the blog and via email regarding the site are life-affirming, really.

And so the ball keeps rolling and we are reading our eyes bleary for the second issue of L and J. We hope to see/read many more stories of the same caliber as those that made their way on to the pages of issue one. I am betting the family pig that you will be giddy when you finally get to read it.

Subscriptions will be available for purchase online at www.lorraineandjames.com at the beginning of February. We will be doing an official pre-publication push for subscribers as soon as I can pull my head out from a place that needs no description.

We are also accepting photograph submissions for our fall 2005 cover. Tell all of your artsy photographer friends that this is their opportunity to be a part of something big--or you can say small if the mood hits you, but impress upon them that it will be fun and something to tell their grandchildren when all other unimpressive tall tales have failed.

Okay, I gotta get back to work. You do the same.

See you in the email!

wordjunkie/editor/crazystorilady*
Lorraine and James

*This particular spelling of the word stori is a super shout-out to my baby girl of the same name. hi-yo mami!

Moving day!

2005-01-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

Lorraine and James is LIVE. Please visit, take a look around and email me; tell me what you think.

Thank you for your patience.

Yours,

wordjunkie/editor/tickledpinky
Lorraine and James

Everybody put your hands together......

2005-01-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

Let’s give a warm welcome to britni d. jackson, Lorraine and James’ new Poetry Editor. In this, her latest creative enterprise, britni might be seen picking great poets like summer fruit, from websites, writing workshops and open mic nights near you.

She will accept your best work* twenty-four hours a day via email, although she is not allowed to stay up past midnight reading it. And on occasion, if the mood strikes her, she will grant you the great wisdom of her years to help you shape up the edges of your brand new poems in order to get them onto the contents page of Lorraine and James.

She will NOT be accepting payments – large and certainly not small – for priority placement, and by no means are you to ask her to read fifteen of your poems for consideration in a single issue (actually, she has requested that you send no more than three, so there you go!) And if you ever, ever ask her to write a poem and simply put your name on it, I will know and find you; though to read her work is to be severely tempted.

Other than that she is all yours. Now, everybody say hello to britni. Come on, don’t be shy.

roll credits please…………………..

britni d. jackson lives and writes in Brooklyn, New York. She is a founding member of The Silent Fusion Collective and is presently nearing the completion of her MFA in Poetry at Brooklyn College.

*Please send all submissions as Word attachments.

NEWSFLASH - THE PREVIOUS POST

2005-01-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

The previous question is NOT rhetorical people. I am actually asking you to post your favorite word and why? I know you're out there. I can see you. Don't make me name names. Now go. Scat!

wordjunkie/editor/curiousgeorgia
Lorraine and James

P.S.

I know you have to be a blogger to reply. Sign up already! What are you waiting for?

What is your favorite word?

2005-01-05T23:40:00.000-08:00

I ask this question in interviews. It was once asked of me.

"Jasai, tell us your favorite word and why?" My answer was immediate and effortless, "Language."

"Why Language?"

"It's substantial and suggestive of things both relative to, and at the same time far beyond me. And it's what I love."

So -- what is your favorite word? If you tell us then we'll know.

Night, night.

wordjunkie/editor/jasai
Lorraine and James

Do Something.

2005-01-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

Surely we are all grateful that we do not, on this date, own our own horrific accounts of being nearly washed away to our deaths or having had to watch with bewildered terror - because nothing could make us turn away - the sight of a wife or a terrified child being pulled beneath a world of water.

Because these are not our tales to tell, we should take a deep breath of honest gratitude for the uncovenanted gift of life. And if you have not already done so, take time to donate through one of the agencies below, in support of the relief effort.

Oxfam

Unicef

American Red Cross

AmeriCares

Do a little dance........

2004-12-27T23:47:00.000-08:00

The image of an overjoyed writer dancing, skirt flung high over head in the middle of an otherwise empty south-western Ontario street,* feels like two huge fistfuls of shiny, flawless diamonds.

