Tag Archives: Blue Heron Review

Best of the Net 2026 Nominations / Blue Heron Review

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Best of the Net Nominations from BHR 19 Spring 2025 (Published June 28, 2025)
(*Please visit the BHR 19 page of this site to read all of these beautiful poems. Simply scroll down to find the work of each author within the issue.)

*

Helen Bournas-Ney / “A Prayer for My Granddaughter”

Lori Ulrich / “Heaven’s Rainbow”

Amrita Skye Blaine / “camaraderie”

Mary Anna Scenga Kruch / “When Souls Find Comfort: Ode to a Lake”

Faith Paulsen / “I Imagine Hildegard von Bingen Finds an Egg”

*

*Editor’s Note:
Choosing nominations for the Best of the Net Anthology is always a very difficult task. I am so proud of all of our very fine writers. Congratulations to the authors above on their nominations. I hope you’ll take some time to visit our BHR 19 page to read and enjoy these poems.

Cristina M. R. Norcross, Editor
Blue Heron Review
(*Founded 2013)

BLUE HERON REVIEW ISSUE 20 / FALL 2025 IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE!

Posted on by under Uncategorized

(*Cover artist credit: Michael Jeske)

Welcome to the latest issue of Blue Heron Review (BHR Issue 20 / Fall 2025 / “What We Gather for Tomorrow”). To read and enjoy our full issue of poetry and artwork, please visit the BHR 20 page of our website.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Poets:
Yvette Viets Flaten * Cheryl Byler Keeler * Glenn Falacienski * Carol Alena Aronoff * Ronnie Hess * Annette Towler * Jackie Langetieg * Dianna MacKinnon Henning * James P Roberts * Cynthia McCain * Rachel Dacus * Diana Woodcock * Alison Hurwitz * Mary C Rowin * Anneliese Finke * Elizabeth McCarthy * Jenna Wysong Filbrun * Karen A VandenBos * Susan Martell * Sarah Sadie * Kathie Giorgio * Wendy Vardaman * Melissa Huff * Penny Harter * Tom Lagasse * Erik Richardson * Thomas A Thrun * Elisabeth Harrahy * Mary Dean Carter

Artists:
Michael Jeske (cover artist) * Karen A VandenBos * j lewis * Paula Lietz

EDITOR’S NOTE:

What if we could gather together the support that others need, compassion for those around us, empathy for the plight of others? The poems in our latest issue may not solve the world’s problems, but If nothing else, you will feel encouraged and find a sense of hope here.  The arts have the power to inspire us during challenging times. I hope that this issue makes you feel less alone and more connected to your fellow human beings.

Cristina M. R. Norcross, Editor
Blue Heron Review
(*Founded 2013)

Blue Heron Review Issue 19 / Spring 2025 Is Now Available to Read Online!

Posted on by under Uncategorized

(*Cover artist credit: Karren Jeske)

Welcome to the latest issue of Blue Heron Review (BHR Issue 19, Spring 2025 / “Offerings”).  To read and enjoy our full issue of poetry and artwork, please visit the BHR 19 page of our website.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Poets:
Helen Bournas-Ney * Isaac James Richards * Colette Tennant * CMarie Fuhrman * Giles Goodland * Emily Tee * Arvilla Fee * Pat Phillips West * Fred Briggs * Eileen Pettycrew * Lisa Wiley * Tara Menon * Elena Quinones * Melissa Mitchell * Lori Ulrich * Alice Foxall * Jim Landwehr * Carol Mikoda * William Rudolph * Cortney Davis * Amrita Skye Blaine * Lynette Reini-Grandell * Caitlin Gemmell * John Davis * Laura Barr * Mary Anna Scenga Kruch * Faith Paulsen * Katrina Serwe * Tricia Knoll * Sandra J Lindow * Carol Alena Aronoff * Anita Pinatti

Artists:
Karren Jeske (cover artist) * Michael Jeske * Jeannie E Roberts * Kai Coggin * Donna Hilbert

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Welcome to the spring 2025 issue of Blue Heron Review. Our special theme for this issue is OFFERINGS. Poets were invited to reflect on the topic of what we give (and what we receive), and how this makes a difference in our lives. After having the great pleasure of reading this beautiful collection several times over, I am struck by how many poems involved the tremendous impact that giving has on the person doing the giving—how this, too, becomes a sacred gift. These are brave, vulnerable poems. These are true offerings of self that come from deep waters. I hope that you will take time out of your busy day to taste and savor a few poems at a time, and then come back to read more. I know that you will be moved by these stories of heart and gratitude as much as I am.

