Introduction

The Powhatan Review was founded in 1997 by Greg Avila, a resident of the Ghent area of Norfolk, Virginia.  Greg saw a need for Norfolk to have its own literary review.  Named after the Powhatan Indians of Virginia, The Powhatan Review was originally established to showcase Norfolk writers and artists.  The first issue-Fall 1997 featured stories, verse, commentary and opinion, art and the performing arts by local writers and artists.  A unique feature of The Powhatan Review in those days was that the contents were featured on the cover and was twenty pages long and sold for one dollar.  The first three issues of The Powhatan Review were edited by Greg Avila with Alex Marshall as managing editor and the layout and production by Caroline Vaaler.

In the summer of 1999 Otto Studios-owned and operated by photographer Mark Atkinson, took over the production and layout of The Powhatan Review.  This was the last issue that the contents were featured on the cover.  In the fall of 2000 I took over the job of managing editor when Alex Marshall moved to New York City.  The Fall/Winter 2000 issue was the first issue that sold for $3.00. On September 11, 2002 Greg Avila passed on in Front Royal, Virginia.  Not wanting to let Greg’s legacy die I assumed the role of editor starting with the Winter 2002 issue and have carried it forward with the continuous help of Mark Atkinson and his dedicated crew at Otto Studios.  It’s Mark who provides the photographs for the beautiful covers that accompany The Powhatan Review.  Without them I feel the review would not have had such a loyal following.

Today The Powhatan Review concentrates on publishing short stories, poetry, artwork and photography.  It’s forty pages and still only $3.00.  NewPages.com says this about The Powhatan Review: If minimalism had a role model in format, it would be The Powhatan Review, which only adds to the surprise and delight readers will discover in the depth and complexity of content.  For writers and artists as well as readers, this little book is worth a big, long look.

It’s the contributors that make The Powhatan Review what it is.  Writers send submissions from all over the U.S. and from overseas and they’re received via email and regular mail.  I currently publish any contributor whose work intrigues or moves me.  The Summer 2006 issue is currently available,  and feature the usual mix of poetry, short stories, photography with another beautiful cover by Mark Atkinson.  If you are interested in submitting work please see the guidelines available at the submissions page.