48 Hour Magazine, a 48 hour experiment where 6 editors built, from the ground up, a new born magazine.
Karen Schindler, managing editor of Pow Fast Flash Fiction, an online-market for flash fiction that doesn't pull punches. Pow Fast Flash has published some amazing work, perfect for your lunchtime internet fix, including, "Blue Line," "Foot of the Bed,"and (by yours truly) "Dog Fight."
48 Hour Magazine: Is it hard out there for a new editor of Flash Fiction?
Karen Schindler: I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much elbow room there is for new flash magazines. When I started the ezine I was lucky enough to be welcomed into the community by some of the established flash and poetry magazine editors who have published my personal work. Several of them graciously linked to Pow Fast Flash and widened the circle. Even before starting the magazine, I was involved in Jon Strother's #fridayflash community, so it was easy to kick off the magazine with some of the stellar writing of my fellow flashers. Then once word of the kind of work that Pow was looking for got out, the circle just kept widening. Being listed in Duotrope has been a great boost to our submissions, as is the word of mouth of those who are published. Social networking tools really help in big ways for getting work noticed once it's available online.
48HM: What financial hardships do you face?
KS: This could be a really long answer, but the short answer is I would love to be able to publish Pow Fast Flash Fiction in print. But for now it will remain an ezine only due to financial constraints.
48HM: What editorial successes have you had?
KS: I edited almost every piece published at Pow in some way, and I feel that each piece is a success. Giving someone the opportunity to showcase their best work is always gratifying.
48HM: Have you had to prostitute yourself in any way?
KS: I was given advice when I fist started to hard sell the magazine and to fill it with advertising. I went a different way. I wanted people to gravitate to Pow and really want to be included in the body of work that was being collected. I also wanted each author to have a page as simple as possible so that their story could be appreciated for what it was. A great piece of work. So no, I haven't prostituted myself in any way for the magazine. It's been a life affirming experiencing all the way around so far.
48HM: Do you have a day job?
KS: Yes, I have two day jobs. Well, really three. But two of them I can do from my computer in my jammies.
48HM: How does your day job keep you from working on Pow Fast Flash Fiction?
KS: I work on my paying jobs during the week. I tend to spend Saturday mornings sending out rejections/acceptances for Pow. I edit the things I'm excited about when I have free time. The editing isn't really on a schedule, but if I like something I tend to go over it with a fine tooth comb right away so I can accept it and not lose it to another magazine. Pow is published on a rolling basis, so there aren't really deadlines as such, but I try to get back to people within a week to ten days to tell them yay or nay. Waiting to hear back on your submission can be nerve wracking for some people and I like to make that process as painless as possible.
48HM: Do you consider yourself a successful writer / editor?
KS: I think I'm a good editor. If you look at my editing website http://bit.ly/9wSy4P, I have some endorsements in my sidebar that every time I read them they make me want to hire myself. I love helping other people put out the best work that they are able to produce. I also feel that one of the reasons I'm a good editor is because I'm a good writer. One day I'll be paid to write full time, and then all my dreams will have come true. Well, all my dreams that don't involve sprouting nifty tentacles, or having hot and cold running cabana boys in my living room.
=======
Comments that did not come over from Recreational Learning
-- Marisa Birns --
- Interview -
Karen Schindler, managing editor of Pow Fast Flash Fiction, an online-market for flash fiction that doesn't pull punches. Pow Fast Flash has published some amazing work, perfect for your lunchtime internet fix, including, "Blue Line," "Foot of the Bed,"and (by yours truly) "Dog Fight."
48 Hour Magazine: Is it hard out there for a new editor of Flash Fiction?
Karen Schindler: I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much elbow room there is for new flash magazines. When I started the ezine I was lucky enough to be welcomed into the community by some of the established flash and poetry magazine editors who have published my personal work. Several of them graciously linked to Pow Fast Flash and widened the circle. Even before starting the magazine, I was involved in Jon Strother's #fridayflash community, so it was easy to kick off the magazine with some of the stellar writing of my fellow flashers. Then once word of the kind of work that Pow was looking for got out, the circle just kept widening. Being listed in Duotrope has been a great boost to our submissions, as is the word of mouth of those who are published. Social networking tools really help in big ways for getting work noticed once it's available online.
48HM: What financial hardships do you face?
KS: This could be a really long answer, but the short answer is I would love to be able to publish Pow Fast Flash Fiction in print. But for now it will remain an ezine only due to financial constraints.
48HM: What editorial successes have you had?
KS: I edited almost every piece published at Pow in some way, and I feel that each piece is a success. Giving someone the opportunity to showcase their best work is always gratifying.
48HM: Have you had to prostitute yourself in any way?
KS: I was given advice when I fist started to hard sell the magazine and to fill it with advertising. I went a different way. I wanted people to gravitate to Pow and really want to be included in the body of work that was being collected. I also wanted each author to have a page as simple as possible so that their story could be appreciated for what it was. A great piece of work. So no, I haven't prostituted myself in any way for the magazine. It's been a life affirming experiencing all the way around so far.
