Fiction Discoveries Issue

The Fall 1988 issue of Ploughshares, guest-edited by George Garrett. Ploughshares, a journal of new writing, is guest-edited serially by prominent writers who explore different and personal visions, aesthetics, and literary circles. 

Renowned writer and former poet Laureate of Virginia, George Garrett, compiles this special issue called Fiction Discoveries, featuring young writers introduced by more established ones. In his introduction, Garrett writes, "Once upon a time, the chief business of the good literary magazines was discovery, the seeking and finding of new and gifted writers. They were discovered, and then they moved on to other stages and places. Old world has changed a lot since then. For at least twenty years the good literary magazines have been the permanent addresses of most of our best writers, and the function of these magazines has come, more and more, to be a showcase for the best work by the best (very often, too, the best 'known') writers in the country." 

The issue features writing from Richard Yates, who introduces Cynthia Schad; James Alan McPherson, who introduces Wayne Johnson; and Andre Dubus, who introduces Christopher Tilghman, along with many other notable writers and emerging voices.

With this special edition of Ploughshares, Garrett seeks new voices from the rapidly changing community of American authors. Garrett states, "Peoples and races who had, until recently, small, soft, separate voices, if any, have now found voices for their views of the American experience. This is an important change."