In the Tank

When I started putting this issue together, I had it in mind to publish it on Valentine's Day. As Valentine's Day approached, it became clear to me that I didn't have a complete issue and I didn't care that much for what I did have. So, I decided to retool the issue. I scrapped the old frontpage in favor of a new, cleaner tableless design. I decided to give myself a few more months to read some more material in the hopes of being able to publish a stronger issue. Well, spring came. There were some personal issues related to my health and finances that distracted me through the end of June. Finally, after July 4th, things started to gel. I was close to having a decent issue. I still hadn't finished with the book reviews and I didn't have a essay and was looking at the prospect of publishing one of my own — either an old one or writing a new one for this issue. I'll admit, I put it off. I had plenty of excuses: the upcoming presidential election, the economy, doctor appointment, my blog, etc. But, ultimately, it came down to the fact that I can't stand to write book reviews. Really, it's akin to pulling my own fingernail out with rusty pliers. You might ask why someone who hates to write book reviews would include them in his ezine. Well . . . the answer is quite simple: In the beginning, I didn't seriously think I'd be writing most of them. I thought enough people would submit book reviews that I'd be able to get away with writing maybe one review every once in awhile. That has not been the case. It seems other writers don't much like writing them either. It's not sexy enough, I guess. So, I get plenty of fiction and poetry submissions and I get asked to write book reviews, but only rarely does anyone offer up a book review. The book review finally done, I moved forward. At the eleventh hour I was sent an essay that I thought I could use with a little editing. Things were looking good. Then I uploaded and tested the new cover page in different browsers. Looked great in Internet Explorer, but didn't display properly in any other browser I tested it on. Fuck! So, I had to go back to the old template for this issue. Hopefully, I work out the kinks for future issues.

Anyhow, after the usual long wait, and despite obstacles and other distractions, here, finally, is a new issue of The 13th Warrior Review. Some new faces. Some old faces. Good stuff. I hope you find it to your liking.

JCE
Cumberland County Library
Bridgeton, NJ
9:50am EST