Brevity is an online magazine publication that began at Ohio University. The founder and editor is Dinty W. Moore, who is a professor at Ohio's English department.
First of all, it is important to understand the definition of the word "brevity." According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "brevity" is "the being short in speech or writing" or "conciseness." This definition is exactly what Brevity represents.
Brevity publishes “concise literary nonfiction” of 750 words or less. The literary nonfiction includes mostly book reviews and craft essays. The publication started when the Internet was just beginning, so, initially, Moore used it as an experiment with HTML codes. Now, the site reaches about 10,000 visitors per month and has turned into more than just an experiment with codes an concepts. You can also subscribe to the Brevity Mailing List where you will be alerted every time new material is published.
In regard to nonfiction writing, Moore believes there is plenty of room for more experimentation with form, voice, language and imagery than there used to be in the past. The lines between types of nonfiction writing such as personal essays, literary journalism, and even the lyric essays are blurring, which is a positive concept in Moore's eyes. He believes the distinction between the aforementioned types of writing shouldn't have to be made.
The work of two Pulitzer prize finalists, numerous NEA fellows, Pushcart winners, Best American authors, and writers from India, Egypt, Ireland, Spain, Malaysia, and Japan have contributed to Brevity. In an interview with Angela M. Graziano -- who has her MFA in creating nonfiction -- Moore said, "Brevity is always looking for new voices, and we’ve published some wonderful beginning writers, but I don’t think we are any easier to crack than the print journals now. The volume and quality of our submissions is staggering."
Anyone can submit his or her work via e-mail to have a chance for it to be published on the site. Fresh, new ideas are always welcome. Submissions that stand out have a tight prose and surprise the reader at some point. If your work is selected, a $45 honorarium will be rewarded.
Brevity also has a blog that is updated (somewhat) daily. The blog contains information on contests, calls for submissions, creative nonfiction miscellany, and Brevity magazine news and updates. You can e-mail the blog at brevitymag@gmail.com about any questions or concerns pertaining to Brevity.
"Imagine that you are dying. If you had a terminal disease would you finish this book? Why not? The thing that annoys this ten-weeks-to-live self is the thing that is wrong with the book. So change it. Stop arguing with yourself. Change it. See? Easy. And no one had to die." - Anne Enright
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