DownstateStory:Details

Reviews...

DOWNSTATE STORY immediately intrigued me because it is a product of Peoria, Illinois. Ever since a recent trip through the Midwest—past a chain reaction of cornfields interrupted by pristine Dairy Queens—I've been somewhat curious about the inhabitants of this symmetrical and wholesome place. Does any chaos lurk beneath the surface? In addition, Peoria has become synonymous with the middle class — known for detergent testimonials.

In 61 pages, DOWNSTATE STORY, Vol. III, edited by Elaine Hopkins and Janeen (Burkholder) Crowley, provides insight into the middle class as well as middle America, mixing surreal with real elements, as you enter into the homegrown imaginations of its writers and artists.

Many stories in DOWNSTATE STORY explore extraordinary and weird events in mundane, recognizable middle class settings; the checkout lane, the Holiday Inn lobby, and the video store become sites of fresh and non-traditional plots. In this edition (Volume III) a customer who pockets a video is pursued by the nightmarish store manager in an electric wheelchair, a woman falls for her obscene phone caller, and a man attending his high school reunion is transported back to his teenage years via a special camera.

Frequently enough, this mixture of fantastic and prosaic details creates a humorous effect. In the "Electric Chair," for example, the video store has "ten television sets hung suspended from the ceiling like compound, electric fly eyes....Darlene started a new video—GROUNDHOG DAY. Ten Bill Murrays committed suicide in ten different ways—jumping off buildings, stepping in front of trucks, dropping toasters in tubs."

Although the content is avante-garde, stylistically, the stories are more in line with mainstream prescriptions, focusing on a pivotal narrative moment, adhering to a lean Carver-esque simplicity, using a linear or a flashback approach to time.

"Girl from Pandora, Iowa" by Don Axt uses flashback to deal with the issue of the interracial relationship and the prejudice surrounding it.

Larry DeWild (who is anything but wild) is an upwardly mobile executive whose love child from a college affair with a black woman shows up in the lobby of his sales office. This white man goes through a life review of the tryst as he descends by the stairway—the action underscoring his descent from his "on-top-of-it" position—to face his past and his racism. The story portrays, with honesty, a protaganist who cannot disrupt the status quo and who becomes oppressed himself by the rigid rules and expectations imposed by the college fraternity which is a mere precursor to his corporate life. DeWild is the quintessential salesman who must "spruce up a bit... buy a new necktie, a bright one with flower like those worn by the company management trainees and advertising salesmen." Paradoxically, the salesman is commodified—a product that must continually face society's inspection. The conclusion is a perfect statement about the clash of cultures, the high price of conformity, and selling out.

"Deus Ex Machina" by Burt Rabbe is another standout. This piece focuses on the exploitation of minority factory workers as the ghost of a man killed in an industrial accident comes back to see that his wife sues the plant owners.

This ghost story includes realistic appraisals of factory life juxtaposed with speculative assessments of the afterlife. About factory life, the narrator states, "Al turned and strode away. He was not an evil man. He and Pancho were really very much alike, cogs in a vast machine, whose lives were important depending on how good a cog they could be".

— CLF Newsletter, edited by Dan Pearlman, Department of English, University of Rhode Island; Kingston, Rhode Island

DOWNSTATE STORY provides readers with a ballot on which to vote for heir favorite story; I cast mine for "The Love Seat" by Steve Meiss. This absurd tale tells of Jim Botto's life when his mother-in-law comes to convalesce in his home after a hospital stay. The story captures the sense of disorientation experienced by many middle-class families trying to do everything and take care of everybody. At the Botto home, a clear sense of time and place does not exist. Jim returns home from his news job when his kids go off to school. The mother-in-law must sleep on an uncomfortable love seat in the living room while his colleagues visit. Jim is forever analyzing world news but cannot keep up with the news of his personal life. He barely knows what his wife looks like as she goes about in an unlaundered bathrobe and messy hair. The family lives in a perpetual haze of cigarette smoke, a fog, but in the end, his wife Patsy opens the window and lets the clean air in (although this may be because there's a corpse).

The details are familiar—from the brown plastic coffee cup to the kids lying down and eating in front of the television. The attitude is typically bourgeois in that Patsy is more concerned about the appearance of the love seat than its practicality. "Patsy said she was pleased with the love seat, which looked OK except for a spot in one corner."

