Ten years ago, author and editor Jonathan Starke set out to create a fair, objective, and open-minded space in which writers could showcase their work. The result was the international literary magazine Palooka, which blends poetry and fiction, nonfiction, and comics, along with artwork and photography.
The title comes from the slang term referring to a second-rate prizefighter; Starke used to box and enjoys combat sports. He views a “palooka” as someone passionate and hard-working – someone noble and struggling, in need of a break.
With this in mind, he doesn’t solicit writers to publish in his magazine. “I don’t publish friends, colleagues, or family, and I read everything blind,” he explains. “I run Palooka entirely by myself and put all my heart and passion into this magazine.”
Tone, editorial…
