Exquisite Corpse becomes Toad Suck Review

Toad Suck Review, the writing department’s new international literary journal, will be replacing the Exquisite Corpse Annual, whose editor, Andrei Codrescu, decided he could no longer concentrate on the project because of other priorities.
Mark Spitzer, editor in chief of the Toad Suck Review, said the literary journal’s name came from the area’s interest in the idea of Toad Suck. Associate Editor Terry Wright said it is “a deliberate hint at our region” and reverses the expectation of readers because of its unique name.
The decision was reached by a vote in the department. Toad Suck Review was chosen over The Unnatural State, which was dismissed for concern that it would be associated with a book published under that same name.
The decision on the literary journal’s name did not come without controversy. Spitzer said there were critics who thought that having the word “suck” in the title would make the journal appear too “redneck” and cause people to dismiss it.
“The work in this journal is going to be so good that it’s going to redefine Toad Suck,” he said.
Wright said they would be working to play against the name and that not everyone would like it, but dismissing a journal for its name is “like saying you don’t like a movie you’ve never seen.”
Spitzer said it is a re-envisioning of the Exquisite Corpse Annual, which was well recognized and had a strong international reputation. He said the staff wants to keep the Exquisite Corpse readers with them and create a new audience.
The Exquisite Corpse released two issues before losing its editor. The department decided to create something new instead of “babysitting” its former literary journal, Spitzer said.
Subscribers to the Exquisite Corpse Annual will be sent copies of Toad Suck Review once it is released as a replacement. Spitzer and Wright are confident that the new journal will be well received and develop its own respectable reputation.
He said the new journal will be opened up to more mainstream artists and readers, will focus on Arkansas and retain international appeal. Wright said the journal will reinforce that there are great writers in Arkansas, as well as other places around the world. He said that the journal will be open to broader types of expression.
Spitzer said he would like the journal to develop an “environmental edge” as well.
Wright said the journal will be more inclusive of students. There will be three student intern opportunities for two UCA students and one Hendrix student, according to the press release.
Students will also have the opportunity to interview artists-in-residence, which will be documented in the journal along with the artist’s work. Students may also submit their own work to the journal.
The first issue is available now and includes such renowned writers as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, C.D. Wright, and Xaviera Hollander. The journal includes poetry, art, nonfiction, reviews, translations, fiction and numerous other literary pieces.
The Toad Suck Review can be purchased at the campus bookstore for $10 or online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com for $15.