I have had several conversations with clients recently as to the status of their poetry or prose submissions. Having not heard from me lately they grew concerned that it was because all their work had been rejected. I've had to reassure them that all has pretty much gone quiet and very few journals have sent replies since November 8th. Historically this has been an active time of year but it feels to me like readers and editors are perhaps distracted or overwhelmed or working on special assignments. I recently posted on my Writers' Wings Facebook page that several journals, such as Cleaver and Stoneboat, have issued special themed calls for writing that's inspired by activism, social justice and a need to "explore the deep cultural and political divide that has emerged in the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election."
Perhaps it's time to write something new that answers one of these calls!
