No. 8

Winter 2005

'Welcome!'

I feel like 'Welcome!' is the only introduction necessary to begin our foray into the current issue, because, contrary to what other editors may have said regarding other issues, this one is definitely the best that we have put together in the short time that Nidus has been in existence.

The poetry of Craig Beaven and Simon Perchik -- one poet just beginning his career, the other an established master -- provide as good examples as any that I have seen of insight into aging and loss. Jonathan Moody's interview with Terrance Hayes should not be missed. No matter what level you're at in your writing, if you care about craft, books and language you will learn something from the wisdom offered here. Fiction will astound as well, with the more heady stories from William Borden to the fabulist-inspired work of Kelcey Parker. And don’t forget creative nonfiction -- I like to think of this area as the travel section of Nidus. Once you dig in to Missy Raterman's interview with Tom Haines from the Boston Globe I dare you to stop reading.

I've spent a good deal of time with this issue, from proofreading to formatting to posting it online, and by the time I was finished, I felt like I had reached the top floor of a posh hotel, and all I was required to do was clink the ice in my glass of cognac. But I don’t want to give the impression that this is some hoity-toity issue. Because what my clumsy metaphor is meant to allude to is that Nidus #8 will be a very satisfying read. I have visited the different rooms of this hotel, the ones marked 'poetry', 'fiction', 'creative nonfiction,' and now I feel that I can take the elevator down to the lobby; all the while watching the yellow lights flash across the floor numbers I have visited. When the big metal door opens, I'll continue towards the front desk. On my way out, I'll avoid the heavy fire door with the alarm connected to it; sometimes experience is the best teacher. Besides, I wouldn't want to disturb a thing. And as I leave through the revolving door, maybe I'll see you on your way in. I've enjoyed my stay. I hope you enjoy yours.

The editor has left the building.

For your perusal,

Don Strange
Managing Editor

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nidus is an online publication supported by the Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh's English Department.