The trees are coming into leaf

Like something almost being said

So wrote Philip Larkin, in seemingly his sunniest moment. Here in Bloomington, however, the trees have exploded into electric green like expletives shouted from the courthouse dome. And here at Indiana Review, even more seasonal shake-ups are underway.

Last year is dead, they seem to say

Jennifer Luebbers has assumed the throne of senior editor, as the esteemed Deborah Kim moves on to greener pastures. But never fear, we couldn’t let the woman responsible for IR achievements like this gorgeous website go too far: Ms. Kim remains a consulting editor. (I can hear her applauding my mixed metaphors from here.)

Begin afresh, afresh, afresh

It’s true, Phil, you glorious grump: The 2012-13 IR editorial board might just be the a-freshest lineup to date. But more on/from my colleagues in future posts. Who exactly am I?

Some fun facts and shameless self-promotion:

• Previously worked as a popular music critic, and now DJs at south central Indiana’s best community radio station (Wednesday mornings at wfhb.org).
• Traveled independently on six continents (Antarctica, I’m gunning for you).
• St. Louis Cardinals fan. That is all.

What exactly do I hope to do?

As Indiana Review‘s new Associate Editor, I seek to publish work of the highest quality that moves and risks — be it sentimentality or bad jokes (see above) — and emerges with a new and honest posture. To quote my other spirit guide, Tom Robbins, in Still Life With Woodpecker, I’m looking for:

“Something more than words…Crystals. I want to send my readers armloads of crystals, some of which are the color of orchids and peonies, some of which pick up radio signals from a secret city that is half Paris and half Coney Island.”

I look forward to reading your work and continuing Indiana Review‘s long tradition of excellence.

If this typewriter can’t do it, then fuck it, it can’t be done,

Katie Moulton