eXpressions Journal.com™

Winter Edition 2011 Review:

"Starting from beginning to end full of strong words of stories and poetry."

The Winter Edition front page artwork is lovely and full of vibrant colors . The layout of Expressions Journal is done very well. Starting from beginning to end full of strong words of stories and poetry. The photographs and drawings help the viewers see the artistic side of writers and visual artist. The advertisement pages in the back are eye catching and last but not least the comic in the back is an extra treat to read before the journal comes to an end.    Angel Luczak

Review of 2010 Fall Edition:

"..Yes, I did enjoy many of the eXpressions in the Fall edition, especially ''Aviation'' by Sandra Bengs, which reminded me of the work of Emily Dickinson with its terse and reflective simplicity, and ''Shadows'' by Laurie Koch with its clever anthropomorphizing of a natural phenomena, as well as other poems.  For lack of time and my passion for poetry, I usually confine my reading to the poets, and have enjoyed most, if not all."    

Best regards, Barry Lichter

“It is a grass-roots effort that keeps our creativity alive"

“I think The eXpressions Journal is a wonderfully inspired medium of communication. eXpressions Journal offers us an opportunity to touch one another's lives that is effortless and sweet!  It is a grass-roots effort that keeps our creativity alive with the purpose of sharing it with one another.  I see it as a sort of underground effort that bypasses all the hoops one needs to go through to get "published."  It is "for the people, by the people" --that's how I see it.  I am a psychotherapist and I love having eXpressions Journal in my waiting room.  I think it gives people the message to believe in themselves and their art -- and that it is worthy to not only create, but also share what we create.”   Dr. Deva J. Gouss

“His whole attitude was uplifted to see his work in print…”

“To the whole staff, The family of Darvin Harris and I, Gayle Johnson, wish to acknowledge our deepest thanks for the publication of his poem, “Prisoner of Pain” in the August issue of Expressions – (oops-Xpressions Journal!!  Sorry!) – His whole attitude was uplifted to see his work in print and his son is very proud – Mom too!! – The difference in outlook now is incredible to see – so for this “smile” and heightened level of self esteem – thank you – I can’t express my deepest feelings of gratitude and respect given to each and every one of you – we all send love and the best of wishes for success!"

  Thanks again – Darvin Harris Family & Gayle

Dear Xpressions Journal Staff:

 We are recent subscribers to the Xpressions Journal.  Our daughters have done some artwork and asked me to send it in to see whether you might consider including any of it in an upcoming issue of the Xpressions Journal.  I am sure they would be thrilled.  I have noted their ages on their respective submissions.

 Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

Mark A. Kircher

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a thirty-one year old black woman.  I am not a professional writer, nor do I have a degree, but I sometimes work out of my home on deep meaningful topics that at one time or another have touched my life.  I would like to enter your monthly contests and submit further work to your Journal.

I am enclosing some of my (never been published) work for your review.

Please call with any further instructions I might need.

Sincerely, Bessie G. Taylor

To Whom it May Concern,

I have been a subscriber to the Expressions Journal since nineteen ninety-eight and after reading a lot of the quality work you publish in your magazine I have decided it is a safe place to share my work.  I’ve been writing for so long it comes as natural to me as breathing.  My poetry is meant to be read aloud and deals with many different subjects from jazz and blues to faith and love.  The two poems I am submitting were written for a collection called Words of Wisdom that I gave to a friend because she’d been asking me to compile my poetry for years and I finally complied.  It isn’t a publicly published compilation.  Each of my poems reflects where I am at a particular time in my life and each has a distinctive voice.  These poems are entitled, “Dear Soldier” & “His Way”.  “Dear Soldier” was written after I watched President Clinton address a D.C. crowd last Memorial Day.  He asked them to take all the stories they would hear to heart and remember that freedom is never free.  That phrase stuck in my head for two weeks before I put pen to paper.  As the recent dealings with China play out on the world stage I feel every American should take a minute to reflect on what our service men and women do for us.  “His Way” was written as I was coming to grips with the difference between organized religion and believing in God.  It’s a journey everyone should take at their own pace and time.  Please take good care of these they are like my children and I am very proud of them.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Pamperin

