Is(sue) 18 Deadline Reminder

Dear Kinfolk,

This email is to remind you that the deadline for Is(sue) 18 is upon us. That is October 31, 2025. Please send us your most experimental, weird, avant-garde, fun poetry, art, and short stories.

  

 

  

Some of you may have heard by now: the Appalachian poetry community lost one of its great mentors and friends this month. Gurney Norman, former Kentucky Poet Laureate, passed away on October 12, 2025. As a tribute to this most generous soul, AvantAppal(achia) intends to dedicate Is(sue) 18 to him.

  

 

  

Please read the guidelines carefully and follow them when submitting. Emails which do not follow the guidelines will be automatically rejected. Thank you all for everything you do to make this ezine the bright jewel of 21^st century writing and art that it is. It exists for you.

  

 

  

www.avantappalachia.com

  

 

  

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

 

Is(sue) 12 of AvantAppal(achia) is Live

 Kinfolk,

Edi(tors) Sabne Raznik and David Sykes are pleased to unveil the latest is(sue) of AvantAppal(achia).
We are spotlighting submissions from The U.S., Greece, India, Ireland, Australia, France, Siberia, and Belarus; seven countries in all.
We sincerely hope you enjoy this collection of the weird and wonderful in the fields of art and writing and we hope to publish another collection, Is(sue) 13 on June 15, 2023.

www.avantappalachia.com

Enjoy,

Ed(itors) Sabne Raznik and David Sykes

The Modern Plague Years Special Is(sue) is live!

 

Dear Kinfolk,

 

The Modern Plague Years Special Is(sue) is live under the Special Is(sues) menu tab on www.avantappalachia.com! Thank you so much for sharing your work with us.

 

If you did not receive a yay or nay email from us about your submission during this reading cycle, know that David Sykes and I have read it and decided it would better suit a regular is(sue) and kept it for Is(sue) 11 in June. You will receive notification concerning it during that reading cycle.

 

Please remember to check out the Guidelines on the website when you submit and follow these. As a writer myself I know submission anxiety is real and I do not wish to be strict, but the volume of submissions we now receive and time constraints force me to it. If you fail to include the state or country of your current residence or fail to follow any of the other guidelines, we will be forced to reject your work regardless of its quality. So please – please – read those guidelines thoroughly and follow them closely. Thank you!

 

The deadline for Is(sue) 11 is May 31, 2022, for a publication date on June 15, 2022. We need your avantgarde, experimental, and weird poetry, art, and short stories.

 

Thank you for making this ezine the stellar publication it is!

 

Sincerely,

 

Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Deadline for Is(sue) 10 of AvantAppal(achia)

 

Dear Kinfolk,

 

Is(sue) 10 of AvantAppal(achia) will go live on December 15, 2021 and we need your experimental poetry, art, and short stories! Go to avantappalachia.com to check out guidelines and submit to avantappalachia@gmail by November 30, 2021. That’s the deadline. Dave Sykes and I accept submissions from around the world with only a slight emphasis on Appalachian poets, artists, and writers. We do ask for you to avoid holiday themes, erotica, and gratuitous language. Other than that, have fun. This ezine is all about the avant-garde and experimentalism. If you tend to write more conventional poetry, we also have an Appal(Trad) section. Thank you all for your loyalty – this ezine is what it is because of you!

 

Sincerely,

 

Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Now Available! "Renaissance"

Now available! "Renaissance: Visual Art 2005 - 2019" on Amazon.

and its companion, "Renaissance: Positivity Cards for an Uplifting Day" on Etsy.

Is(sue) 7 of AvantAppal(achia) is live!

Dear Kinfolk,

First and foremost, thank you all for being as patient as Job while we tackled those annoying technical difficulties that delayed this is(sue). Y’all are fantastic!

I’m sure you’ll find the wait to be worth it! Is(sue) 7 features work from 7 different countries – Greece, Spain, India, Ireland, Norway, Luxembourg, the United States – and 7 different states – Minnesota, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey. It also contains 3 languages. Yeah, we’re pretty proud of it – and you! – for accomplishing that!