This wacky story shows us how the real important issues may become subordinated in the hectic and unexamined lives of modern families.

All in all, DOWNSTATE STORY gave me a glimpse into the Midwest—the humor, creativity, and concerns—that I never saw on my road trip. This literary, eight-dollar trip was a smooth highway—no radar traps of ambiguous plots or construction sites of overly complicated sentences but some odd and satisfying scenery along the way.

— Kathy Moffitt

Perhaps everything old is new again. Having examined Volumes I and II of DOWNSTATE STORY, I am amazed at the refreshing (and sometimes jolting) mixture of fictional registers in this little-known little magazine.

From its inception, DOWNSTATE STORY has broken current taboos. Not only do is NEW YORKER or ESQUIRE style fiction mixed with literature of the fantastic, but the writers really seem to care about what used to be called story values. They focus on the tale, rather than on any particular ideology. Why, they seemingly ignore literary fashions altogether.

The stories in these two volumes range in style and theme from Carver country to the grotesque New American Gothic practiced by Flannery O'Connor. Don Axt's "Maxwell Forrest and the Wanna Bee" exemplifies the latter: the "Wanna Bee" lady of the title dreams of becoming an amputee, "to have a leg off." In Volume II are stories that could have been written in the late 1950s by Ray Bradbury or seen on the original Twilight Zone, mingling the cozily domestic with the strange and unexplained.

Don Axt's "One Quality Hour" is a ghost story with real pathos, while W.G. Bliss's "The Bad Antique Dealer" presents an interesting time travel paradox.

Professional work like Axt's and Steve Meiss's "Frog" (Vol. I), winner of the reader's award, co-exist (if a bit uneasily) with sentimental vignettes and some rather primitive artwork. Even so, if one story or illustration is not to your taste, move on to the next—it will be different!

With such a variety of styles and concerns, this may truly be the little magazine with something for EveryReader.

— Faye Ringel

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DOWNSTATE STORY released its eleventh issue a few months ago, showing all the newcomers to the publishing field that to stick around, you just have to keep doing it.

The magazine is a small publication, with, I would guess, a small print run. It is staple-bound and in the size of a sheet of paper folded in half (which is no doubt, helpful to keep the production costs down). And there are not many authors or options of reading included in this issue (10).

But, the writing here is strong and the reason why the editor would include each piece is obvious and I like it. DOWNSTATE STORY might be a small publication, but I get the feeling that is how they like it. It is the little publication that can.

--KW. Midnight Mind Magazine No. 5, P.O. Box 146912, Chicago, IL 60614. (Brett Van Emst, editor.)

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DOWNSTATE STORY, a local literary magazine, has been quietly cultivating a body of work and a group of writers with a distinctly Midwestern sensibility for a number of years now.

The Peoria-based magazine has been quietly churning out an issue a year containing 10 short stories from local and national writers since 1992.

While the magazine doesn't claim to produce literature for the ages, it has won a certain level of acclaim - a $1,000 grant from The Puffin Foundation of Teaneck, N. J., in 1993, and, more recently, $1,000 from the Illinois Arts Council for publishing a story titled "Fallout" by Deborah Correnti in 2002. (Correnti also received a $1,000 literary award.) In addition to short stories, the magazine also publishes original artwork.

Now a new edition has just been published - the 15th since 1992 - and is available for $8 a copy at area bookstores and gift shops or through the not-for-profit Downstate Story Web site at www.wiu.edu/users/mfgeh/dss.

Peoria-area writers included in this issue are Pepper Bauer and Gordon Petry. Other writers are Jim Courter of Macomb, Joyce Frohn of Oshkosh,Wis., and Ruth Cox Anderson of Port Charlotte, Fla. Writers typically find Downstate Story online or in listings in Writers Digest.

"Several of these stories reveal profound pessimism, as they focus on revenge, guilt, unhappiness," writes publisher Elaine Hopkins, who also is a longtime reporter at the Journal Star. "A few present bizarre symbolism, or the protagonist as fool. Have these writers absorbed the zeitgeist, the ambience, the uneasiness of a nation at war against 'terror,' which as many commentators have pointed out is a tactic and not a proper foe? In this unsettled era, writers and artists likely reveal the clearest vision of national, or regional mood."

