Founded in 2007 at the University of Tennessee, Grist: A Journal of the Literary Arts is a nationally distributed literary journal committed to publishing fresh, innovative writing from emerging and established voices. With a strong emphasis on craft, Grist explores the evolving landscape of contemporary literature while remaining rooted in the academic and creative community.
Mission:
Grist is dedicated to discovering and promoting writing that pushes boundaries in form, content, and voice. It provides a platform for underrepresented and emerging writers, showcasing work across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid genres. Their mission includes:
- Celebrating diversity in literary expression
- Emphasising both creative output and writerly craft
- Bridging the gap between academic study and creative writing
History:
Since its founding, Grist has grown from a campus-based project to a respected literary journal featured in bookstores and libraries across the United States. Each annual issue features a diverse range of voices, and their editorial team regularly curates standout works from writing workshops, MFA programs, and independent authors alike.
The journal is also known for its ProForma Contest, a unique category that seeks out genre-defying, form-bending pieces that test the boundaries of the written word.
Published by:
University of Tennessee’s English Department, giving the journal a strong academic foundation while remaining accessible to a wide audience of readers and writers.
Source:
Originally published on gristjournal.com – Mission & History
