Tag Archives: Blue Heron Review

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

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(*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

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(*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!

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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)

2022 Blue Heron Review Pushcart Prize Nominations

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BHR Fall 2022 / Issue 15

“Another Place” by Laura Goldin
“For You” by Diane Vogel Ferri
“Apron Strings” by Patricia Carney
“Beach” by Yvette Viets Flaten

BHR Spring 2022 / Issue 14

“Nesting” by Jessica L Parker
“Transmission of Joy” by Jessica Lee McMillan

(*Visit the BHR 14  and BHR 15 pages of this site to read all of these beautiful poems. Simply scroll down to find the work of each author within the issue.)

Blue Heron Review Issue 15 / Fall 2022 NOW ONLINE!

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FINAL BHR 15 Cover Design

(Cover art credit: Cynthia Yatchman)

Please visit the BHR 15 Fall 2022 page of our site to read and view our full collection of poetry and visual art!

CONTRIBUTORS:

Poets:
Susan Fiore * Kim Klugh * Amy Murre * Laura Goldin * Ellen Lager * Diane Vogel Ferri * Karen A VandenBos * Mary Anna Scenga Kruch * Margaret Rozga * Pam Lewis * Elizabeth R McCarthy * Sami H Tripp * Richard Havenga * Michele Mekel * Lucy Tyrrell * Keith MacNider * Derik Hawley * Patricia Carney * Julie A Dickson * Erna Kelly * Nancy Murphy * Abha Das Sarma * Yvette Viets Flaten * Maryann Hurtt * Mary McCarthy * Fred Kreutz * Erik Richardson * Eamon O’Caoineachan * Ann Wehrman * Fredric Hildebrand * Thomas A Thrun

Artists:
Cynthia Yatchman (Cover Artist) * Michael Jeske * Karren Jeske * Janet Ruth * Jeannie E Roberts * Thomas A Thomas * Derik Hawley * Gail Goepfert


Editor’s Note:

Welcome to the Fall 2022 “Shared Space” issue of Blue Heron Review (Issue #15). It is such a pleasure to share this special collection of poetry and photography/art with our readers! Whether it is about sharing space with the natural world, loved ones, or anyone we have a sense of connection and kinship with, this issue explores all of the ways in which we touch the lives of others in positive ways. I hope that you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed curating it

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

Blue Heron Review News / Fall BHR Issue 15 due out end of October & our next submission period will be at the beginning of December

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Our next reading period for Blue Heron Review will be:
December 1st through December 15th, 2022

THEME: Sanctuaries and Places of Peace

Our theme for the BHR 16 Spring 2023 issue is “Sanctuaries and Places of Peace.”  Our whole issue is devoted to creating a safe haven of peace for our writers and readers.  You can describe a fictional place, your ideal haven, or a memory of a special place you’ve visited that has given you a feeling of serenity and peace.  The goal is to create a collection devoted to finding a peaceful place to dwell within the self, when the outer world becomes busy or challenging.  Having a place to refresh and renew the spirit allows us to move forward and give back in positive ways.  I look forward to reading about your sanctuaries!  (*A complete list of details can be found on our submission guidelines page.)

Image for BHR 16 subs Photo by Parul Gupta on Unsplash

(Photo by Parul Gupta on Unsplash)

Blue Heron Review Issue 13 (Offerings of Compassion) / Fall 2021 Is Now Online! 

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(Cover art credit: Paula Lietz)

Please visit the BHR 13 Fall 2021 page of our site, to read and view our full collection of poetry and visual art!

CONTRIBUTORS

Poets:

Lisa Ashley * Donna Secour * Michelle M Mead * Rhiannon-Skye Boden * Sarah Reichert * Judy Kronenfeld * Bobbi Sinha-Morey * Patty Somlo * Andrea England * Lynne Carol Austin * Ann Wehrman * Donna H DiCello * Irene Alderson * Wilda Morris * Cynthia Elder * Richard Havenga * Thomas Davis * Betsy Mars * Susan Martell Huebner * Kristen Baum DeBeasi * Amy Baskin * Gail Goepfert * Janet Ruth * Shawn Aveningo-Sanders * Jim Landwehr * Lorraine Caputo * Jan Chronister * Mary Ray Goehring * Brenda Lempp * Shelly Blankman * Rose Mary Boehm * Nancy Rafal * Sandra Lindow * Darshan Frances Jessop * Heidi C Hallett * Jackie Langetieg * Joan Mazza * Erik Richardson * Mary Jo Balistreri

 

Artists:

Paula Lietz (Cover Artist) * Kurt Huebner * Lynne Carol Austin * Richard Havenga * Megan Morgan * Karen VandenBos * Holly Kallie

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Dear Reader,

I welcome you to hit the pause button today.  After being on hiatus, one bonus issue wasn’t enough.  For our last issue (Nurturing Hope), we had so many submissions of exquisite, heartfelt work, that I created another gathering space for poems that all seemed to hold hands around the companion theme of Offerings of Compassion.  I originally opened up Blue Heron Review again to offer some solace and peace during the pandemic.  I can see that there is a need to continue to offer this haven of creativity and connection.  I sincerely hope you enjoy this issue.  Stay tuned for an announcement about an upcoming call for submissions for another themed bonus issue.

