Cranky Literary Journal is like a kid let out for recess: small, but with a big SHOUTING voice. We publish prose, poetry, book reviews, and interviews with writers. The journal appears triannually and includes an array of work from many styles and schools. Our only standard for selection is the quality of the work and our own aesthetic. The editors particularly enjoy writing which displays music, wit, and a fondness for language and word play. Writers we admire? Wallace Stevens, James Merrill, Anne Carson, Frank O'Hara, Olena Kalytiak Davis, Alice Munro, Raymond Carver, George Saunders, and Lorrie Moore to name a few.

Cranky has a tendency toward quirky writing—work with an unusual or ever-so-slightly skewed perspective. We're ironic, but not always, because every so often we have a moment of utterly sincere sentiment (in a good way). The editors can be very traditional and have a penchant for form. To sum up? Show us something surprising; we're looking for unique voices.

Our new issue has a kickass interview with the Belarusian poet and bon vivant Valzhyna Mort, whose first poetry book, I'm as Thin as Your Eyelashes, will be out next year from Copper Canyon Press. What else? Paul Maliszewski engages in a penetrating and in-depth interview with the writer Michael Martone. This conversation took place entirely by postcard. You oughta buy a copy.

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Cranky is not associated with a school or foundation; rather, it is funded privately (meaning we're pretty much broke), although we are under the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship of Allied Arts Foundation. How can you help? Donate! Or subscribe and enjoy!

We read submissions continually. Please review our submission guidelines for more information.

 

Copyright © 2004-2007. This page was last updated August 17, 2007 .