You will notice two things different about this is(sue). One, the Appal(Trad) section is empty. That is because we are getting high-quality experimental work (just what we want!) and we felt none of the submissions reflected the Traditional Appalachian Poetry genre, which is a really nice problem to have as far as we are concerned. Second, this is the debut of the Avant(Serial) section! Just how the serial section works is explained both in this is(sue) and in the updated guidelines. Yes, you read that correctly. The guidelines have been tweaked, so be sure to check those out.

A reminder: the site was recently redesigned to ensure it was readable across all devices (and little tweaks will continue). For now, that mostly means that to see bylines for the Avant(Art) section you must click on the individual images.

Another reminder: the editorial team at AvantAppal(achia) are volunteers, but there are still expenses to keep the whole wonderfully weird show running, so please go to Donat(ions) and choose between the options of $1, $5, and $10 via the Paypal link. Thank every one of you for keeping the ezine online! This is your creative space, as ed(itors) we merely polish it. It is our privilege to share your work with the world!

Don’t forget to check the Arch(ive) to see which pieces were chosen to represent Is(sue) 6. Also, the submission period for Is(sue) 8 is now officially open and the deadline is November 30, 2019. We can’t wait to see you then! But of course, we will be touching base occasionally in the meantime.

https://www.avantappalachia.com/




Sincerely,


Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Jim Webb Special Is(sue) Release!

Dear Kinfolk,

I am ecstatic to announce to you that our first Special Is(sue), the Jim Webb Is(sue), is live! The pieces that everyone sent were beautifully evocative of Wiley Quixote and the whole is a fitting tribute that would have tickled him pink. This is, of course, a completely Appalachian is(sue). References to WMMT.FM, Webb’s most famous collection “Get In, Jesus”, and the devastating effects of mountain top removal abound. There are even beautiful photos awash in white daylight of paw paws. Almost all the contributors were close friends and acquaintances with the poet and that personal true feeling in the is(sue) is powerful and profound. Thank you all so much! This is(sue) will be shared with his wife Katie. Hopefully, it will give her comfort and joy. To access the is(sue), click on the menu bars in the upper left corner and click “Special Is(sues)”. This is(sue) will reside there for as long as there is an AvantAppal(achia) ezine. Here is the direct link.

If you submitted between January and now and did not receive an email on or before February 14th, it is because we feel that your work is more suited to one of the regular issues and we are holding it for the June Is(sue). Speaking of which, the submission period for the June 2019 is(sue) is now officially open. So back to weird, avant-garde, experimental, Appalachian and worldwide. The deadline for the next is(sue) is May 31, 2019. Please read and follow the guidelines posted when submitting.

As usual, you all went above and beyond and made a truly Special is(sue). You are what make AvantAppal(achia) the ground-breaking leading ezine that it is. Thank you for your beautiful magic!

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik
Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Final Notice of Deadline for Jim Webb Is(sue)

Dear Kinfolk,

This is your FINAL NOTICE that the deadline for the Jim Webb Special Is(sue) is JANUARY 31, 2019. We need poetry, art, and stories about Jim Webb, aka Wiley Quixote. Send us your best, zaniest, most colorful Jim Webb memories. Again, we would like to thank his wife Katie for allowing us to make this special is(sue). You will be able to access it via the menu on the AvantAppal(achia) website by clicking on “Special Is(sues)” where it will remain indefinitely. It will go live some time on February 15, 2019. Don’t miss out! Help us make this the most beautiful tribute to the Godfather of Appalachian Poetry on the world wide web!

www.avantappalachia.com

email: avantappalachia@gmail.com

The usual guidelines do apply.

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Jim Webb Is(sue)

Dear Kinfolk,
The time has come and here it is: the official call for submissions for our 1st Special Is(sue)! With his wife’s permission, we seek to celebrate the life of Jim Webb aka Wiley Quixote (September 24, 1945 – October 22, 2018), the Godfather of Appalachian Poetry, with an is(sue) containing poetry, art, and anecdotes about him and things he cared about. The usual guidelines apply. Submissions deadline is January 31, 2019 and the is(sue) will go live under the Special Is(sues) tab on the AvantAppal(achia) website on February 15, 2019. Tell (or show) us your stories about this colorful soul! www.avantappalachia.com Photo credit: Malcolm J. Wilson.

