Blog

From the Judges:

“SWING has made a bold outing as a journal that gathers evocative, fine-tuned writing from the South and beyond. The debut issue is characterized by musical, deftly-formed poems, stories that conjure rich psychological and physical landscapes, and essays that embrace contradiction and irresolution. The editors’ thoughtful, and sometimes sly, juxtapositions of pieces made the journal a delight to read, and one where questions of place, family, change, and uncertainty ripple through its pages. The journal drew us in with the clear and crisp design of its print volume and website, as well as its welcoming tone and ethos. SWING is a journal to read from front to back, and a testament to the literary community that its publisher, The Porch, has built in Nashville for years.”

SWING, founded in 2023, is a magazine published by the nonprofit literary collective The Porch in Nashville, Tennessee. SWING strives to be a print magazine with the energy and verve of its home city where new influences course through the old. The magazine is a home for the emerging writer to the renowned, from the discovered to the too-long neglected, that aims to publish creative works of all genres and hybrids that embrace complication.

--

From Me:

I'm truly honored and grateful to be part of such an exceptional team behind SWING. The debut issue's success is a testament to the collective talent, creativity, and dedication of everyone involved. Working on this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with moments of joy, discovery, and artistic fulfillment. The judges' glowing review validates our vision and hard work, and it's deeply satisfying to see our efforts resonate so powerfully with readers. The collaborative spirit and the opportunity to showcase diverse voices from the South and beyond have made this journey not just professionally rewarding, but personally enriching as well. I feel fortunate to contribute to a publication that celebrates the rich tapestry of contemporary literature while honoring its roots in Nashville's vibrant cultural scene. This recognition fuels our passion to continue pushing boundaries and fostering a welcoming space for both established and emerging writers in future issues.