48HM: Do you have a day job?
KS: Yes, I have two day jobs. Well, really three. But two of them I can do from my computer in my jammies.
48HM: How does your day job keep you from working on Pow Fast Flash Fiction?
KS: I work on my paying jobs during the week. I tend to spend Saturday mornings sending out rejections/acceptances for Pow. I edit the things I'm excited about when I have free time. The editing isn't really on a schedule, but if I like something I tend to go over it with a fine tooth comb right away so I can accept it and not lose it to another magazine. Pow is published on a rolling basis, so there aren't really deadlines as such, but I try to get back to people within a week to ten days to tell them yay or nay. Waiting to hear back on your submission can be nerve wracking for some people and I like to make that process as painless as possible.
48HM: Do you consider yourself a successful writer / editor?
KS: I think I'm a good editor. If you look at my editing website http://bit.ly/9wSy4P, I have some endorsements in my sidebar that every time I read them they make me want to hire myself. I love helping other people put out the best work that they are able to produce. I also feel that one of the reasons I'm a good editor is because I'm a good writer. One day I'll be paid to write full time, and then all my dreams will have come true. Well, all my dreams that don't involve sprouting nifty tentacles, or having hot and cold running cabana boys in my living room.
=======
Comments that did not come over from Recreational Learning
-- Marisa Birns --
Great interview!
Hot and cold running cabana boys? Whew. Now I know what to get Karen for her birthday. She’s usually difficult to shop for since she has everything!
I can say with all honesty that Karen is an excellent editor, writer, friend, and dancer.
-- Karen Schindler --
Aaron,
Thanks so much for including me in this series. The talent you have assembled here is amazing, and the so obviously positive interactions you’ve had with each of the subjects shines through.
Thanks so much for including me in this series. The talent you have assembled here is amazing, and the so obviously positive interactions you’ve had with each of the subjects shines through.
I love word of mouth for any venture. And I love seeing how others approach their craft. Simply being part of your process introduced me to four new people who are out there day by day putting their dreams into practice.
When dreams come true it’s a beautiful thing to witness.
Pow is growing a fan base from the ground up and it’s amazing how many people world wide have subbed even though it’s such a young market.
I really appreciate having the opportunity to sing out about Pow in another forum. Especially a forum given to me by someone as enthusiastic about writing and publishing great work as you are.
Karen :0)
-- Karen Schindler --
Marisa is right on all counts.
[She's seen me dance.]
And oh boy, now I can’t wait for my birthday.
:0)
[She's seen me dance.]
And oh boy, now I can’t wait for my birthday.
:0)
-- lauraeno --
I agree with Marisa – Karen is so hard to shop for!
Great interview showcasing an awesome writer, editor and all round great human being. (Although, with the tentacles, I’m not sure about the human part)
Pow Fast Flash Fiction is lucky to have her at the helm.
-- Laurita --
Great interview. Editing in my jammies is my dream job. You’re living the dream, Karen (fortunately there are no tentacles involved).
-- Alan W. Davidson --
Loved the interview! I agree totally with Marisa regarding Karen as a writer, editor and, of course, a good friend. The dancing? Can’t vouch for that…but I’ve heard stuff.
I was wondering what to get her for her birthday. Umm…I think they’ve got rules against handing out cabana boys up here in Canada. Perhaps a used hockey puck. Or a 6-pack of beer.
-- catconnor --
Groovacious interview Karen. I read it with my first coffee…. I’ll read it again when I’m awake. Pretty sure you didn’t say anything about cold banana’s… hang on… oh hot and cold running CABANA boys. 
xx
-- Anne Tyler Lord --
Karen, that was a wonderful interview.
I am also putting my vote in the box for Karen being a great friend, editor and writer!! Her writing never ceases to amaze and surprise me! And, I have experienced her editing services first-hand – totally excellent!
Looks like Marisa is going to have all of us contribute to the pot to get you those cabana boys.
-- Jodi MacArthur --
Yay, for nifty tentacles! Karen, wonderful interview. Your humor just knocks me flat. And what a wonderful editor you are fine combing the stories that come your and sending a yay or nay as quickly as possible. I hadn’t realized how busy you are! That nifty plant of yours has super powers. Your writing is superb. And you are such a joy to know.
Awesome interview.
-- Jane Bretl --
Way to go, Karen!
-- Cathy Olliffe --
Working in your jammies! Eatin jam while working in your jammies. Toe jam onyour toes, eatin jam while working in your jammies…
oh, sorry… sudden fuge onslaught. It only happens when I hear Karen in action. And speaking of action, does this woman ever slow down???
Thanks for the interview, Aaron. I betcha that was fun!
===
End Comments
oh, sorry… sudden fuge onslaught. It only happens when I hear Karen in action. And speaking of action, does this woman ever slow down???
Thanks for the interview, Aaron. I betcha that was fun!
===
End Comments
No comments:
Post a Comment