Whether the stories reflect the zeitgeist or not, there is a lot of variety. One story, "The Assignation," by Pepper Bauer, explores theconventional themes of love, betrayal and longing - but with a twist in the last paragraph that will make you go back and re-read the whole story with a completely different impression of what's actually transpiring.

In another tale, "Buddy's Magic," Gordon Petry offers a first-person account of an incompetent magician named Buddy, and the unexpected marvels this seemingly ordinary person can really work.

Meanwhile, a Colt revolver hidden in an SUV waits to go off in Jim Courter's "Two Falls."

Bauer says Downstate Story - which has published her work before - has both given her confidence and opened doors for her, including a writing gig at the Limestone Independent News. Courter says Downstate Story offers a needed outlet for writers.

"I think the title, in a way, says it all," Courter said. "I just find it's a good place for writers to find a voice. As much as anything, it gets the word out that there is a literary life south of Chicago."

-- Gary A. Panetta, fine arts columnist and a critic for the (Peoria) Journal Star, Dec. 24, 2006.

Downstate Story: The Details:

• Always remember...
  • The comments and situations of the characters depicted in Downstate Story represent only themselves, and they are not meant to reflect or characterize other people or groups of people. The characters are fictitious and any resemblance to actual people is coincidental.
  • Downstate Story, ISSN 1066-1662, is published by Downstate Story, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, 1825 Maple Ridge, Peoria, Il. 61614-7915. Email [email protected] .
  • Downstate Story is copyrighted by Downstate Story, Inc. Permission to reprint must be obtained from respective contributors.

• Downstate Story, Just the Facts...
  • Probable collector's item, especially for the art.
  • Politically correct. Contributors paid for their work. Printed by union printer. No government funds used (except as awards for merit).
  • Something for everyone. Stories reflect diversity of authors, and include romance, horror, fantasy, mainstream fiction.
  • Promotes reading. Content realistic but not X-rated.
  • Promotes Illinois and Midwestern writers and artists. Copies go to libraries, short story contests. Contributors free to re-sell their work.
  • New concept for the arts. Provides outlet for regional writers and artists to reach audiences in their own communities.
  • Original work. None ever published before.
  • Quality work. Stories comparable to those found in Harpers, Atlantic, The New Yorker.
  • Reader participation. Readers can submit comments and stories for the next issue.
  • No poetry.

• About Downstate Story...
  • Downstate Story Inc. is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation founded in 1992 to publish Downstate Story, an independent, annual, literary magazine.
  • Each issue contains 10 original short stories with original illustrations. Some issues also contain photographs from readings and other events.
  • The magazine carries no advertising, except for some joint ads with other small magazines, and relies on sales to survive. It is sold on consignment through book stores and gift shops, and by mail. To order it, see other information at this site.
  • In March, 1993, Downstate Story received a $1,000 grant from The Puffin Foundation of Teaneck, New Jersey. The money paid for advertising, mainly in publications of other arts groups such as theater programs.
  • In 2002 a story published by Downstate Story in Vol. 10, "Fallout" by Deborah Correnti, received a $1,000 Literary Award from the Illinois Arts Council. Downstate Story also received $1,000 for publishing the story.
  • All Downstate Story contributors are paid for their work. A volunteer board of directors oversees the magazine.
  • Publisher Elaine Hopkins is a journalist with an interest in fiction, who also has taught college-level literature courses. Former editor-in-chief for some issues Jan Burkholder taught journalism and desktop publishing in college and has worked as a magazine editor. Readers for each issue are literature fans and some are writers and artists.
  • Downstate Story has held readings in Peoria, Normal, Macomb and Chicago. Several writers have been interviewed on radio and TV, and a Public Access TV program on Downstate Story was broadcast in Chicago.
  • These events have raised the visibility of short fiction as an art form, encouraged the writing of short fiction, and have promoted the talents and careers of the writers and illustrators.
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  • Comments from Bonnie Matheis, Coordinator for the Illinois Center for the Book at the Illinois State Library in Springfield. "Downstate Story('s publication of) Susan Srikant's winning story "My Arrival in Horseshoe, Nebraska," (in Vol. 16, 2007), could be such a turning point for Susan. Just thinking of the potential opportunities she might receive as a result of (the) decision reminded me that this was what the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition was all about.

