inner art journal

As Inner Art Journal has grown, I’ve noticed two purposes developing side by side. One is the purpose of becoming an online journal with an interest in tanka and tanka prose. The other is the purpose of using tanka writing as a self-discovery tool. In many ways, these two foci are compatible. Where they differ is in the process of reviewing submissions. In the case of those who I know personally, and for whom tanka writing is already a practice, it is easy for me to see in their tanka the manifestation of their inner work. For those who I don’t know, the words alone must be clear, concise, deep and resonating. Many have sent in lovely work, and all work reflects the inner journey of the writer. Nevertheless, many submissions are not related to our stated purpose and have therefore been rejected.

At times, I have been tempted to engage writers in a dialogue, or invite him or her into our writing group, but aside from the words in the poem, and our reading of them, the relationships seem too tenuous.

After much thinking, I have decided to discontinue the publication of issues at regular times in favor of the periodic publication of individual works that exemplify the unfolding of self-discovery and perception. You are welcome to continue your submissions with this in mind. Works will be culled from Inner Art Journal for future print works. Of course, all writing by any individual writer is a demonstration of their awareness, publishing in Inner Art Journal will be the privilege of those who are self-consciously using poetry in this way.

If you would like to share your efforts, please submit by going to our submissions page. If you would like to understand more about our use of tanka writing for self-discovery, you are invited to take a look at our print book which is available on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Tanka-Practice-Leslie-Ihde-ebook/dp/B00C3395U8

Leslie