I am now among the ranks of Americans who can say with unequivocal certainty, that issuing acceptance letters to writers is the most fun you can have indoors on a rainy day with your socks on.

Congratulations to Jess Stuart, Max Sparber, Diana Marie Delgado and Rick Castaneda for having their work accepted for the 2005 inaugural issue of Lorraine and James. There are many more spots available, so dig through your closets and dust off your Capizios. In the very near future, you too might feel the need to do a little dance.

wordjunkie/editor/goodnewsbearer
Lorraine and James

*This scene has been embellished (only slightly) for the sake of great storytelling.

For a Cheap Thrill

2004-12-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

Go check out www.lorrianeandjames.com. Now of course you’re not going to see anything except a tiny unassuming welcome and reminder that Lorraine and James: Global Urban Literature will be coming soon. Literally, that’s exactly what it says. I guess now you don’t even need to go, but why not, you’ve done more for less I’m sure.

Thanks for coming, you’ve been a great audience!

wordjunkie/editor/funnygirl,
Lorraine and James

Dear Writer,

2004-12-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been penning stories for a very long time and even more of you, I assume, have only recently struck out on this venture to become the world’s next literary Nobel laureate. While on this journey, I recommend taking along the following very important device: Great Openings. I repeat, pack and employ Great Openings.

In no particular order and for no other reason than the fact that these stories and the images they provoked made me want more, here are a couple of great openings that made me fall deeper in love with words and the writers who weave them.

Papa explains the war like this: “When the elephants dance, the chickens must be careful.” The great beasts, as they circle one another, shaking the trees and thumping loudly, are the Amerikanos and the Japanese as they fight. And our Philippine Islands? We are the small chickens. I think of baby chicks I can hold in the palm of my hand, flapping wings that are not yet grown, and I am frightened.

Tess Uriza Holthe, When The Elephants Dance

This is a love story like every other love story I had always known, like no love story I could ever have imagined. It’s everything beautiful – bright colors, candle-scented rooms, orange silk, and lavender amethyst. It’s everything grotesque, disfigured. It’s long twisting wounds, open and unhealed, nerves pricked raw, exposed.

Asha Bandele, The Prisoners Wife

I’m Dead. You want to talk about my family and here I been dead to them for fifty years. Leave me alone. Don’t bother me. They want no parts of me and I don’t want no parts of them. Hurry up and get this interview over with. I want to watch Dallas.

James McBride, The Color of Water

By our second day at Camp Crescendo, the girls in my Brownie troop had decided to kick the asses of each and every girl in Brownie Troop 909.

ZZ Packer – Brownies from the short story collection Drinking Coffee Elsewhere

Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.

Zora Neale Hurston, There Eyes Were Watching God

The moment I decided to leave him, the moment I thought, enough, we were thirty-five thousand feet above the ocean hurtling forward but giving the illusion of stillness and tranquility. Just like our marriage, I could have said, but why ruin everything right now?

Meg Wolitzer, The Wife

We have been lost to each other for so long. My name means nothing to you. My memory is dust. This is not your fault or mine. The chain connecting mother to daughter has been broken and the word passed to the keeping of men, who had no way of knowing. That is why I became a footnote, my story a brief detour between the well-known history of my father, Jacob and the celebrated chronicle of Joseph, my brother. On those rare occasions that I am remembered, it is as a victim. Near the beginning of your holy book, there is a passage that seems to say I was raped and continues with the bloody tale of how my honor was avenged. It’s a wonder that any mother ever called her daughter Dinah again.

Anita Diamant, The Red Tent

Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn New York.

Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Keep in mind, unless your story has been recommended to a reader, you get two minutes tops in a bookstore, to make a great impression. If I were you I wouldn't waste a single second.

