JUST SO YOU KNOW

We’ve received so many kind comments, good wishes, and inquiries, some hoping to buy Glimmer Train. As flattering as it is, we are not considering a change of hands. There are a couple of reasons, starting with wallpaper:

Years ago (1965), our parents bought a dilapidated former mom & pop grocery store—in fact we traded it for our little house, making us all very happy. We all scrubbed and painted (and wallpapered, of course) every surface and turned the place into the cutest little wallpaper shop in town. They carried a wide range of paper, from the fanciest (and most expensive) to the most beautiful inexpensive believable. They wanted every family to be able to have beautiful homes, no matter their income. Pop made sure that when couples bought wallpaper that they both took his free paperhanging lesson (and borrowed his tools at no cost) so they would support each other rather than fuss with each other over how it should be done. There was no one in the state that provided such service. Twenty-five years later, they sold the place (and the business name—our name), to new owners who, it turned out, weren’t so committed to helping the people who kept them in business. And they thought it would be kind of fun to make that sweet building look like a castle with a dungeon and moat. And, really, that’s why Glimmer Train will end with us. We want it remembered with fondness.

But there’s something else: Although subscriptions and reading fees have obviously helped, personal funds have been required over the years. I’m not sure there’s anyone who could honestly say that a quality physical literary publication—that pays its contributors well—is likely to be very financially profitable. It is hugely satisfying to support and encourage committed writers and a joy to read stories by writers from so many places and circumstances. It’s been a great honor and pleasure all these years.

We eagerly anticipate spending 2019 with you all. (Our final issue will be published in October.)

With gratitude and warm regards,