Cleave of the Clouds

Posted 3 Comments by Thea Swanson

I am distracted. It is hard to write my usual words of reflection as I introduce our latest issue. I had some exceptionally good author news, which may or may not lead to something concrete, so I am finding the need to pause my quarterly introspection, and to instead dwell on possibilities, on a surface level. To let myself enjoy the news. I tend to plow through life, to plan the next step, to not bask enough in the joy of the moment. Perhaps I am reflecting now, after all. 

I keep my writer life separate from my editor life. That is, I don’t talk about my own writing to Club Plum readers and writers. I think that is important. This is the place for you, readers and writers, to enjoy your work. I am honored to assist in bringing your art to the world. I get joy from our literary relationship, which is why I do it.

Perhaps in the future I will use this space to share thoughts on the publishing world, especially on the publishing of longer works–books, specifically. It is very hard for literary authors today. However, I don’t want to spend hours in virtual spaces ranting or sharing or even reading, even if it is cathartic; I would rather spend my time writing. But I would share a few words here and there in this space–not about my work, but about publishing processes–if I thought it might be helpful for the few readers who take the time to read. If you would like to read some words on publishing, perhaps comment on this post, so that I know it might matter to some of you.

Whatever I write to introduce each issue, I will always give you a photo, something I took with you in mind, quite probably. For this July 2026 issue, Volume 7, Issue 3, I give you this image that I was lucky enough to capture. I like the tree-top poking into the cleave of the clouds. I like the power lines mirroring the fence lines, both not quite taut. I’m not sure I like how small the gravestones appear, how they tilt, how they probably did not tilt at first, but I do like that they are there. And I like how very tall and strong that tree looks, surely nourished by the circle of stones below, by the ones who came before.

Yours in Words and Art,

Thea

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Thea Swanson View All →

Thea Swanson is a feminist atheist who holds an MFA in Writing from Pacific University in Oregon. She is the Founding Editor of Club Plum Literary Journal, and her poetry, fiction, essays and reviews are published in places such as World Literature Today, Mid-American Review and Northwest Review.

3 Comments Leave a comment ›

  1. Thank you. I appreciate the thoughtful stewardship you bring to this journal, and to the writing journey. I recently published a novel of literary fiction (eco-fiction, urban fiction) that would likely have never made it through the traditional publishing process. It quite large (740 pages) and represents eighteen years of work. Two agents told me I would need to break it into twin novels. Not the story as I wanted it told. So I went the hybrid route. I’m very pleased with the outcome, and it’s just starting to get some reader traction. I’m happy to share more in the dialogue. Such a wonderful thing, this writer’s journey. Club Plum published one story of mine, Mishka’s Birds. I have a story collection coming out later this year through a small traditional publisher. If your curious, here’s a bit more about the novel: https://nicholasdeitch.com Thank you for your writer’s passion, and giving us a path to share.

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  3. Dear Thea,

    I’m always so impressed your images, your humility, and the way you pair music with our work! I’d be very interested in your insights into the publishing world, and even more interested to read YOUR own work. Congratulations on this recent success. Hurrah! I will search for you now, but if you have a handy link to your work, please do send along.

    Gratefully,

    Erica

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