THANK YOU!

I started Walloon Writers Review in 2014 as a way to capture all of the stories and conversations that led to comparing notes about rivers, lakes, weather, stars, deer, fish, sand dunes, adventures, cottages…well, you get the idea. I’d been sharing photography online back then and decided that the magazine would benefit from unique nature shots that told a story about someplace in the region. Walloon Writers Review has served that purpose – a touchstone for those far away, a gathering for those who dwell up here, a memento or motivator, a launchpad of a new community of writers and nature photographers and recently, mixed media artists.

Half way through this journey, I asked poet and retired English teacher Glen Young if he’d like to review with me. The number and quality of submissions kept advancing. Maybe it was time to get a new set of eyes on this pile? We dug into a routine of read, read it again, read it one more time, make notes, get together on the phone and discuss what we liked, which stood out, and for a few pieces each edition, battle out which would be included and which would have to be for another day. Our process was great. Glen’s role as editor on a couple of editions gave a different feel – a refresh. I’m so grateful to Glen for sharing his talent with Walloon Writers Review and bringing new contributors from Mackinac Island and around town here in Petoskey.

The decision to wrap it up is hard one. My journey is taking me around the region as well as travel beyond. This small undertaking filled an important place on the shelves in our neck of the woods and introduced some pretty amazing emerging and spotlighted talent. It’s grown way more than I ever expected.

I’m grateful to all of the booksellers and their support of this growing publication of local writers and photographers and those who swoop through. Enormous thanks to Katie at Between the Covers in Harbor Springs, Matt and staff at McLean & Eakin, Tina’s passion for poetry and all things local at Bay Books in Suttons Bay, Horizon Books in Traverse City for enthusiastic support, Snowbound Books in Marquette – my pitch from just off the trail was a first but, it’s ok up there, The Bookman, Canterbury Books, Parallel 45 Books, and recently Trillium Books on M119 and Poetess & Stranger.

Many thanks to Kurt Hauswirth at WNMU Public Radio 90, Interlochen Public Radio, and Northern Express for helping keep our name out there.

I’m grateful to Jordan River Arts Council for hosting a showing of the photography in full size for folks to enjoy. I’m eternally grateful to Heather Shaw at Mission Point Press for her attention to the art and helping guide me to better production. Stephanie at Integrative Ink provided careful design for the last two editions and an easy way to get this growing pub into the hands of readers.

Thanks to Steve Huder, my husband, for helping with early editions photography, our launch parties, writing ridiculous checks annually, and patiently waiting for me to get back from wherever I needed to be that day, pick my head up from my laptop to say _ “just a minute more..I’m.still thinking about this”, and waiting in the hotel lobby while I proofed 749 curly quotes in Montreal. “Almost done!”. My heart.

Wishing everyone the best – it’s been an honor to get to know your writing, your photography, your interests, and your celebration of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. I appreciate every one who has shared their work with us – keep it going!

Kindest regards,

Jennifer Johnston Huder