Middle West Press Editor-Publisher Interviewed at The Wrath-Bearing Tree

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A leading monthly on-line literary journal has published an interview with Middle West Press LLC editor-publisher Randy Brown in its July 2023 issue. In the feature, Brown reveals the origins and objectives of Middle West Press. The interview, published by The Wrath-Bearing Tree, is here at this link.

The interview was conducted by Peter Molin, an established observer and commenter on the American war-writing scene in the 21st century. In addition to his long-running war-and-culture blog “Time Now”, Molin currently writes a limited-run column for Wrath-Bearing Tree titled “Strike Through the Mask!”

Molin also interviewed MilSpeak Books publisher, author, and U.S. Marine veteran Tracy Crow.

The Wrath-Bearing Tree was founded in 2015 by U.S. Army veteran Aidrian Bonenberger and others. In late 2021, the publication re-organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit. Strategic plans call for developing the journal as a paying market; literary press; writing contests; and readings and workshops. The journal celebrated publishing its 50th issue in March 2021.

The publication’s name notably refers to the poem “Gerontion,” by T.S. Elliot. The Wrath-Bearing Tree's mission statement reads:

Established by combat veterans and maintained by a diverse board of veterans, military spouses, and writers compelled by themes of social justice and human resilience, The Wrath-Bearing Tree publishes essays, reviews, fiction, and poetry on military, economic, and social violence written by those who have experienced military, economic, and social violence or their consequences. [...]

The Aiming Circle, a community of practice underwritten by Middle West Press LLC, considers The Wrath-Bearing Tree as one of the premier venues for military-centered and -adjacent poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and other work.

Middle West Press LLC is a Johnston, Iowa-based editor and publisher of non-fiction, journalism, and poetry. As an independent micro-press, we publish one to four titles annually. Our projects are often inspired by the people, places, and history of the American Midwest.

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