Two years ago on August 9, we posted our first story in the all volunteer run SugarSugarSalt Magazine. Jamy Bond and I started SSS to give previously published Creative Nonfiction - memoir, personal essays, flash CNF - a second life. Everyone who reads or are published in online magazines and journals knows how quickly issues appear then disappear into the online archives. Both of us personally felt the thrill of publication then the sadness of our work possibly never being read again. So we decided to start a magazine that would bring new eyes to the previously published work of our nonfiction brothers and sisters.
We solicited writers for our first few posts until we actually started getting submissions. Paul Crenshaw graciously agreed to be our very first pub with one of my personal favorite essays, “My Dad Says the Sun.” It was the best kick-off ever and we are grateful for his continued support. Since then, we’re proud to say we’ve had many stellar writers in our pages, both established and emerging. You can check them out under the “Authors” tab on site and go directly to their work.
Nazanin Knudsen joined us a few months after we began as Assistant Editor and has turned out to be an invaluable part of the magazine. Jamy stepped down late last year but the door is always open for her return.
Running this magazine has been eye-opening. I had volunteered for several litmags in the past: Mockingheart Review, Barren Magazine, The Citron Review, Fractured Lit and I am currently Features Editor at Reckon Review. So much goes into bringing a litmag to fruition, so much more than readers know. It’s definitely a labor of love and all the moving parts must work together to keep us all sane!
One of the most challenging elements is attracting readers. Naz and I (and Jamy before) work really hard at getting the word out through social media and being good literary citizens by sharing links from other litmags and sharing our Contributors’ other publications when they arise. It’s not easy to keep up and I’m sorry to say we often miss these opportunities to share.
This week we are offering a book Giveaway in hopes of attracting new readers to SugarSugarSalt. Readers who subscribe between August 1 -8 will be entered in a drawing for a copy of Awakenings, a beautiful award winning anthology of “Stories of Body and Consciousness”, edited by Diane Gottlieb and published by ElJ Editions. It’s a stunning collection - I have it myself and I’m happy to say several of our Contributors are in it. Paul’s book, Melt with Me, was our first giveaway last year!
Current Subscribers to SSS will be entered in a drawing for a gift card from Bookshop.org. We would never leave y’all out! We appreciate your support more than you know!
So if anyone reading this hasn’t read SugarSugarSalt, please do! We have a great ex-pat story up today by Dhana Musil that you’ll enjoy. While you’re there, we’d love it if you subscribe, or leave a comment if you’re already a subscriber. We look forward to having you on board!
I'm so touched and honored that you and Naz have chosen Awakenings as your book for the SugarSugarSalt giveaway drawing! I LOVE all that you publish at SugarSugarSalt! Happy Anniversary to you both!!!