We are honoured to be allowed to host this special is(sue) and we eagerly look forward to reading every submission. Please take note of the deadline and going-live dates as this is outside of our usual schedule. Share, share, share, please, and spread the word. Thank you, Kinfolk, for making our ezine a vital and living part of Appalachia and the world. You are our lifeblood!

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik
Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

New Is(sue) of AvantAppal(achia) Live Now!

Dear Kinfolk,

Is(sue) 6 is live at www.avantappalachia.com and it is a fine is(sue)! We have a return appearance of Gabriel Rosenstock’s ekphrastic haiku as well as a few video fusion pieces. Svein H. Skavern gives us a particularly stunning commentary with his video-art piece, especially given the “speaking in tongues” tradition in Appalachia. He also gives us a window into asemic art. T. Byron Kelly delights us again. Lorie Zientara’s deceptively simple verse graces us again. Jeff Bagato makes poetry from AI generated text and Jim Meirose fascinates us with a chapter from his ongoing novel that reads as if Joyce, Beckett, and John Nash had a wild slumber party. This is one of those is(sues) that will be nearly impossible when the time comes to archive.

Also, notice that the submission period is now open for AvantAppal(achia)’s first Special Is(sue). With gracious permission from the poet’s wife, AvantAppal(achia) will be compiling a special is(sue) in tribute to Jim Webb, the Godfather of Appalachian Poetry. It will feature poetry, visual art, and real anecdotes about Wiley Quixote. The deadline for submissions for it is JANUARY 31, 2019 and it will go live February 15, 2019. But don’t worry, Is(sue) 6’s time will not be shortened. The Special Is(sue) will be released on a separate page on the AvantAppal(achia) website where it will remain as long as the website. An official call for submissions will be released in a week.

Thank you, Kinfolk, for another outstanding is(sue). Dave Sykes and I really loved putting this one together for you. It is you who make it possible!

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

AvantAppal(achia) on Weird Appalachia Podcast

Thanks to the shout out to AvantAppal(achia) ezine on Weird Appalachia podcast! Erin Alise Conley, Jessica Salyer, and Brooklynn Dyer, you girls rock!

AvantAppal(achia) and Gabriel Rosenstock

Dear Kinfolk,

AvantAppal(achia) is gearing up for Is(sue) 6 for which the submission period is open! Now that the ezine is fairly established, we are looking for even more EXPERIMENTAL work. We accept audio, video, and even HTML code. Mix medias, mix genres, stretch language, stretch grammar, have fun! As a reminder, while our focus is on Appalachian work, we strongly encourage international submissions. https://www.avantappalachia.com/submissions.html

Also, in news, Kinfolk member Gabriel Rosenstock has a new book coming out called "Stillness of Crows" which you can order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=stillness+of+crows

Deadline for Is(sue) 6 is November 30, 2018! Send that poetry, short prose, and visual art!

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik
Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Job Change

I am no longer with FineArtAmerica.com. All my artwork, digital and otherwise, is available through me directly for now. Thank you.

AvantAppal(achia): Introducing New Short Story Ed(itor) And Final Deadline Reminder

Dear Kinfolk,

I am pleased to welcome into the Kin and to introduce you to AvantAppal(achia)'s new Short Story Ed(itor). Below is his bio and you may see his photo on the website. www.avantappalachia.com

David Sykes was born and raised in Elkhorn City, Kentucky just before the boom times of the 1970’s. He got a degree from Harvard University before returning to join the family business. Now living in nearby Pikeville, he works at an IT services firm there. He is involved with the Artists Collaborative Theatre in Elkhorn City and has appeared in productions there as an actor and musician. He serves as the Short Story Ed(itor) of AvantAppal(achia) e-zine.

