Billy Collins and TS editor Jim Chandler following a reading at Bethel College November, 2004 [Note: Not an endorsement by Mr. Collins]
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Editor's Notes |
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~~~ You will need a big bowl of chips and a large beverage to accompany this Sandwich. One of the benefits of going to a biannual schedule is the opportunity it affords to offer more at a serving. Certainly more is not always better, but in this issue we have something for everyone. We present some new (to TS) faces again this time around, and we also pop the poetic cherries of several previously unpublished poets. Of course, we also have many of the loyal standard bearers who have been a part of Thunder Sandwich for many years -- some back to its inception more than 20 years ago. A personal note of thanks to Ron Androla, Cat Townsend, Sheila Murphy, t. k. splake, Alan Catlin, Hugh Fox, Todd Moore, Elliot Richman and Willie Smith, all of whom date back to the early 'zine days in St. Louis. (Although he's not in this issue, I'd also include Bart Solarczyk, another longtime supporter, in the above.) Somehow, we survived the Xerox Revolution and all those dangerous staples and we're still kicking, if somewhat battered by time and the elements we have confronted -- and, in some cases, consumed. We didn't drink all the whisky or smoke all the dope, but we tried. Some among us are still trying. Also, many thanks to poet/editor/publisher Charles Potts for his assistance in directing poets and writers to this site. Charles' offer to send a submission call on his list proved very fruitful. I abandoned the Thunder List a couple years ago, but it may be time to revive it. While I'm tossing thanks around, I need to offer a double handful to my dear friend, Deborah, for her love and emotional support -- not to mention that fantastic proofreader's eye she has. Anyone who can put up with me has to be a special person, and she is. About now you're thinking when is this old fart going to start pissing and moaning about something like he usually does? Don't hold your breath, unless you look good in blue. I have made up my mind not to belabor everyone else with my frustrations. When someone pisses me off (as a couple have done this issue) they simply find themselves persona non grata with me and with my 'zine. Such folk should keep in mind that I am always looking for good material for the Thunder Bucket. Barring the Second Coming (or a first-person departure) we'll be back July 1 with another issue. In the meantime, take care and keep writing. ~ Jim Chandler McKenzie, Tennessee (If you have comments or suggestions, please direct them to thunders AT gmail DOT com instead of the regular submission address. Also, if you spot a typo or problem with your work (not some revision you wish to make), let me know and it will be fixed immediately.) |