I got an email this morning from the Senior Associate Editor of The Normal School—a really awesome literary magazine that’s pretty much kicking ass—saying they want to publish an essay I wrote.
And that is my reaction, above.
As I’ve written here recently, I’ve had so. many. almosts and near-misses and honorable mentions over the past four years or so, and not only did I get a yes, finally, but I got a yes from one of the best.
Lit mags are niche, I know, so here’s some background info on The Normal School from publisher Outpost 19:
The Normal School: A Literary Magazine celebrates its 10th year of publishing in 2017-18 and in just a decade, it has become one of the top journals in the field of creative nonfiction, garnering 30 “Notable” inclusions in the Best American Essays since 2010. BAE series editor, Robert Atwan has called the magazine “indispensable for anyone interested in new directions in the contemporary essay.” TNS was also named one of the top 10 markets for nonfiction in the entire country and featured in a Buzzfeed article titled “29 Amazing Literary Magazines You Should Be Reading Now.” Known for cutting edge nonfiction and striking visual design, The Normal School will serve as a primary partner for the series, providing a resource not only of potential contributors but also support staff for production, marketing, and promotions.
I will link to it once it is published (I don’t have those details yet).
Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement. This was a good day for me.
Love you, Mikey.
Love you too!
I think about you all the time and really miss seeing you. I’ve always loved your writing. Congratulations, my friend. So happy for you.
Thanks so much Graylin. This was great to read.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. You deserve it!
Thank you Michael!
I’ve followed your writing and journey since about 2010. Met you once at Bannon st gym back than. Reading this most recent post gave me a genuine feeling of happiness for you. Hope this is a catalyst for many good things to come your way.
Thank you for that, Robert. I hope you’re right.
That’s awesome, Michael! Congratulations! As someone who can relate to the almosts and thank-you-buts and best-of-luck-placing-your-work-elsewheres, I know this is a great feeling, and much-deserved validation.
Thank you Jeffrey. I know those emails SO WELL. Had to read this one three times before it sunk in.
Congratulations! Just Waiting on a Dude is an incredible piece of writing. You deserve it.
Thanks for all your support, Ben. Means a lot.