WHITEFISH, MONT. (June 5, 2007) – The Whitefish Review, a new literary journal with a leaning toward mountain culture, has announced the publication of its inaugural issue as of June 15. More than 100 artists and writers submitted fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, and photography for and 24 were selected by the editorial staff for inclusion in the 128-page soft-cover book published by Buckshot Enterprises, Inc.

“We’re overwhelmed and encouraged by the response to our idea,” said Brian Schott, editor of the book. “Not only have the submissions been remarkable, but the support from the local community in sponsorship dollars to make the publication possible has been truly humbling.”

The book is co-edited by Mike Powers, Ryan Friel, and Tom Mull. Ian Griffiths designed the book and photographer Larry Turner’s photo is featured on the cover.

The first issue features artists and writers ranging in age from 18 to 84 years old. 16 of the contributors reside in the Flathead Valley, Montana. Other states represented are Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and New Hampshire.

Established writers featured in the first issue include Missoula, Montana’s William Kittredge (interview and fiction), Livingston, Montana’s Tim Cahill (non-fiction), and Hanover, New Hampshire’s Ernest Hebert (essays). Aspen, Colorado’s Jay Cowan (non-fiction), writes about his time caretaking for the late Hunter S. Thompson.

The Whitefish Review is also publishing the first major interview given by recently-retired NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe. In the interview, one of the top ten quarterbacks of all time talks about his love of the mountains and skiing, the “art” of football, and life after sports stardom.

“The Scream,” by Edvard Munch is reprinted with permission by the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway as part of scientist and photographer Alex Volborth’s work in finding and documenting simulations of famous art work in nature.

A 12-page glossy color section includes featured photographers E B Gilliland, Larry Turner, Craig Moore, Jeff Scholl, and Joel Templeton. Featured artists include Joe W. Hensley, Pete Thomas, Jena Ponti, and Adam Blue.

Other featured writers and poets include Kerry Crittenden, Maggie Neal Doherty, Robin L. Graham, Mark Herman, Matt Holloway, Leif Peterson, Brian Schott, Evelyn Spence, and Barbara Thomas.

Copies of the Whitefish Review are available for purchase at local bookstores including BookWorks in Whitefish, as well as directly from the Whitefish Review web site. Cost of the first issue is $10. The Whitefish Review is published bi-annually and the next reading period for submissions ends on Sept. 15, 2007. Volume II will be available on Dec. 1, 2007.

A book launch party for sponsors and contributors is scheduled for June 14 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at The Loft in Whitefish.

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