"The Great Minnesota Get-Together." A Chat With Ralph Pennel, Editor of Midway Journal

Editor of genre-bending online journal shares his vision

Well, pals, another editor interview is in the books.

Today I had the joy of speaking with Ralph Pennel, Editor of Midway Journal. Ralph and I first met in Boston almost a decade ago. It was so much fun to catch up with him, to learn about his work as a teacher, poet, and editor, and to hear of his unique and exciting vision for Midway Journal.

Midway was founded as an online magazine in 2006. Since that time the editors have sought to publish writing that challenges conventional definitions of genre and that pushes language to the forefront. Midway is also interested in work rooted in a sense of place.

Ralph talked about the annual Minnesota State Fair, which locals lovingly refer to as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” as encapsulating the spirit of his journal—a place where a variety of voices, styles, personalities, quirks and charms, all come together in one space.

He also discussed ways that he works with writers to get a piece just right for publication in his journal. Sometimes this involves suggesting small edits, sometimes there are bigger changes needed, and sometimes he will suggest a writer publish their poetry submission as a fictional story or vice versa.

Oh yes, and we also talked about Blade Runner, Philip K. Dick and The Samurai Code.

Midway Journal is open for regular submissions from January - May. They are open for tip-jar submissions year-round. The magazine features fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, and also “Ephemera,” which is work that is not easily classified. Their next contests will open in March.

They are always open to people contacting them about volunteering with the journal, so if that interests you, do reach out to them.

And that’s a wrap! Thanks to everyone who came out to attend the interview. I’ve said it before and I will say it again—I love to see your faces! And, of course, thanks to Ralph for taking the time to give us this glimpse behind the screen of his exciting journal.

Happy viewing!

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