I have a story in the Spring 2021 issue of The Missouri Review titled “The Burning,” and I’m loving every minute of it. You know, it’s hard getting published in curated literary journals. So many stars have to align— an editor has to make a case for why your story should be included. Many thanks to Associate Editor Evelyn Somers who took a chance on my little story about the ways intimacy can mediate the devastating effects of loss. And for seeing value in Black characters.
I also want to acknowledge Marc McKee, Managing Editor over at TMR who gave me an opportunity to read/record my story and who also had these words: “Your story, to me, is revelatory. The modulation of all the story’s elements seems to give everything not just its due, but everything’s real due. I don’t know that I know how to say anything better than that, except that in a story where everything’s real due means reckoning the massive gravities of trauma and watching two people make their way through, and making each other’s ways better, it’s one of the most hopeful stories I’ve ever read/heard. So, I just wanted to say thank you for that.”
Eeeeeeeeee!
You’re welcome, Marc. Sooo welcome!
Gail Upchurch 