Truly and deeply,

wordjunkie/editor/twominutemama
Lorraine and James

-read something

For those of you who are just joining us - FAQ: take 2

2004-12-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

Submission

Do you accept unsolicited submissions? And if so, what types of manuscripts are you looking for?
We accepted unsolicited submissions. We consider short stories (3,000- 12,000 wds), creative non-fiction, essays and poetry. We avoid genre, popular formula or commercial fiction created for the sole purpose of entertainment, without the capacity to illuminate.

What is Lorraine and James’ reading period?
We accept submissions on a rolling basis at this time. Feel free to send your very best work as soon as it is ready.

Do you run any contests?
We are not running any contests at this time but intend to in the near future. Check back for updates/details.

How much can I submit at one time?
Send as much as you’d like as often as you’d like. As we are not sure how long we will be able to maintain this volume, we would suggest you take advantage of it while it lasts.

Can I submit work via e-mail?
Yes. It is the only way we accept it. Please e-mail all submissions with Bio to Lorraine and James

Can I submit work simultaneously to another publication?
Yes, as long as you indicate that a submission is simultaneous and notify us immediately if it is accepted elsewhere.

Do you accept previously published work?
No, we do not publish any previously published work. Our definition of "published" is material distributed in any way (print or electronic) to the public, meaning more than a workshop, or friends, or family. Material that has appeared in any publication, print or web, would be considered previously published.

How long will it take to get a response to my submission?
We typically respond within twelve weeks. If you have not heard from us please email us

Do you pay? What rights does this buy?
We pay $50 - $200 for published submissions. For this we acquire First Rights which revert back to you upon publication and one-time rights to publish in an anthology.

General

What is your contact information?
We can be contacted via email

Are there any Job opportunities available at Lorraine and James?
We are currently looking for a Poetry Editor. All interested parties should submit relevant experience and Bio to Lorraine and James email

The Perfect Gift or The Gift That Keeps on Giving

2004-12-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

For the record, I sit perplexed, eyes crossed hard every time some clever writer sends me a story with this kind of dual-action title. What am I supposed to do, choose? Is there a huge market for the twofold designation? Just checking.

Now back to our regularly scheduled post……….

What do you get the person who has everything or nothing, as the case may be?

This holiday season I am recommending that you, yes you, get that hard-to-shop-for, hard to-fathom-spending-too-much-money-on, hard-to-really-get-along-with-but-she’s-my-mom-so-now-what person, the gift of great storytelling. The gift of far away places and unexpected experiences, homespun tales with surprising endings and impact. A gift that gives more each time you use it, conveniently totable (According to Word spell check “totable” is not a word. Go figure.) and never loses its appeal. It is even acceptable to re-gift these priceless treasures that you are going to purchase promptly following my last bit of punctuation. And although it will cost you next to nothing, its procurement will mean the world to both creator and recipient. You can’t beat that wit a bat!

So, for your bleeding intellectual of a niece or that inconceivable but obligatory Secret Santa charge, I suggest a subscription to any of the following literary journals:

Small Spiral Notebook
Cake Train
Glimmer Train
Zoetrope: All Story
McSweeney's
One Story
Swink
The Georgia Review
BRICK

Any and all of these will make wonderful gifts that will speak volumes about you. At the end of the day isn’t that why we’re all here, to have volumes spoken about us? Do it and don’t be shy about it.

Wordjunkie/editor/santaslittlehelper
Lorraine and James

-read something

Everything Is Everything

2004-12-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

I’m back. I’m good. Life is good. I’m scouting printers and contacting reviewers and selling Lorraine and James – the myth and the mag - to all of the appropriate people and outlets. Everything is in fact, everything.

*Today’s lesson comes courtesy of our beleaguered but dogged leader, G.W.:
“Being president," or in this case editor, publisher, copy machine queen, "is hard work!”

But I, like him I’m sure, wouldn't have it any other way.

