Anniversary Edition
This issue marks the one-year anniversary of Mosaic Minds. I don't think any of us imagined this day when Carrie posted the following paragraph in one of her famous rambles on November 21, 2003:
As a part of this writer thing, I've been doing some research and have figured out that e-zines are a great way to buff up a resume, even though they aren't paying gigs. Of course, a normal person just submits stuff to these things and hopes to get published. I always dream bigger. I think I should start one so I can have "editor" on my resume. My dreams require a lot of other people to dream with me, though. An e-zine won't succeed if it is based on my dodgy art and html skills. If I decide to do this I would need a "staff." Someone to do graphics, someone to do the web stuff, maybe even someone to do marketing. Plus, I'd need people to do writing. Anyone interested? We can create an empire together! Of course, we would also have to figure out things like what the heck we want our 'zine to be about. I have no clue. I've read a few of them and they just seem like people writing polished blog entries. A lot of them are very "grrrrrl" friendly. I guess that's good. We would need something to set us apart.
The idea took off like wildfire, and within a matter of days, Carrie had her staff and the 'zine had a name and a mission. Less than two short months later, the group of us big dreamers, who were spread out in a handful of countries on three different continents, had put together our first issue. It was truly something to be proud of, especially considering that most of us had never met in person (and still haven't), and all of our contact was via email, a message board, and instant messenger programs.
We've had some growing pains over the past year, of course. Some staff members have moved on to other projects, and new members have joined our team. Regular columns have been added, subtracted, and changed. In some respects we're still finding our way, but that's half the fun. It's change that keeps us on our toes and gives each issue a fresh, new feeling.
To honor all of the hard work done by our staff and contributors over the past year, we'd like to share with our readers some of our thoughts and memories about Mosaic Minds:
"Has it been a year already? When I first conceived of the idea of friendly, positive online 'zine I knew it would be spectacular if only I was able to convince my many talented friends to join me. It didn't take much arm twisting on my part. Almost all the people I was secretly hoping would be intrigued by the idea contacted me immediately. We were also joined by complete strangers, all working together to produce some interesting writing that would focus on the positive side of life. We spent months feeling the euphoric high of creation, planning with such a flurry of passion that I'm sure we wore out a few Internet lines."
"Of course, our first year wasn't without its learning moments. I learned a few hard lessons about trust, accountability and tact. I also learned that being large and in charge isn't as grand as I always imagined it would be. If something needs doing the responsibility ultimately becomes mine."
"Despite the early bumps in the road, I know that we have created a quality website that showcases many talented writers who have been unwavering in their enthusiasm and support for this little corner of the web."
"Frankly, though, the friendships I've developed are the best thing to have come out of the past year of work. It's been exciting to become friends with such a cross-section of intelligent and passionate women." --Carrie Palsson, Editor-in-Chief
"I can't believe it's been one year since I signed up and joined the staff of Mosaic Minds. I was excited about it from the start because the group of women involved was international, enthusiastic, literary and fun. The staff is scattered across several continents and time zones which made for a bit of a challenge in the beginning, but with the help of our incredible webwoman and editor-in-chief we soon ironed out the wrinkles and each issue brought more understanding to our goals and the way we wanted our magazine to work." "As the Poetry Section editor, I've been privileged to receive contributions from several exciting authors as well as a forum to present my own work. I look forward to seeing what this talented group comes up with in 2005." --Liz Slaughter-Ek, Writer and Section Editor
"The best thing that Mosaic Minds has given me, personally, is the knowledge and belief that I really can make a go of this writing business. Even though I've always had visions of a novel dancing in my head, for as long as I can remember I have maintained emphatically, 'I am not a fiction writer!' When I first joined the MM staff, I had mostly editorial responsibilities--in fact, I didn't have a single article other than 'Gravy Train' in the first issue--but over the past year, I've grown significantly as a writer, and even contributed a number of short fiction pieces for publication here. In November 2004 I was a NaNoWriMo winner, completing a 50,000-word novel in the space of thirty days! Before the 'zine, I would never even have attempted such a thing." "Also, MM has given me the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of people. Our staff is amazing -- hard-working, dedicated, and supportive. I consider every one of these women a personal friend. In addition, I've come into contact with a number of very talented contributing writers whom I would never have met without MM. I can't wait to see what the next year brings us." --Beverly Tjerngren, Writer and Section Editor
"It's so hard to believe that Mosaic Minds has already been online for a year. They say that time flies when you're having fun, and now I sure know what they mean. As webmistress of Mosaic Minds, I've learned a lot of important lessons on putting together a site of this size and managing content from all over the world. It's been challenging but more rewarding than I ever expected when I signed on for the job. It's been a privilege and honor to work with such an incredible group of women, and the feedback we've received has been fabulous. It hasn't always been easy, but it's always been worth it." --Kisha Geijer, Webmistress, Writer, and Section Editor
"I hardly even imagined I would get to travel all around Europe. I never imagined I would get to write about it."
"Combining two of my most favorite things was more than I could have ever asked for."
"And, in addition to being awestruck at the possibilities, I am so fortunate to work with such talented, caring, funny and understanding people, who really believe in what they do."
"All of us at Mosaic Minds put our heart and soul into this publication. We all have other priorities -- work, family, friends -- but each month, we join together to bring you a wide range of fanastic stories from people all over the globe."
"It has been a whole year since we started this adventure. Wow. I can't imagine what I did before it. It's a fantastic way to keep writing as part of my daily life and enjoy it, all at the same time." --Abigail Vint, Writer and Section Editor
"One whole year of Mosaic Minds...WOW! It seems like just yesterday we were still kicking around ideas for the name of the 'zine as well as the columns. Being involved in this project has been a lot of fun for me. I love seeing our audience grow each month and reading the positive feedback we get. People love what they read here and it's no suprise since everything is put together by volunteers who simply love what they do and believe in the over-all message the 'zine represents."
"Through writing the craft column in each issue my creativity is constantly challenged and I love that. Crafting is such a part of who I am. It's how I express myself, it's how I give my love to others. I feel privleged to share that with others and to do it in the company of other extremely talented women." --Marie Lundgren, Writer and Columnist
"Even though I didn't join the Mosaic Minds staff as a columnist until June of last year, I was honored to be the first 'Blog Star' when the first issue came out. I couldn't believe that someone thought so much of my writing to actually list it like that. I still remember the moment I found out!"
"MM has helped me grow as a writer. I have never been in a position where people are actually counting on me to produce a column before and I really enjoy that. I like to be held accountable as a writer because I always seem to find some reason not to write when I am left up to my own devices. I am forever grateful to Carrie and the rest of the wonderful staff for all their support and guidance these past months. I look forward to working with everyone this year!" --Susan Griffin, Writer and Columnist
"I first started submitting writing to Mosaic Minds several months ago at the instigation of Susan Griffin, our own prolific and lovely columnist. She sang my praises so highly that I was offered a trial crack at the Music and Movies editorship, and now, well, here I am. It's been a privilege as well as a pleasure to work with such laid-back and yet dedicated writers and editors. I'm heartily looking forward to another year of Mosaic Minds. Woo hoo!"--Jasmine Rizer, Writer and Section Editor