The End of All Things

Dear Readers:

Yes, we are still here. I want to thank each of you for your patience.

I have long had a terrible self-image, and I do not take well to disappointing others. I go through spells where I am unaffected by it, and others where it consumes me. For over three months, I have been consumed by it. I am deeply sorry for the delay in publishing this issue. Failure to publish this (anywhere near) on time has kept me up nights and wrecked me. I have a bad habit of overextending myself, and this time it caught up with me. This was almost the end of all things.

Since September I have worked two demanding full-time jobs (long story), taken a Master’s level class, coached youth travel baseball, and navigated worsening family (physical and mental health) challenges. I am silent from guilt when I fail, and this is why I’ve been away. No excuses. I want to extend my deepest apologies to all contributors, Barren Masthead members, and literary family for the unforgiveable delay. I appreciate those of you who are still with us.

I hope you enjoy Barren Magazine Issue 21. Our editors did a phenomenal job selecting and readying these perfect-for-Barren pieces. ‘Rebirth’ is just that — a new beginning for us, for our future, and (hopefully) for the future of literary magazines and journals.

Love to you all,

Jason D. Ramsey
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Barren Magazine