All kind thoughts,

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

 

 

Blue Heron Review Issue 12 (“Nurturing Hope” ) / Spring 2021 Is Now ONLINE!

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(Cover art credit: Kathleen Gunton)

*Please visit the BHR 12 Spring 2021 page of our site, to read and view our full collection of poetry and visual art!

CONTRIBUTORS

Poets:

Ryan F Love * Sally Sandler * Rachael Inciarte * Kelly Lenox * Lori Levy * Karen George * Annie Morris * Mary Anna Kruch * Judy DeCroce * Janet Ford * Jean Varda * Amy Beth Acker * Dana Sonnenschein * Mary McCarthy * Sheryl Cornett * Pat Phillips West * Catherine D’Andrea * Penny Harter * Amy L George * Rachel Dacus * Kate Meyer-Currey * Kersten Christianson * Paula Schulz * Cheryl Heineman * Mary C Rowin * Karen Warinsky * Jeannie E Roberts * Maryann Hurtt * Melissa Huff * Marilyn Zelke Windau * Stephen Anderson * Thomas A Thrun * Joan Leotta * Cheryl Byler Keeler * Grace Matson * Patricia Carney * Linda Aschbrenner

Artists:

Kathleen Gunton (Cover Artist) * Janet Ruth * Jeannie E Roberts * Kurt Huebner * Paula Lietz * Karen VandenBos * Sonya Sinha

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Dear Reader,

It is such a great pleasure to share this issue with you!  My goal in opening up Blue Heron Review again for a special bonus issue was to provide writers and readers a chance to surround themselves with the energy of hope and promise after this long pandemic year.  You will find exquisite, fine art photography and beautiful poetry to nurture the soul.  These poems reflect the different experiences people felt moved to share.  Through recognizing your own stories of struggle, resilience, and human connection, I hope that the many tomorrows of 2021 seem a bit brighter. 

With kind thoughts,

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

BLUE HERON REVIEW is back for a special BONUS issue—HOPE! Call for Submissions: Jan. 20th through Feb. 10th, 2021

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: JAN. 20TH—FEB. 10TH, 2021
Our theme is: *NURTURING HOPE*

In order to provide space and support for what we are all going through with the current pandemic, I wanted to temporarily re-open Blue Heron Review for people to write and share stories of hope.  Mark your calendar and join us for this very special gathering of voices, as we come together to create space for HOPE in our lives.  Your words make a difference.  Help us raise the vibration for everyone. (Online pub date: Spring 2021)

(*Please carefully read our full submission guidelines on the BHR site before submitting.)

With kind thoughts,

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

(Artwork, “Great Blue Heron,” by Daniel Adams)

Thank You for Over Six Wonderful Years of Blue Heron Review!

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A Tender Goodbye from Blue Heron Review

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(*Blue Heron logo image by artist Daniel Adams)

This is a gentle closing of things and a joyful welcoming of new beginnings and new creative paths emerging. Thank you to everyone who has joined me on the journey that has been Blue Heron Review for the past 6 ½ years! Without our extensive list of contributing poets and artists, as well as our kind readers, there would be no Blue Heron Review. Last spring, I made the decision to discontinue our 2 issue per year format, but I made a commitment to keep showcasing a new featured author every month. I have made the decision to create more space for myself, in order to have more time to devote to other journeys. As of May 2020, we will say goodbye, with great love, to Blue Heron Review. It has truly been an honor and a privilege (as well as a labor of love) to curate and produce Blue Heron Review for over 6 years. I have made deep connections with fellow creatives over the years. I know that these will last a lifetime. Please know that I am cheering you on in all of your future, artistic dreams! Keep sharing your triumphs and joys with me. If you have a new book coming out, you can still write to me at the Blue Heron gmail address, and I will proudly share your news and links on social media. Thank you for trusting me with your work, your creative offerings, and your hopes for poetry. I have enjoyed shining a bright light on your unique talents. Keep shining, and know that I think you are all wonderful! The world is a more loving, expansive, and joyful place, because your art — your poetry is in it!

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