Yours,

wordjunkie/editor/girlfriday
Lorraine and James

-read something

The Blues

2004-12-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

You have GOT to be kidding me! I just wrote this sweeping soliloquy about how yesterday was such a boom and today pretty much a complete bust (that over-the-head-with-a-Heineken kind) It was eloquent and perfectly styled - this now hopelessly gone entry was. Everything that I wanted to say entirely conveyed. And then as I was highlighting it, getting ready to move it to Word to spell check - because NOTHING is worse than not - I inadvertently pasted in its place an email that I had written to a photographer. So now of course I am crying real "oh my god is mommy crying?!" tears and nothing but a new day is going to salvage this one. So I hope your Saturday was better than mine and I will see you tomorrow. The inevitability of tomorrow is the very best thing about days like this.

You take care and be well.

Wordjunkie/editor/girlonthefritz
Lorraine and James

OHMYGOODNESS!

2004-12-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

So, this may be completely self-serving - really, what part of this isn't - but we have just nailed down the cover format and a mock of the first issue and I have to say that right next to the writers who have written such great stories, a couple of which are definitely IN, the cover designer is my newest greatest friend, my dream weaver, my genie!!!

Keep the stories coming guys, you will not want to miss this!

I will try to put up something soon. We are still getting our house in order if you will.

I hope to see you all between the pages of the now beautifully laid out Lorraine and James Issue 1.

wordjunkie/editor/happiestcamper
Lorraine and James

-read something

Q and A Corner

2004-11-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Is it bad form to reply to a break up note? Should you just believe them when they say its not you, its them? My answer to both of these questions is ‘yes.’ - wink. wink.

The Business of Images

2004-11-29T22:52:00.000-08:00

A two-bit hustling pop maker attempted to convince kids that image is nothing. The truth is, image is EVERYTHING and in order to sell a record two gillion (that’s a two with like, a kabillion zeroes tacked on to the back) inaugural issues of Lorraine and James, we need an image on the cover that people will not be able to walk away from. If you know anyone with that kind of talent, if you are anyone with that kind of talent, email me . I have a can’t-lose-so-why-hesitate opportunity in queue.

We will be waiting with antsy pants and baited breath for our beloved, but as yet unknown photographer to arrive in our inbox and flash us with photos so startling and irresistible that we would have no choice but to devour them with grateful kisses - via email of course - and make them deals no sane (read: freelance) artist could refuse.

Okay that’s all. My pupils are as dry as late Fall leaves. I have just finished doing that thing I hate so much and as a result, now feel the need to take leave of this day.

I trust that everyone had a gorgeous Thanksgiving and if not, be thankful it’s over.

Until we meet again,

Wordjunkie/editor/sleepyheadfred
Lorraine and James

A Thought for the Holiday

2004-11-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Say Something.

Do Something.

Give Something.

Change Something.

Read Something.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us at
Lorraine and James.

Building a Home

2004-11-22T23:42:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of building a permanent home on the web for Lorraine and James. A beautiful, inviting, spacious quarter where all of you can come visit, stretch out, relax and be easy; read something, maybe even write something. There are so many things to decide when building what will be ones home and secondary face to the literary world for the next, hopefully, thirty plus years. (I’m talking tiny crazy things that no twenty-first century brain should be forced to think about like a favorite out of sixty-three different shades of green. Who knew?!)

To this end, I could use your help/opinion. If you have a favorite site, one that you think, as a writer, is an inviting, conducive place to contemplate (It doesn’t have to be literary although that helps me tremendously), email me and let me know about it. PLEASE!

Thank you again and again,

Wordjunkie/editor/homehunter
Lorraine and James

a thing i thought today

2004-11-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

1.) Diligence is the great precursor to success. (This is really for me but use it if you like)

2.) I was thinking about posting when I send out an acceptance. Would that be gratuitous?

Too Much Good Stuff.

2004-11-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

Isn't this some company's slogan? Fast food joint? Shoe store?

