"Addressing the Human Consequences of War." A Chat with Matthew Krajniak, Editor of Consequence Journal

Editor of magazine focused on war and geo-political violence takes us behind the scenes

Greetings, friends. Another interview is complete!

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Matthew Krajniak, Executive Editor of Consequence Journal. Consequence (the magazine) was founded in 2008, by the late George Kovach. It has since grown into the organization Consequence Forum, which presents readings, panels, workshops and talks.

Consequence Journal is interested in work that addresses “the human consequences and realities of war and geopolitical violence through literature [and] art.” I have long been fascinated with this magazine and its possibilities as a venue for a huge range of voices.

One thing I was particularly interested in was whether the editors regard the magazine as having an “anti-war” position, or if it attempts to be more neutral. Matt explained that many people do indeed associate the magazine with an anti-war bent. This most likely has to do with its focus, which is not necessarily active combat or war itself but on the consequences of these things. Often this includes PTSD, such as that experienced by the journal’s original founder. However, Matt emphasized, he is genuinely open to reading all experiences, and he actively wants to hear more from people across the political spectrum, and with a range of views about war.

I was also curious how the magazine defined “war,” in terms of what they want to see in submissions. Would someone’s war with their ex-boyfriend be a viable submission? How about a domestic battle over whose turn it was to empty the dishwasher?

While these might make great stories, Matt said, the magazine is indeed interested in actual physical war. However, this is not as simple as it seems. Defining “war” is a conversation that he and the editors have often. Particularly as the technology of warfare changes all the time, and as certain domestic policies have come to be seen as a form of warfare against local communities.

Sometimes, too, what grabs the editors’ attention is not a story of active struggle but something with struggle as the backdrop. As an example, Matt cited a recently published piece about two women falling in love across the boundary of North and South Korea.

In considering submissions, the editors think about literary merit and the kinds of conversations a piece is engaged in. Historical fiction is a-okay, so long as it has a tie to current concerns. The editors want to present authentic voices, offering as big a range of perspectives as possible.

So, what makes a good war story? What sort of work is Matt drawn to? What is he tired of reading about? You’ll have to watch the video to find out!

Consequence Journal is open for submissions now, until April 15th. They are interested in seeing more nonfiction work. Matt would also like to see more work related to Asia and Latin America. They publish fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art and translation, both in print and online.

To all who came out today to participate, thank you! It’s a gray and rainy day here in Philly but your faces always bring me the sun!

And, of course, thank you to Matthew for taking the time to peel back the curtain of another important little magazine.

Happy viewing!