    "Kevin Stein, the Illinois Poet Laureate and final judge of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award portion of the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition, at the last two emerging writers award ceremonies, related to the winners what it was like to be an aspiring poet. He well remembers the writing, the entering of competitions and the waiting for some hint of validation. Thanks to Downstate Story, Susan Srikant has just received a very significant validation of her work as an aspiring writer and we thank you for that.

    "Downstate Story's willingness to participate in the James Jones Short Story Award of the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition from the very beginning is truly appreciated. While we are especially thrilled that Susan Srikant's winning story has been selected for publication, please know that the opportunity you are giving Susan and all of the winners of the competition just by reviewing their stories is something most of them could only dream of. Downstate Story's commitment to the up and coming writers in Illinois does make a difference in the lives of those that are still struggling to be recognized for their talent.

    "Thank you for your support of the competition (and) your support to the writing community."

Writers Guidelines:

• Downstate Story has been published every fall and beginning in 2012, only on the Web. Each issue contains 10 original short stories. With the 2021 issue, Vol. 30, we are ending publication, so this information is for historical purposes only.  We accepted a variety of genres so that every reader who looks at Downstate Story will find something fascinating.
• The deadline was always June 30.
• Meanwhile we also promoted Downstate Story, as well as the reading of fiction in general. We held readings, and our writers have read and been interviewed on radio and TV.
• As a not-for-profit venture, our goal was to break even financially through sales and donations, so that Downstate Story could support itself and need not depend on subsidies, grants or advertising - though we're were flexible, and not ruling these out entirely. People can help by mentioning Downstate Story and similar publications to friends, encouraging libraries to order copies, or buying the back issues of the print copies for themselves or friends. It costs $10, postpaid in the USA, and makes a good gift. Add $2 more for non-USA postage. You can reach an order blank at the end of this page. Or click on the Website with the 2012 edition and make a donation through Democracy Engine.
• We encourage potential contributors to buy a copy to support the magazine, and to become familiar with it. Read it for free on the Web.
• Story guidelines, in general: short fiction or narrative written to the standards of fiction, under 2000 words, never published before. Shorter is better. We prefer some connection with Illinois or the Midwest. All contributors are paid $50 on acceptance for their work. We only buy first rights, including Internet publication. Anyone can submit work.
• Send your work through the mail. No email submissions, please, as we circulate the manuscripts to our readers. Enclose an SASE for a response. In this age of cheap copies we do NOT return manuscripts. We do NOT accept e-mail manuscripts, but we REQUIRE corespondance via e-mail for the speed and cost savings. If you plan to send us a manuscript, be sure you have access to e-mail. All manuscripts should have a valid e-mail address, as well as a valid phone number on the manuscript itself!
• We notify all authors of our decisions in late fall. Don't call us -- we will notify you!
• Send manuscripts to:
  Downstate Story
  1825 E. Maple Ridge Dr.
  Peoria, IL 61614

  Questions? Email [email protected]

To Order the Print Editions of Downstate Story:

Print out and mail this page, with check or money order enclosed.
(Yes, we know that's low-tech, but we're old fashioned about some things! At least we pay the postage!)

OR -- to buy using Democracy Engine, click here.

Yes! Send me ______ copies of Vol. I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV.XV.XVI. XVII, XVIII, XIX.XX. Circle choice(s).

I enclose (US Dollars):

• $10 for 1 copy. Second copy of same issue is $6. (Website discount!)
• $17 for 2 different issues
• $25 for 3 different issues
• $55 for all 19 issues, Vol. 1-20. (The artwork alone makes Downstate Story a collector's item!) And the stories are timeless.)

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Downstate Story makes a terrific gift! Great for libraries and waiting rooms, too! Add additional names, addresses, etc. as appropriate.  Good fiction is never dated.
Mail to:
Downstate Story
1825 E. Maple Ridge Dr.
Peoria, IL 61614

If the name and address you entered above is not yours (a gift recipient, for example), please also include your return address on your order. And include your email address.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Thank you!