As we emerge from the chill and dark of winter and enter the warmer months here in the Northern Hemisphere, we’ve found trees, birds, flowers, and everything bright and wild showing up in our poems. Are you writing nature-inspired poems, too? Or maybe in the midst of climate crisis, you’ve found fear as much as praise in your work. Either way, if you’ve got a clutch of poems related to nature, the environment, and/or place, check out our round-up of our favorite eco-minded publications. And for a few tips and tricks, enjoy our interview with Tiny Seed Literary Journal co-editor Emily Cayer!
How or why was Tiny Seed Literary Journal founded?
Founded 2/2/2019 by Laura Stone and Emily Cayer to open doors to unpublished or upcoming nature writers and to honor every individual and their various ways of expressing their appreciation of nature. We are a volunteer-run organization functioning as a non-profit with Tiny Seed Project as our fiscal sponsor.
What do you enjoy about your work as an editor at Tiny Seed Literary Journal ?
Connecting with people—the reciprocity that comes with appreciating their work, highlighting and acknowledging their willingness to be vulnerable in putting their work “out there,” and providing a safe place to express themselves. We build a relationship with each poet and photographer in a space of gratitude and non-judging. It is a real joy to watch ourselves and artists blossom in this kind of respectful relationship.
What qualities do the poems you accept for publication possess?
We typically have a theme for each Journal, “trees,” “mushrooms,” “pollinators,” etc. Poems about these topics are welcome—we try not to lean towards a certain style of poetry. We value the diversity of expression that comes from nature’s inspirations. We also donate 10–25% of submission fees to conservation groups that are connected to our topic, like Pollinator Partnership, One Tree Planted, Nature Conservancy, etc.
What kind of poems are most likely to catch your attention?
Heartfelt, honest, and raw poems. Poems that are not “trying” to be this way or that way but are just a celebration of words about our Journal’s theme.
What type of work would you like to see more of, whether thematically, formally, etc.?
I would say more of that above answer. Poems that really reflect the artists thoughts or feelings in that moment, about nature.
What are some of your favorite poems or poets?
Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets. Also, Rita Joe, a Mi’kmaq poet who “broke the silence” of First Nations women through poetry and stories about the genocide of her culture. She helped to start a movement towards regaining the language (Mi’kmaw) and stories.
What other literary journals do you enjoy reading?
I really like Orion.
Where should poets send their submissions for Tiny Seed Literary Journal ?
We have a site on Submittable. We will doing a call for submissions soon. Our website has the links.
If someone has a question, how can they contact you?
The best way to contact us is by email.
Looking for other venues like Tiny Seed Literary Journal? Check out this list of our favorites:
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