How we can help with your writing goals
Q. What is your stand on AI in writing?
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere now. What is the Back Roads Literary Review policy? A. Stay Human–AI can't replicate your storytelling and passion–be unique to who you are. Back Roads Literary Review seeks original content and eschews large language model (LLM)- driven content. We look for writers with fresh ideas and original stories that contribute to the evolution of the art form. We seek original characters driving original plots, content, style, tone, atmosphere, etc.. We feel that non-LLM technology including spellcheckers, punctuation guides, grammar suggestions, have improved writing clarity, cohesion and consistency but that LLM platforms destroy the unique human originality that is essential to great writing. At a time when LLM platforms are integrating with non-LLM software, the distinction can be difficult but is the responsibility of the writer to provide his or her own unique language that is the provenance of one human mind. |
Writer Resources
This website is owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Mike Van Natta and Joann Schissel. Both retired from employment years and together offer these resources. Back Roads Literary Review Back Roads Literary Review is the name of our book publishing business as well as the name of the anthology. We are both authors and have extensive experience in writing, printing, marketing, graphic design, and business. The idea to publish a twice-yearly collection of short stories came from the desire to use our talents to help emerging writers, especially members of Marion County Writers Workshop. The periodical is now in its third year. Submissions are accepted from any writer in the US and are free. Stories are peer reviewed for quality and acceptance. See more about submissions Sales: Purchases of novels and the Review can be done here on our secure e-commerce site. When you purchase here, the author receives full profit. Visit www.backroadsliteraryreview.com Marion County Writers Workshop Started as a local writer’s group in 2003 by Mike, modeled after the techniques he learned at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop at the University of Iowa, it has expanded to writers all over the country via zoom. Meetings are held Thursdays at 6:30 Central time. Writers read their work and get critiques by peers and in turn critique others. Write to the weekly writer’s challenge, or your fiction or memoir story in any genre. Friendly and supportive group. No membership fees but must provide a request to join (via email). All ages 18+ welcomed. Visit the Marion County Writers Workshop on Facebook. Nearwood Winery & Vineyards Our original business started by Mike. Established on our vineyard on Hwy. 14 in Knoxville, Iowa, we make and sell Iowa wine at our winery. In addition to wine, we also offer new and used books, wine accessories, and art by local artists. Groups up to 50 people can reserve space for a small fee. Camp spots on the property for RVers are available. Visit www.nearwoodwinery.com |