When our web designer, John Turi, and I decided to start Connotation Press we had a good idea of what we wanted the magazine to look like, and what we wanted to publish, but had little idea how outstanding the artists would be that would allow us the privilege to publish them.

We started with a small crew mostly comprised of friends I had either attended school with or met along the way. Some stayed with us, some moved on to other projects, but everyone provided something that enriched and furthered our project.

John Turi and I designed our website, but John did every single bit of the technical work, and without his help we quite simply would not have a magazine. Kaite Fallon started as our Creative Nonfiction editor, and did a great job getting that column launched. Associate Editor Kelly Fiore has been a great utility player filling in where I’ve needed her. To these friends, all talented artists in their own right, I extend a debt of gratitude.

John Hoppenthaler was part of our core editorial staff and from the beginning John has done exemplary work for Connotation Press. The artists he has brought in through his column, “A Poetry Congeries with John Hoppenthaler” read like a who’s who of contemporary American poetry. I would list some of the artists John has brought in, but I’d rather let him do it. Please check out John’s blog this month HERE and enjoy all the amazing talented artists he’s brought to Connotation Press. We are absolutely certain we’d not have had the success we have without John’s tireless work—absolutely certain. Thank you so much, John!

Amanda McGuire’s “From Plate to Palate” food column just knocks me out and I thank her for all the hard work. Her themed blogs (my personal favorite was the Farmer’s Market issue!) have been a thrill to read, especially Top Chef Winner Stephanie Izzard’s post. Click HERE to check out Amanda’s August blog for a recap of all the fun and informative food related writing she’s been responsible for getting on our site. I and my extra 20 pounds thank you Amanda! You rock Diva Star!

Kaite Hillenbrand is another in the list of original editors we started with. When we began Kaite was my assistant, but it became clear very quickly that was just a waste of talent. I moved Kaite to the Poetry column and she’s done an exceptional job. Kaite is one of those editors that I can mention an idea to in passing, and before I know it she’s running it in her column. For instance, a few months ago I suggested we attempt to publish all the US State Poet Laureates and to date she’s managed to not only get four (of the six we’ve published), but Kaite has done some of the more interesting and informative interviews we’ve had on Connotation Press. Click HERE to check out Kaite’s August retrospective blog for a list and links to some of the outstanding talent she has brought us, and we wish Kaite all the luck in the world as she embarks on a law degree. Even though she’ll be a law school student, and of course a lawyer eventually, she’s promised to continue to be our poetry editor throughout.

Robert Clark Young came in when our original Creative Nonfiction Editor, Katie Fallon, moved on to bigger and better things, and the column has rocked ever since. I met Bob through the magazine. He first did a book review for us then we published some of his wonderful nonfiction. He then guest edited a column and eventually became our nonfiction editor. How lucky we are! Click HERE to check out Bob’s retrospective blog and revisit the Creative Nonfiction column. Thanks Bob! We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

About three months into our run we started receiving book review requests. They came from contributors that had new books out and lovers of the written word that had crafted reviews of their favorite new books. Joshua Hardina kindly offered to be our book review editor and has done a wonderful job. Recently, we picked up five new reviewers to work with Josh so expect a bunch of new reviews to be coming out in the very near future. Click HERE to read Josh’s blog for August and come back in September to read the review of Carl Dennis’ new book written by our dear friend Nicelle Davis. Thanks Josh!!

Our other Editor Josh, actor/playwright Joshua Fardon, came to us through contributor Charles Evered and we are SO grateful he did. I know of no other magazine in the country that publishes a new play by a well established, sought-after playwright every month, and in addition to doing that Josh also brings in terrific interviews, as well. I personally LOVE the plays we publish, and this month Josh’s new play, “SHAKE,” is running at the Theater of Note in Los Angeles and I’ve already got my tickets for the showing on the seventh. Click HERE to read Josh Fardon’s August retrospective blog, and don’t forget to stop by and check out “Shake” here on Connotation Press and at the Theater of Note in LA. Josh, you are the best! THANKS!

Our most recent addition to the Connotation Press family is our Travel Editor Nicholas Baker. Nick and his husband Freddy take us to glamorous and exciting places all over the world and I am so thrilled he’s joined us. I was thinking recently that Nick might be my oldest friend. We started hanging out together in about 4^th grade. Ha! Now a resident of London, I don’t get to see Nick as much as I’d like, but getting to read his travelogue is the next best thing to being there. Click HERE to read a little about Nick’s experience here at Connotation Press, and to catch an all new travelogue installment as he has “Discovered Cairo”. Welcome Nick, we’re so glad you’re here!

I could spend the little space I have left here regaling you with horror stories of technical difficulties, disgruntled employees, living on virtually no sleep for days and days at a time, the very strange submissions we’re received and the like, but the truth is, overall, being the Founding Editor-in-Chief of this magazine has been one of the most satisfying and enriching experiences of my life.  I’ve met a grip of fascinating people, watched as my friends set the literary world ablaze month after month, had the opportunity to bring the world a hell of a lot of new literature, and to interview a few of my heroes. I would neither sell this magazine nor stop doing this for just about anything. It’s a gift and every day I am thankful for that gift.

Please come back next month to see our first anniversary issue. With contributors like Gray Jakobic and Carl Dennis and more you’re sure to enjoy it. And really, that’s what we’ve been trying to do all year—publish a lot of art in a way you can enjoy. I think we’ve done that, and I know my editors have done an extremely good job all around.

Here’s to you, then, our reading audience and to all the contributors that have generously trusted us with their art. We will do all we can to continue to earn your confidence and bring you the best in art from around the world.

And finally, here’s to John, Amanda, Kaite, Bob, Josh, Josh, and Nick. The very best team I’ve ever worked with my whole life. Thank you!

Enjoy!

~Ken