WHAT IS KAKALAK?
Kakalak’s mission is to embrace the strength of poets and artists as voices for social justice, faith and spirituality, the environment and nature, family, and sense of place—always remembering that home can be as close as the hollows of Appalachia or as far away as Tanzania.
From the Urban Dictionary, Kakalak literally means “an endearment of the Carolinas.” Originally a regional anthology highlighting North and South Carolina poets and artists, Kakalak now accepts poetry and art from anyone, anywhere. While we never claim a set theme, there’s something beautiful in how each anthology ties together and creates a balance of dark, serious subjects tempered by poignant, light-hearted humor.
PUBLISHING HISTORY
Moonshine Review Press has published Kakalak since 2021, but my role began with the birth of the anthology in 2005. One of my favorite poems found a home in that issue—and that’s the last time I published in Kakalak. Soon after, editors and co-founders Lisa Zerkle, Richard Allen Taylor, and Beth Ann Cagle asked me to design the book. I have participated in nearly every issue since—as designer and copy editor, then judge and co-editor, after Scott Douglass, Main Street Rag Publishing Company, became the publisher. When Scott asked me to take over publishing the anthology, I immediately said “YES!” Kakalak 2024 marks my fourth year leading this great team and working with all the incredible artists and poets.
Thank you all!
Anne M. Kaylor
Executive Editor & Publisher
Kakalak Anthology of Poets & Artists 