Dear Editor,

I have enclosed a piece of writing in which I would like you to consider for publication.  Although I know your time may be restricted I would appreciate negative or positive comments on my writing.  I am currently a student studying creative writing.  I enjoy reading romance, horror, and some suspense.  My poems and short stories sometimes build on fictional situations, but I prefer writing about experiences in life.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Lisa Frontzak

Dear Senior Editor,

Enclosed you will find my poem "Thunder Rolls".  Please consider it for publication.  I will look forward to any comments or questions you may have regarding my poem.  I am a senior in high school, who is taking creative writing.  Besides writing I enjoy most sports, and nature.  My love for writing inspired me to take this class, in hopes it will help me with my future plans.  My goal is to become a writer for children’s movies, like Jim Hensen’s ‘Muppets’.  I have also enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope for your feedback.

Thank you,  Jill M. Davis

Dear Editor,

I know you are very busy and receive many letters every day, so I will keep this short.  I am a student currently studying creative writing.  I enjoy writing short stories and poems, and both fiction and non-fiction.  Please read my submission and consider it for publication.  I would appreciate any suggestions or ideas you have for me.  Thank you.

Sincerely,  Suzy Zadel

Dear editor,

I came to know of your publication last week when I was in Milwaukee, playing a concert at the Eagles Auditorium.  My writing partner and I were walking down the street when one of your representatives approached us and told us about the journal.  We thought it was a great idea and bought a couple of issues.  After reading them we decided to send you one of our poems.  My partner and I write under the pseudonym of Cole Stevenson.  We hope you like it.   Cole Stevenson.

Dear Xpressions Journal:  I really enjoy your publication it gives a voice to every day people who might not otherwise be heard.  For the 2 guys I’ve encountered doing the beat soliciting subscriptions and selling issues; keep up the good work you are making a difference.  The following are from a student of mine at OFS, we work with high school drop outs and help them gain their GED and in the process learn a few lessons to apply in life.  It meant a lot to her to be able to send this to you.  If you choose to publish it, please send a copy of the journal to the reply address to my attention.  Also please print her first and last name in full.  

Thank you, Beverly Jenkins – Operation Fresh Start

To Whom it May Concern, 

I am a senior in high school and currently enrolled in a creative writing course.  I would greatly appreciate you consideration for my writing.  I encourage you to please take the time out of your schedule to read the stories and poems enclosed.  I welcome any critical comments your readers might offer; although, I realize that time constraints may make this impossible.  

Thank you for your time, Lindsay.

I would like to thank you for all the great work. The Freedom of expression is one of the truly great thing we have as a people. You help give voices to anyone with something to say. I’m submitting a poem about what happens if you let an outside influence control your life.    John

Dear Sir, 

Yes, I have almost recovered from my accident.  Thank you, for your concern; and thank you again for accepting my work.  Words can’t express, my feelings.  Thanks so very much for your kindness.

Respectfully Yours, Charles Lee Terrell

P.S. I have so much wrapped up inside.  This gives me freedom of expression.

To Xpressions Journal, I have enclosed copies of my poetry to be considered for your publication.  I would be very interested in hearing any feedback you may have, so I may improve my writing.  Check it out!  If you approve any of my poems for publication please include my first name and first letter of my last name to read Dana H. 

Thank you, peace love happiness. 

To the Publishing Department at eXpressions Journal:

 How are you today?  Great, I hope.  My name is Tyrone Pennington and I met one of your colleagues the other day and he asked was I interested in writing, poetry or artistry etc.  and I said ‘of course’.  So, this is a short story poem based on my true life experience in which I think may interest you as well as others (a message).

 He also told me that you can put this piece in your next edition and mail me a copy as well.  I would appreciate it a great deal, also I would like to continue to write for eXpressions Journal if at all possible.