Nevertheless, if they don't mind I am going to take this opportunity to borrow. It is apropos to the situation the editorial staff and I find ourselves in less than two months after hanging out our shiny new “open for business” banners on the various, crowded awnings of the world wide web.

We have received some extraordinary pieces of fiction from writers from Ontario to Philly, Paris to Inglewood -California that is. Nothing short of gut-busting was a story I read a couple of days ago. First I read it to my self, interrupting the perfect flow of it with spitting laughter. So funny was this story that immediately after I had finished reading it, I called another of the tireless readers on staff and read it to him. Needless to say he had to take over as the story was even funnier out loud (I think some of the good parts got lost in all of the initial cackling) and midway through the second read I was doubled over in literal tears. I can not recall the last time I read a story that made me laugh to the point of weeping. It was a reading experience with few parallels and I was thrilled to be taking part. So many other stories were fantastic, jaw dropping and full of introspection that I began to feel like we might be collecting stories today for issues 1 and 2 of this first Volume.

There were many other stories that made my brows knit. This is for those:

There is something you should know about the brand of fiction we like and are looking for here at Lorraine and James and as we do not yet have an issue available for you to peruse in order to get a feel for our flavor, here is a hint: Fiction should have dialogue. Good, relevant dialogue. This dialogue should be used not only to convey information from one party to another but should also tell us something about the character relaying it. Now, I know you're thinking that this goes without saying. It doesn't. Trust me.

Here at Lorraine and James we like to hear the voices of the various, quirky and astonishing characters that you have spent so much time creating; placing in picturesque or vile settings, imbuing with complicated emotions and idiosyncrasies. Before you shut the door on them, leaving them to fend for themselves in the cruel Midwestern winter, pantomiming their tales through the frosted windows of a narrator's rendition of their story, consider how much more interesting they might be if you invited them in, allowed them to sit and chat awhile with the reader. We might all be quite pleased and entertained by what they have to say.

Again, thank you and keep the works rolling in,

wordjunkie/editor/readin’ fool
Lorraine and James

Well Who Are YOU?!

2004-11-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

This was a question emailed to me recently, today, okay twenty minutes ago. But it felt so urgent and after I thought about it, so relevant that I had to quickly scoot on over here and answer it. Some other important questions were also asked and I will address those as well.

In what Medium are you publishing and how often?
Lorraine and James is scheduled to publish in print three times a year. The first issue will premiere in June 2005. Thereafter it will publish every October, February and June.

What does Global Urban Literature mean? Am I urban enough?
GUL describes stories from writers all over the world with perspectives that are not always on the front page or between the glossy covers of the things we read most often.

If you have a story to tell, from some point on the planet that can transcend to someone else at some other point on the planet, your story qualifies. Please keep in mind that it MUST also be well written, structurally sound and evocative, with great images, language and psychology. I could go on and on but I trust that it will suffice to say it should be your best work.

And now the twenty-two million dollar question………

WHO ARE YOU?

I am a woman
A writer
A Friendster
A UCLA writer’s program activist (but any of the good ones are great)
And a mom - Hi Stori! Hi Caleb!

I’d rather not divulge my exact street address as I have now, in such a short period of time, made as many writers-not-so-happy-with-me associations, as friends. But I will say that I live in a bustling artistic district in sunny Southern California. In the past I have worked in entertainment (movies and music) the beauty business, sang songs for change (silver not world) and held the same pose in god-awful heels for incalculable hours for a single perfect shot (this is overrated!) I am a young woman with more guts than money and more money than connections but the connections that I do have are influential, love me and Lorraine and James and are committed to seeing it flourish. Isn’t that the story of all successful new ventures? And now I have the works of so many talented writers like you which - trust me - is half the blasted battle.

Is there anything else? Come on, ask me. I dare you!

Yours Truly(but call before you drop by),

Wordjunkie/editor/confessor
Lorraine and James

Why a blog instead of a website?

