The Pushcart Nominees for 2020

Precious Reader,

It’s that time of year; turkey, ornaments, killing a bunch of Spruce trees, and a religious celebration for almost every known religion and spiritual practice conjured since the dawn of the Homo Sapiens! My favorite part of the season is choosing the PUSHCART NOMINEES. As Managing Editor I have very little say in what we publish in the biannual Ocotillo Review. I do occasionally decide what doesn’t fit but that’s a story for another time. This is the one choice I reserve for myself and in the spirit of transparency I’m sharing my process, which, I reserve the right to alter or modify from year to year.  I chose from The Ocotillo Review Volumes 4.1 & 4.2. Yes, we published Two regional Poetry Anthologies and two incredible single author poetry collections which are all, by the way, still available for purchase, but I digress. The Ocotillo Review is our flagship publication and our entire editorial staff is trusted with the contents.This year I have 120 selections that have been meticulously curated from which I’m able to choose six. I’ve been working on this a while. I decided, in the art of fairness not to include our prize winners; not because they don’t deserve it but because they have already won! I also decided to pick three from each issue, not sure why. It just seemed like the right thing to do. The final criteria is completely aesthetic. These are selections that engendered a strong emotional reaction. So, if you agree with these, thank you. If you don’t, I’m the one to blame.

 

Now for the nominees!

from Volume 4.1 this volume is sold out but you can download a free PDF HERE

On Days I Am Dizzy With the Wish –  Devin Guthrie (poem)

Hale-Bopp – Eileen Vorbach Collins (nonfiction)

Rain Over Kayenta – Jeff Ewing (fiction)

From Volume 4.2 Still available for purchase HERE

Middle Age Anniversary – Janet Landman (poem)

Combers – Grant Price (fiction)

Boomerang – Stephen Fromm (fiction)

I hope you enjoy these selections. Keep an eye open for these poets and writers. You will likely see more of their phenomenal work on the literary landscape. Feel free to share these pieces across your social media.

Please note: even though we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, I didn’t ask you to make a tax-deductible donation. Just enjoy the free lit art.

Peace,

Tony Burnett