All kind thoughts,
Cristina M. R. Norcross, Editor
Blue Heron Review
(*founded 2013)

SUBMISSIONS FOR BLUE HERON REVIEW NOW OPEN / Jan. 1-15, 2025

Posted on by under Uncategorized

BHR 19 subs image javardh-MLt_kyFBl8M-unsplash copy

Our Reading Period for BHR Issue 19 / Spring 2025 Is January 1-15, 2025.  (Deadline is 11:59pm US Central on Jan. 15th)

THEME: OFFERINGS.

What will your offering be to the world? What have you received as an offering that has made a difference in your life? Reflect on this topic of what we give (and what we receive), and how this makes a difference. Some examples include: mentorship, volunteerism, friendship, love, support, kindness, one’s vocation, a safe space. Please visit the SUBMISSION GUIDELINES PAGE for a complete list of instructions on how to submit your work and follow carefully.

I look forward to reading your poems!

—Cristina M. R. Norcross
Founding Editor, Blue Heron Review
(*artist credit: Photo by Javardh on Unsplash)

Blue Heron Review Pushcart Prize Nominations

Posted on by under Uncategorized

bhr-pushcart-logo-image

Congratulations to all of our poets nominated for a Pushcart Prize this year!  It is always very difficult to choose just 6 poems.  I am so proud of the very fine work published in every single issue of Blue Heron Review!

Cristina M. R. Norcross
Editor, Blue Heron Review

*

Blue Heron Review Pushcart Prize Nominations

From BHR Issue 18 / Spring 2024
(*To read all selections, visit the BHR Issue 18 page.  Simply scroll down to find the work of each author within the issue)

Karen Elizabeth Sharpe / “The Sixth Type: A Prescription”

Cynthia Knorr / “Portent from the Space Between the Stars”

Dianna MacKinnon Henning / “In the Collage of My Mind I’m a Simple Design”

Tova Kranz / “Fermentation”

Kirstin Eventyr / “How to Live Through the Impossible”

Melissa Huff  / “Talking with Trees”

OUR NEXT READING PERIOD FOR BHR ISSUE 19 / SPRING 2025 WILL BE JANUARY 1-15, 2025

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

(*Artist credit: Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash)


READING PERIOD FOR BHR ISSUE 19 / SPRING 2025 WILL BE:

JANUARY 1-15, 2025 

THEME: OFFERINGS

What will your offering be to the world?  What have you received as an offering that has made a difference in your life?  Reflect on this topic of what we give (and what we receive), and how this makes a difference.  It could be mentorship, volunteerism, friendship, love, support, kindness, one’s vocation. (*Note: please do not send submissions prior to January 1st.  They will not be read or considered.  Please visit the submission guidelines page for a complete list of instructions.)

I look forward to reading your poems!

—Cristina M. R. Norcross
Founding Editor, Blue Heron Review

2025 Best of the Net Nominations for Blue Heron Review

Posted on by under Uncategorized

Best of the Net BHR logo2

It is an honor to curate Blue Heron Review and bring you a beautiful selection of thought-provoking, meditative poetry. I am proud of all of our talented contributors. I wish I could have nominated more than just 6 authors for the Best of the Net Anthology. It is always very difficult to choose. Please join me in celebrating the work of these fine writers. The following poets nominated appear in either BHR Issue 17 / Fall 2023 or BHR Issue 18 / Spring 2024.

Visit the BHR 17 and BHR 18 pages of this site to read all of these beautiful poems. Simply scroll down to find the work of each author within the issue.

Nominations from BHR 17 Fall 2023

Jill McGrath / “Meditation”
Susan Martell Huebner / “Tracking Progress at the YMCA”

*

Nominations from BHR 18 Spring 2024

Karen Elizabeth Sharpe / “The Sixth Type: A Prescription”
Cynthia Knorr / “Portent from the Space Between the Stars”
Dianna MacKinnon Henning / “In the Collage of My Mind I’m a Simple Design”
Tova Kranz / “Fermentation”

BHR Issue 18  Spring 2024 / Transformation & Change NOW ONLINE!

Posted on by under Uncategorized

BHR18 cover art image w text LG

(*Cover artist credit: Fiona Capuano)

Welcome to the spring issue of Blue Heron Review (BHR 18 / “Transformation & Change”). To read and enjoy our full issue of poetry and artwork, please visit the BHR 18 page of our website.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Poets:
Carolyn Chilton Casas * Emily Tee * Diana Woodcock * Susan Scheid * Karen Elizabeth Sharpe * Ann Bodling * Jill Michelle * Judy Lorenzen * Melissa Huff * Jo Taylor * Helen Patrice * Cynthia Knorr * Katrina Serwe * Tova Kranz * Jocelyn Boor * Dianna Mackinnon Henning * Patricia Nelson * Lynne Burnett * Stacy Ooi * Kathleen Deyer Bolduc * Jeannie E Roberts * Karen Paul Holmes * Lynne Carol Austin * Kirstin Eventyr * Cheryl Keeler * Sharon Fabriz * Angela Hoffman * Katherine H Maynard * Kathy Whitham * Suzanna C de Baca * Thomas John Hurley * Bobbie Lee Lovell * James P Roberts * Alison Hurwitz * Andrea Potos * Kristen Baum DeBeasi