2004-11-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

We set up his blog for two reasons, the first and foremost being that while our site is being built and while we are still advertising our open submissions call, writers like you can have somewhere definitive to come for answers without having to email our editors back and forth. This is important because if there were no blog and instead only email, that would allow for approximately zero hours to read the actual work. (As far as a group of people go, you all ask a LOT of questions)

The second reason and the one that has begun to shape what we hope will be a long standing practice, is the great ability to communicate with you. I have been getting so many emails from writers telling me how glad they are that we are giving them information, talking back to them – bonding if you will – in a way that they crave, having just sent their souls (or their latest humdrum piece- come on admit it) out into the abyss. They enjoy the feedback, they say. And even though it is not specifically related to them (if it is, they know!) they like that it gives the process skin and bones.

So that’s why. That’s us and we’re here. Come again soon.

wordjunkie/editor/yourhumblehostess
Lorraine and James

a word about rejection letters

2004-11-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

I just had to come here and purge. I have begun sending out rejection letters and it feels much like I would imagine having your intestines branded with the words ‘this sucks’ might feel. Not good. Not good at all. I want to commend the spirit of writers everywhere who submit work to publications like Lorraine and James. You are the reason we get to do what we love. And remember, a rejection letter could be a reflection of any number of things but never is it a reflection of you. (If that sounded corny, so what. I’m feeling emotional)

Thank you again,

Wordjunkie/Editor/unhappycamper
Lorraine and James

FAQ

2004-11-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

Submission

Do you accept unsolicited submissions? And if so, what types of manuscripts are you looking for?
We accepted unsolicited submissions. We consider short stories (3,000- 10,000 wds), creative non-fiction, essays and poetry. We avoid genre, popular formula or commercial fiction created for the sole purpose of entertainment, without the capacity to illuminate.

What is Lorraine and James’ reading period?
We accept submissions on a rolling basis at this time. Feel free to send your very best work as soon as it is ready.

Do you run any contests?
We are not running any contests at this time but intend to in the near future. Check back for updates/details.

How much can I submit at one time?
Send as much as you’d like as often as you’d like. As we are not sure how long we will be able to maintain this volume, we would suggest you take advantage of it while it lasts.

Can I submit work via e-mail?
Yes. It is the only way we accept it. Please e-mail all submissions with Bio to Lorraine and James

Can I submit work simultaneously to another publication?
Yes, as long as you indicate that a submission is simultaneous and notify us immediately if it is accepted elsewhere.

Do you accept previously published work?
No, we do not publish any previously published work. Our definition of "published" is material distributed in any way (print or electronic) to the public, meaning more than a workshop, or friends, or family. Material that has appeared in any publication, print or web, would be considered previously published.

How long will it take to get a response to my submission?
We typically respond within twelve weeks. If you have not heard from us please email us

Do you pay? What rights does this buy?
We pay $50 - $200 for published submissions. For this we acquire First Rights which revert back to you upon publication and one-time rights to publish in an anthology.

General

What is your contact information?
We can be contacted via email

Are there any Job opportunities available at Lorraine and James?
We are currently looking for a Poetry Editor. All interested parties should submit relevant experience and Bio to Lorraine and James email

Submissions Call

2004-11-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

Lorraine and James is looking for original, unpublished stories for its inaugural issue.

We are seeking work that is both well written and engaging. If your short story is chosen for publication in Lorraine and James it will be handled with care and published in a handsome quarterly for a ready audience of keen, eager readers in the US and abroad.

An honorarium of $50 -$200 will be paid for all published submissions.

Multiple and simultaneous submissions okay. First rights are required.

At this time we are accepting short fiction, creative non-fiction essays and poetry. No children’s stories or novel excerpts unless self-contained. Women writers from across the globe are especially encouraged to submit.

All submissions will be accepted via email ONLY at this time. lorraineandjames@yahoo.com

We look forward to reading your work.

