It is called The Long Tunnel for a reason. The process is lengthy, the progress slow. It requires patience but also, because it is a difficult path, perseverance. It is lonely and discouraging but, in the end (we all must hope there will be an end) we emerge, changed. Despite the challenges, there is room for comradery, commiseration, and new friendships along the way. There is the opportunity for great work to appear suddenly and for inspiration to come from near misses. Encouragement comes when we realize that, though the tunnel is dark, we are not alone.
From this comes our 'zine. Simply put: it is a place to form a bond through writing. It is about exploring the process of writing, of learning a craft, and coming to understand an art. Open to the writing of both amateur and professional, it does not cater to either. Instead, it seeks to exist in the murky middle waters that stand between the two. The place in which the dedicated amateur decides, despite the color of the grass, that she belongs on the other bank.
It exists between what has been called "Pop" and "Elitist" literature. The boundaries of storytelling will form around tradition and exceed those limits as well. The focus is not so much what we are writing, but that we are writing focused pieces that challenge not only the conspicuous background known as the "literary and unliterary world" but most importantly, ourselves. As craftsmen, we want to attune our craft, but as humans we want to challenge and enlighten, within the privacy of our homes and with those who find themselves in the pages of the zine. It is about struggle and triumph, finding and losing your voice, feeling lost and being found. And each issue is organized around a theme.
That's right, to make it easier, and hopefully more interesting, each issue will be organized around a theme. It may be an idea, an event, or an experience. Or, it might be a form, as is the case with the first issue.
The first issue's theme will be Letters. It was a mere coincidence at first, but the more we reflected on it, Letters seem most appropriate for our aim as a 'zine. Anyone can write a letter; whether a four year old child is writing to Santa or a famous author writing to a friend. Each letter exists on both these planes, as amateur and high-lit. Letters are personal; Letters tell stories.
Tell us yours.
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Entries are due by January 13th. If you'd like to contribute, please send all submissions to thelongtunnel@gmail.com