This is Dave's first adventure with editing and so I am sure he will bring a fresh eye to your submissions. Freshness is possibly the greatest asset that can be brought to an ezine of the avant garde and experimental. So we are very excited to have him aboard.

Because I have been preoccupied with the search for an editing partner, I have not been as communicative as usual. Therefore, I ask the help of all the Kinfolk to get the word out about the upcoming deadline to submit to Is(sue) 5. We can make Is(sue) 5 our best yet! Please, get the word out to anyone and everyone! We need poetry, short stories, and visual art! Audio, video, and HTML code also accepted if guidelines are carefully followed. Send in your weirdest, coolest, most boundary breaking. We need submissions from throughout the states making up Appalachia and from all around the world (keeping in mind that AvantAppal(achia) is in English, please - translations are welcome as is work that displays both the original language and English as long as guidelines are followed).

I really don't like to impose rules at all, but the guidelines help us as editors and webmaster on the practical side of things, so we kindly ask that they be reasonably followed.

Deadline is May 31, 2018; this is your FINAL reminder, so please get those submissions in ASAP. You are the lifeblood of our truly special ezine! Email to avantapplalchia@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik

Poetry/Art Ed(itor)

Is(sue) 5 Deadline Looming!

Dear Kinfolk,

As I'm sure you're aware the deadline for Is(sue) 5 is upon us. I need your weirdest, most experimental poetry, short stories, and visual art. Video and audio submissions accepted. PLEASE, READ THE GUIDELINES ON THE WEBSITE www.avantappalachia.com and follow them. Deadline is May 31, 2018.

Regular contributor Michael Williams from Tennessee will be acknowledged on the Cur(rent) Is(sue) page at the top.

Please note that deadline and get your work to me at avantappalachia@gmail.com!

Sincerely,

Sabne Raznik
Founder and Ed(itor)

Is(sue) 4 is Live and Volunteer Position Available

Dear Kinfolk,


I am thrilled to announce to y'all that Is(sue) 4 of AvantAppal(achia) is now live! www.avantappalachia.com It features work largely from Central Appalachia and a sizable helping from around the world. Among the contributors are Gabriel Rosenstock - the well-known Irish language poet - and Volodymyr Bilyk from Ukraine. Dylan Harris, originally from the UK now residing in Luxembourg, has shared a thought-provoking series of photographs and the perennially amazing Bill Wolak fascinates us with more of his digital paintings as well. Elizabeth Burton provides the chilling prose piece for this is(sue) and Bonnie Gay Patterson-De Hart rounds it out in the Appal(Trad) section.

Be sure to check out the Arch(ive) page to see whose work was chosen to represent Is(sue) 3 for posterity!

Also, our Short Story Ed(itor) Kodi Mullins has moved on to other adventures, so I am currently looking for a passionate self-starting volunteer to fill her place. Look at the Ed(itor) Bio(graphie)s page for details on how to apply if you or anyone you know is interested.
As of now, the submission period for Is(sue) 5 is open!
Congratulations to all of you on a fabulous is(sue)!

Sincerely,


Sabne Raznik
Poetry/Art Edi(tor)

Available at the Art Bar

These are now available at The Art Bar in SAlyersville, KY., USA.

"Star" Wins Special Merit Award

"Star", a digital painting I did in honour of the Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017,  wins Special Merit Award in the 2017 Open/No Theme Competition at Light Space and Time Online Gallery. It will be viewable on the website throughout September 2017. https://www.lightspacetime.art/open-2017-special-merit-painting-other-media-category/

Is(sue) 3 of AvantAppal(achia) is up!

Is(sue) 3 is Live! And it's our best one yet. Go check it out and feel free to share your thoughts on it and show it to others. AvantAppal(achia)

(Issue) 3 of AvantAppal(achia) Coming Soon!

Please, remember: you only have one more month to submit to AvantAppal(achia). Deadline for (Issue) 3 is May 31, 2017. We need your avant garde/experimental poetry, short stories, and visual art. Time is almost up! (Issue) 3 will go live on June 15, 2017.