Lessons We Learned Today - Vol. 1 No.1

2004-11-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

That people are not necessarily ready to hear that their writing is not ready to publish

That when you give someone your honest opinion, it too falls in the catagory of "things subjective" and not to take their raging email hostilities personally

That nothing ventured is nothing gained (I hope somebody else learned this today as well)

That there are still spine tingling writers that have yet to be discovered by the wider audience and that I must somehow figure out a way to facilitate that

That it is impossible to tire of stories written by men who understand the unfathomable truth that is the joy and pain of relationships

That writing about/examining the relationship of a black man and a white woman at its interior does not have to turn into an exercise in anger/frustration/self-inspection/self-defense

That waiting by the email for THAT PERFECT STORY to show up in the 'inbox' can make you lose your lunch

That doing what your heart tells you and your dreams confirm, feels like making love

wordjunkie/editor
Lorraine and James: A Literary Journal

-Read Something.

I have thousands of great stories....

2004-11-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

I have thousands of great stories pouring in from all sides. I have thousands of great stories pouring in from all sides. I have thousands of great stories pouring in from all sides. I have thousands of great stories pouring in from all sides. I have thousands of great stories pouring in from all sides......

This is like what, the power of positive thinking? Having what you say? Affirmative statements? Affirmative actions? Truths that, if they were, would set me free? The things I see in my sleep? Wishful thinking as I'm surfing the internet looking for the next Hemingway, Beatty, Baldwin, Gornick, Hansberry, Morrison, Karbo, YOU?

Oh, Hi guys.

Lorraine and James is accepting your BEST short fiction, creative non-fiction and essays. Email all submissions to lorraineandjames@yahoo.com

Truly,

wordjunkie/editor
Lorraine and James: A Literary Journal

-Read Something. (and write something!)

Say What!!!???

2004-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

In response to am email from a woman who wanted to know how set up a blog, I emailed her the Blogger address and told her that setting it up was easier than peeing. PEEING?! HAVE I LOST MY MIND?! Would you happen to know where my mind is?

Geeesh,

totiredtothinkstraight/wordjunkie/editor
Lorraine and James: A Literary Journal

- Read Something.

Responding to great work

2004-11-09T22:46:00.000-08:00

I have just sent out my first response to a submission. The story was good. I read it once and twice and a third time and understood after each read that it was a story worth asking the author to take another look at. I made some observations and suggestions and the entire time I was hoping I wasn’t sounding pretentious or like a faux-scholar. I hope it came off more like suggestions from a reader who felt like some things were just not clear, illuminated or mentioned. Someone saying to the author, “Please tell me more about this character/place/situation that I am enjoying so much.” While I was writing the critique (if we must name what I did) I was thinking how long am I going to be able to do this? Take this kind of time to give a writer feedback and hope that it is encouraging enough for them to take a second look at work they have surely spent great deals of time on already and re-submit? I hope I can do it forever. It felt cool.

I should get back to work.

Just thinking publicly,

wordjunkie/editor
Lorraine and James

Read Something.

Something for the people

2004-11-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

I am creating this web log so that those who are interested can follow the process of creating Lorraine and James: Literary Journal. Since I have no mapquested route on this one, no definate idea of how this is going to work out, only that it definately must, this should be something for the history books, or at least the weblogs of other people as insanely determined as me.

So I guess I just start with the basics. I have been fielding submissions for the journal, some good, some great, some directly in contrast to what the submission guidelines state (This is NOT good or nice.) Yet I have to admit that no matter how many stories I read but can not use, I am never tired of opening up the mailbox and seeing the names of people as determined as New York cabbies in traffic, to take their literary places in the world. To this I say, keep it coming.

To every writer, tell a friend and tell a friend to tell a friend that there is a new kid in town and he's dying to get on the scene and shine. Come on yall let's shine.

By the way, I think I've got a great one today.

wordjunkie/Editor
Lorraine and James

Read Something.