On the Street and In Your Ears

I adore the print journal as much as the next thoughtful reader, but it’s exciting to see editors doing something a little different in delivering quality creative writing. Here’s a look at two innovative approaches to the literary journal:

Broadsided defines itself this way: “Street art. Fine art. Free art. Dialogue. Serendipitous public art. A counter-force for billboards advertising fast food and cars.” Here’s how it works: When a poem or fiction is accepted, it’s passed on to an artist who responds to it visually. At the beginning of each month, Broadsided posts a new literary/visual collaboration. Vectors download, print and post it. Where? Anywhere. Telephone poles, traffic signs, bank lobbies, gates, water coolers, bathroom stalls, and your very own back. (See the Vector Gallery for other inspired locations.) Anyone can become a Vector. Even you.

The Drum Literary Magazine, dubbed a “literary magazine for your ears,” publishes essays and short stories in audio format. You can listen online or download and share. Current work is free and after three months, it goes in the archives. Subscribers can access a year’s worth of The Drum and individual stories and essays can be purchased from the archives. The Drum is currently looking for help recording great prose with their Stories on the Street feature. Pick an excerpt from something in the public domain, grab something to record and hit the streets looking for people to read it aloud.

Added bonus? As of this posting, both are currently accepting submissions.

Broadsided / Writer: Christine Bly, Artist: Ira Joel Haber