As a writer who benefits from essays published by literary magazines, I appreciate their sacrifice to support my nonsense and others. One in particular caught my fancy a decade ago—The New Territory.

New Territory began its long-form print magazine in 2016, hellbent on publishing narrative writing, creative writing, photography, and art that creates a sense of place for Lower Midwesterners, i.e., Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The magazine’s creator, Tina Casagrand, also throws in a sprinkling of Iowa dirt, which I appreciate as a Sioux City, Iowa boy at heart.

How did my love affair with New Territory (NT) begin, you may be asking yourself. Good question. Tina published my bit about Jim Thompson (Living on Hell’s Doorstep, or the like, in 2015, or thereabouts), an Oklahoma-born noir writer of the 50s and beyond. When a new edition reaches my mailbox, it’s like Christmas. No joke. New Territory has worked with 350 regional writers. Again, no joke. Maybe you can find a home for your writing there?

My bride, Sue, and I trekked to Kansas City, MO, last fall to attend NT’s Pageturner event. It was an afternoon full of readings, fiddle music, food from the region, and an auction of antique books and NT merchandise. Spending a few hours meeting other writers, laughing about writing challenges, and sharing a few adult beverages was a blast. Information about this year’s Pageturner is front and center on their/our website.

Did you say “our?” Yup. NT became a 501c3 last year and needed a Board. Pleased to be asked, I am now a card-carrying NT board member. As an “insider,” I can say all my notions about the organization were accurate: great people at the helm, commitment to literary excellence, vision of new projects, support for diverse points of view, and more.

Check us out at newterritorymag.com.