Conversation with Arlyn Miller, founder/director of Poetic License
March 2004

Could you tell us a little about Potluck Magazine?

A.  Potluck is a not-for- profit quarterly magazine that publishes poetry, short stories, book reviews and artwork from young writers ages 8 to 16. Potluck educates young writers about their craft, and provides a positive experience whether or not their work is published.

If kids want to have writing or artwork published in Potluck, what should they do?

A. They should first review a copy of our guidelines, which is available online at www.potluckmagazine.org, or within the magazine itself, this so they have an idea of what we look for and how long their work may be. Then type it up neatly, either submit it online (submissions@potluckmagazine.org) or through snail mail to Potluck Magazine PO Box 546 Deerfield, IL 60015-0546

What happens after someone submits writing or artwork for publication?

A. After submitting to a particular issue, response times vary depending on when the submission was received, but all responses are sent out 3-4 weeks after the deadline for that issue. If you send your work in two days before the deadline, you will have a three-week wait, two months before, and your wait will be two months longer.

How do you decide which writing and art to publish?

A. After the deadline, all submissions are reviewed by a board of three editors. Each editor reads each submission and marks their comments on the submission. After everyone has read and critiqued each submission, the board gets together to select the works we all agreed upon- when there is a disagreement, we discuss the piece thoroughly until all agree one way or another. We always consider the writer's age and abilities when making our decisions. 

What do the editors look for in a submission?

A.  We look for a variety of things, humor, realism, emotion, and human truth, but honesty most of all. These are the qualities that connect us all. Whether it is in a poem or a science fiction story, these qualities breathe life into your work and connect you and your reader.

Is it hard for all of the editors to agree on what to publish?

A.  Sometimes, but for the most part we agree.

Do you have tips for kids who want to get their work published in Potluck?

A.  Read everything. When you want to submit to Potluck or another publication, know what they are looking for and it is always good to have read a copy of the magazine.

What's the Creative Corner section of the magazine all about?

A. It is about adult writers sharing their knowledge with young writers. It is insight to different aspects of writing- from journaling to creating names for your characters.

If kids want to read Potluck, how can they find it?

A. Potluck is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, local book stores, libraries. One can also purchase Potluck online (www.potluckmagazine.org) by mail or phone.

Why did you decide to start a magazine like Potluck?

A.  I wanted to give young writers the chance I never had growing up; the chance to get their writing published and to feel the pride it brings.

Are you a writer yourself?

A.  Yes, all my life.

What do you do as the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine?

A.  I make sure everything runs smoothly. I do the marketing and promoting, the banking, the website, the board meetings, and the shipping and fulfillment of orders. I also manage the database (everyone who submits work or orders is entered into a database).  I read all of the submissions and send out all of the letters, and I format the magazine for publishing. And I think that is it. 

What do you like best about your job?

A. Helping young writers grow into better writers.

What do you like least about your job?

A.  Hmmm? Probably, the financial/ banking/government stuff.

What skills should kids work on who think they might want to be a book or magazine editor someday?

A. Patience, compassion, and a good memory- so they can address the writers with whom they'll come in contact, with understanding and encouragement. Along with the other fun stuff - grammar, reading, language arts, social studies, and math.