Because it’s early September, the time when most academic/literary journals open for submissions to poetry, I’ve been thinking a lot about some of my favorite journals. I’m still more of a fan of print journals as opposed to online for a number of reasons. When I have a poem published, I like getting a print copy in the mail with the poem in it. I have a nice little collection on my bookshelf, and I know that I’ll be able to keep those journals for years. My concern regarding online journals is that a lot of them start up fast, but they don’t last very long, and then your poem published is lost if the editors never archived anything. However, I do realize that as the publishing world continues to drastically change, more long-standing journals will move to a strictly online format, or at least upload some of the content online.

This week, I’ve been pondering some of my favorite online journals. One that I like a lot s Solstice Literary Magazine. My poem, “Before He Enlisted,” appeared there in the last issue.  What I like about the journal is how clean and simple it is. It’s easy to browse around the site and sift through the poetry, fiction, non-fiction and interviews the editorial staff publishes. I also love the quality of writing showcased. The latest issue has work by well-known contemporary American poets Stephen Dunn and Afaa M. Weaver, mixed with writing by young, up-and-coming writers. The journal also has an impressive editorial staff and advisory board, which includes National Book Award winner Terrance Hayes, Stephen Dunn, and others.

Check out Solstice Literary Magazine if you’re looking for a good online journal, and feel free to share some of your favorite journals, either print or online. I may start showcasing other literary magazines on my blog over time.