Since 1997, we’ve been proud to publish a rich diversity of voices and styles from authors around the globe. Each year, we receive hundreds of submissions—from wordsmiths who share new work with us every submission period, and from emerging authors taking a chance on submitting their writing for the very first time. It’s exciting. And so is watching a new group of student editors read and discuss and learn from the writers and poets who trust us with their words. Thank you.
Below are selections from interviews conducted by students with authors we’ve published. You’ll read about what inspired particular works, how they’ve developed their writing craft, what they’re excited to do next, and so much more.
Enjoy.
His Only Merit
Another wonderful poet, another wonderful chapbook—from Finishing Line Press! Congratulations to Benjamin Green, author of His Only Merit!!
Keep readingTeaching without Teaching
Another bit of congratulations are in order: Scott Parker’s collection of essays, Teaching without Teaching, is just out from One Subject Press! We are so privileged to publish such wonderful writers.
Keep readingTroutwatching!
Congratulations to CLR contributor Dallas Crow on the publication of his second poetry chap book, Troutwatching, by Finishing Line Press!
Keep readingInterview with Sue Fagalde Lick
Author of “Turquoise” (Volume XXVI, 2022) “Regarding the bathroom: The description is so vivid. What bathroom was this based on?” The bathroom in the first section is from my childhood home. The turquoise bathroom in the other sections is in the house where I live now, so I use it every day. The previous owners…
Keep readingInterview with Mercedes Lawry
Author of “Bears” (Volume XXVI, 2022) “What brought you to write about bears in enclosures specifically?” On a visit to Sitka, Alaska, I went to the Fortress of the Bears. These were bears that would never be released back into the wild. As with any captive animals, there is a sadness. As a young child…
Keep readingInterview with Cecil Morris
Author of “One Woman” (Volume XXVI, 2022) “Could you tell us who inspired the character in this poem?” My son was shooting wedding photos for a friend of his wife’s family in Cathedral Park under the St. John’s Bridge in Portland, and I had come along as an equipment carrier and back-up photographer. At least…
Keep readingAuthor Insight: How do you deal with writer’s block? Do you have any unique rituals you do to keep writing and meet deadlines?
Though I am hesitant to use the word ‘writer’s block’ (especially in the world of creative nonfiction and poetry, where memory and experience are never-ending writing material; Example: any moment from your childhood) I truly believe that reading is the best cure for a creative stall. Read anything; read everything. And most importantly, read for…
Keep readingInterview with Heather Charton
Author of “What We Knew” (20th Anniversary Issue) What was the inspiration for “What We Knew”? My dad has an unusual hobby: fireworks. But he is not the only one. A few years ago, he became a card-carrying member of Pyrotechnics Guild International and then convinced my mom and me to attend a couple of…
Keep readingAuthor Insight: If you had one piece of advice you’d pass on to other authors, what would it be?
Try to never stop writing. Keep getting to the desk. Get into a rhythm of regular, if possible, day writing. Some kind of discipline above all. Because when you stop it can be very hard to return. And it gets harder. “Back” doesn’t only relate to finding your footing again in life, it’s a metaphor…
Keep reading
CLACKAMAS LITERARY REVIEW 