Artists:
Fiona Capuano (cover artist) * Karen A VandenBos * Kris Gould * Scott Ferry * Kimberly Blaeser

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Welcome to the spring 2024 issue of Blue Heron Review. Our special theme for this issue is Transformation & Change. Poets were invited to reflect on the many different ways in which transformation can impact our lives, whether it be in our relationships with others, with ourselves, the environment, or society as a whole. I hope that you can take some time over the coming days and weeks to sip and savor these heart-centered poems, and perhaps think about the significance of change in your own life. Thank you for being a BHR reader! We appreciate you being here with us.

All kind thoughts,

Cristina M. R. Norcross, Editor
Blue Heron Review
(*founded 2013)

January 15th-30th, 2024 / Next Open Call for Submissions / Blue Heron Review

Posted on by under Uncategorized

nathan-dumlao-mNLymMqX7iE-unsplash

(*Artist credit: Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash)

Our next open call for submissions for our spring 2024 issue of Blue Heron Review (BHR #18) will be January 15th–30th, 2024.

THEME: THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION & CHANGE

Feel free to interpret this theme in any way that speaks to you. This could be about personal transformation and inner change, transforming your local community, transforming your relationships with loved ones, or making a positive change in our world today. See where this theme takes you, and then send us your best poems.

*NOTE: Please see our updated guidelines page. There have been some changes. Please do not send submissions before January 15th, 2024. A recent change in the work flow of BHR will be that only 20-25 poems will be selected for each issue. We have grown tremendously over the past 10 years, and our issues have become too large to curate and edit. This change will enable Blue Heron to continue to exist without exhausting our inner resources. This means that the selection process will become more challenging, and we won’t be able to accept as many poems as we would like. Please keep this in mind when submitting. Managing a literary journal is a huge undertaking. It is a labor of love that does not come with a salary. Editors are writers, too, who have careers and families.

I truly look forward to reading your poems in January! Sharpen your pencils and limber up. It’s time to transform our lives through the written word.

All kind thoughts,
Cristina M. R. Norcross, Founding Editor
Blue Heron Review

BHR Issue 17 Fall 2023 / Heart Source & Haven NOW ONLINE!

Posted on by under Uncategorized

BHR 17 cover draft2 image

(Cover artist credit: Richard Havenga)

Welcome to the fall issue of Blue Heron Review (BHR 17 / “Heart Source & Haven”). To read and enjoy our full issue of poetry and artwork, please visit the BHR 17 page of our website.

CONTRIBUTORS

Poets:
Cynthia Pratt * Catherine Gonick * Cathy Thwing * Sue Ann Gleason * Terry Jude Miller * Jim Landwehr * Jacqueline Kudler * Pat Phillips West * Jill McGrath * Janet Ruth * Sarah Sadie * Sarah Dickenson Snyder * Judith Sornberger * Ellen Austin-Li * Bonnie Demerjian * Susan Martell Huebner * Kavita Ezekiel Mendonca * Strider Marcus Jones * Nancy Jean Larson * Mary Fitzpatrick * John Grey * Paula Schulz * Mary Trafford * Luanne Castle * Thomas A Thrun * Nancy Austin * Anne Kundtz * Joanne Clarkson * Gary Grossman * Stephen Anderson * Emily Tee * Laura Foley * Scott Ferry * Carol Tahir * Kathrine Yets * Karen A VandenBos * Julie A Dickson * Mary Ray Goehring * Gary Thomas * Jackie Langetieg * Diane Vogel Ferri * Margaret DeRitter * Lisa Ashley * Gail Tirone * Martha Jackson Kaplan * Marsha Owens * Sara Sarna * Paulette Laufer

Artists:
Richard Havenga (cover artist) * Donna Hilbert (featured artist) * Janet Ruth * Paula Lietz * Jeannie E Roberts * Mary Ray Goehring

EDITOR’S NOTE:

I hope that this collection of poetry and artwork provides a welcome space of quiet calm, at a time when our world is in need of repair and peace. In small and gentle ways, may these offerings comfort the heart and mind. This issue is meant to be savored, so take your time. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and settle in. Take some time to hit pause during your day. We hope that you will return again and again to sit with these poems and drink them in.

Kind thoughts,

Cristina M. R. Norcross, Editor
Blue Heron Review
(*founded in 2013)