 Could you send/tell me information how I can reach others across the land and perhaps worldwide?  I am looking forward to more work with your company.

Very Much Appreciated,

 Mr. Tyrone Pennington

P.S. Thank You and have a Blessed Day.

To Whom It May Concern,

Last week I purchased this newspaper on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, from someone who I believe is "Ras Michael"; and I fell in love!  No, not with Ras Michael (although he was very pleasant to talk with).  No, I fell in love with this Periodical!!  On my ride home on the train, I was enthralled by all the poetry and literary work it contained.  I even shared it with other fellow commuters.  They were all impressed too.  It is refreshing to see such raw talent and innovative journalism.

Please add me to your list of subscribers.  Also, I have enclosed a copy of some prose I had written.  If possible, could you publish it in your upcoming journal?

Thank You!

Susan K. Gansler

"SUZY"

Author Susan K. Gansler, Prose, "Emotion" Published V. 4, I.45 Xpressions Journal A.N. 1148C

To whom it may concern at Xpressions Journal,

I constantly run into your solicitors downtown and on Brady Street.  They are always diligently trying to convince me that there is a writer/artist/poet in all of us just waiting to come out.  So I'm calling your bluff.

My name is Chris Crandall.  I have no formal education beyond high school.  I've never been inclined to write.  I could always draw, but have not done so since high school because for what I had in talent, it seemed I lacked in creativity.

Since my first encounter with your people, I've been inspired to try to write.  Now I can't seem to stop.  I carry a notepad with me everywhere waiting for lightening to strike.  Sometimes it does.  Anyway, since these are me debut efforts, I would appreciate andy and all comments and criticisms, I don't emulate any style, I guess it's kind of free-form poetry since I really don't know what I'm doing.  But, good or not, I think you can expect a lot more from me.

Right now, my poems have no message, nothing really to say.  I'm merely trying to see if I can accurately convey emotion.  Perhaps someday my poems will be more than "stream-of-consciousness" meanderings, we'll see.

I noticed that you do not publish authors last names, but you do publish nom de plumes.  I would like to be published under the pen name PEZ, being as how most of my writing is somewhat pessimistic.  I also like the idea of "PEZ" invoking happy childhood memories (from the candy) and then them reading my work.  You have to appreciate the irony.

Thank you,  Chris Crandall

Poet Chris Crandall, Poem, "The Weight" Published Xpressions Journal V.2, I.21

Dear people of Xpressions Journal,

First of all I want to thank you for putting my poem in The Xpressions Journal.  I was so surprised.  But it's awesome.  And I feel honored because I'm just a girl from Holland.  But I still remember that one day that I met that one guy at the train station in Chicago.  He told me all about your magazine.  And I'm glad I met him.  Now it feels like that I can reach something with the poetry I write.  So thanks again.  Well, since more than a year I'm back in Holland.  I did visit Chicago again in April for some weeks.  Meeting all my friends again made me so happy and being back in the U.S.  My experience as an exchange student was really great.  I had first a hard time but later on it was the best.  I can recommend to everybody.  And the U.S. will always have a special place in my heart.

I wrote another poem and I hope you like it.  I'm not asking you to put it in your magazine (it would be great) but if you do, do you want to send me an Xpressions Journal again?  I can pay for the stamps.  You guys are doing a great job and I really like the other poetry too.

Thanks again and lots of love,

Inelie Hacquebord

Dear Expressions Journal,

I came across your newspaper in my city, New Orleans, and even though the majority of your writers are from Wisconsin, I was hoping that my place of residence would not matter.  I hope to hear from you soon.  I can pass the word about your newspaper if asked.  Thanks.

Sincerely, 

Deborah Heard

Xpressions Journal,

I recently discovered your publication and was instantly impressed.  This opportunity is a dream come true for so many talented writers.  I have already informed many of my friends and even several of my teachers to your journal and everyone agrees that you have a good thing going.

I have included several poems from my notebook that I wanted to pass on, now I have the chance.  Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Nathan Heillerger

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